Nursing Assistant Program Overview

1. Attend an Advising & Information Session (recommended but not required in order to register for Nursing Assistant classes) to learn more about this program. 
2. Complete all of the Olympic College Admissions Steps, including: 
   1. Apply  to the college
   2. Activate student account
   3. Explore all programs on the Fund Your Education page (Start Next Quarter and https://www.olympic.edu/fund-your-education/grants) and apply for everything you may be eligible for.
   4. To help pay for your NAC program tuition/supplies/books/state license/support services (basic living expenses), we ask that you apply for the following two grants at your earliest convenience. It is important that you apply for both grants to ensure you maximize your funding options.
      • Worker Retraining:  Application Link | Worker Retraining 
      • Opportunity Grant:  Opportunity Grant | Olympic College (scroll down and then click on submit the online application)
3. Wait to pay your tuition & fees until you receive a funding decision (the wait time to be reimbursed can be lengthy) 
4. Complete the application and wait to hear back from the Healthcare Division for instructions on how to register for your classes.
5. Buy Books: Visit the Olympic College Bookstore online to purchase your books.
6. Submit Required Clinical Documentation: Proof of personal health insurance and written verification of all state and federal immunization requirements are required by the first week of the quarter as a prerequisite for NA 120 (see Clinical documentation FAQ below).
7. Pass Criminal History Background Check: Complete the background check prior to taking NA 120. Instructions will be provided in class. Visit the Department of Social & Health Services website for a list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions. 

Visit the Tuition & Fees webpage for more information.

Tuition & Fees (2024-25)

• Tuition & fees (Based on FY 2024-25 Tuition Schedule for Residents) ) $
  $1,464.78
• Student Service Fee $
  $50.00
• Technology Fee $
  $50.00 
• Security Enhancement Fee $
  $20.00
• NA 114 Lab Fee $
  $35.00
• NA 120 Malpractice & Liability Insurance fee $
  $16.27

Supplies (approximate, tax included)

• Books (required, based on purchasing new w/tax @ OC Bookstore B.S.
  $29.00
• Uniforms (two sets of wine-colored scrubs) B.S.
  $110.00
• Shoes (varies)
  $65.00
• Watch with a sweeping second hand B.S.
  $25.00
• Transfer Belt B.S.
  $16.50
• Stethoscope and Blood Pressure Cuff Kit B.S.
  $60.00

Health & Safety Documentation (not included in Reimbursement Program)

• Immunizations and TB screening  
  varies
• Voluntary Student Accident Only Insurance Plan (if student does not already have insurance): 4studenthealth.com
  $39.00

State Examination

• Nursing Assistant State Skills Exam (Payable to OC)
  $100.00
• Nursing Assistant State Certification (after successfully passing state exam)
  $85.00

Department of Health Credential 

• Nursing Assistant State Registration (required to work in the industry) D
  $100.00
• Nursing Assistant State Certification (after successfully passing state exam D
  $85.00

$= Eligible expense under Nursing Assistant Certified Reimbursement Program (see Q & A below) 

B= Barnes & Noble Bookstore at OC  

D=Department of Health

Financial Aid  

The Nursing Assistant Program does not qualify for traditional Financial Aid. However, the staff of the Workforce & Economic Development and Opportunity Grant offices may be able to offer information on programs available to assist with paying for this course. See the website for office contact information and locations. Several Olympic College Foundation scholarships are given each year; check the website as to the appropriate times to fill out forms for these and other scholarships (they must be done in advance when seeking a scholarship for the entire school year).    

Q: How can NAC students get reimbursed for their training and testing costs?  

A: The NAC Reimbursement Program only reimburses nursing facilities. Students must contact the nursing facilities in their area to find out which offer reimbursement and how they make their payments. Some do a lump sum payment, but most pay quarterly over a year. All facilities with a Medicaid contract must offer reimbursement to NAC students, provided that the nursing facility is the first one the student works at within a year of completing their training and their training was not paid for with a scholarship or some other form of public funding.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES

• BLS Basic Life Support Manual by American Heart Association; ISBN 13 : 9781616697686
• Scrub top (wine)
• Scrub bottom (wine)
• Gait belt
• Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope Kit OR Blood pressure cuff and Stethoscope
• Watch with a second hand 

Optional Textbook (subject to coverage under grant funding)

• Longman Handy Learner's Dictionary of American English, ISBN 13 : 9780582364721 (can be used on course exams and on the state exam-any edition is fine)

What health and safety documentation is required?

Health documentation includes:

• Hepatitis B vaccinations AND proof of immunity by titer (blood test showing proof of immunity) or signed declination form;
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccinations (2 doses) OR proof of immunity by titer;
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccinations (2 doses) OR proof of immunity by titer;
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination and updated Tetanus if >10 years;
• Seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination (fall and winter quarters) or signed declination form;
• COVID-19 vaccinations (fully vaccinated and up-to-date with boosters) or submission of Olympic College request for exemption;
• Tuberculin (TB) status: fill out our TB Status form to help you decide what TB testing requirements meet your situation.
  • 2 TB skin tests if no previous negative result in the past 12 months OR single TB skin test if negative test within the last 12 months OR TB IGRA test (blood test) showing the absence of disease;
  • If test results are positive, follow-up with a healthcare provider is required;
  • If you have a history of a positive test, then proof of the absence of disease is required.

Safety documentation includes:

• Copy of current photo ID;
• Personal Health Insurance;
• DSHS Background Check Authorization.

Where can I obtain immunizations, titers, and TB tests?

You can obtain immunizations, titers, and TB testing through your personal medical provider, urgent care centers, and military medical offices. Local drug stores and pharmacies also offer immunization services. The Kitsap Public Health District lists a variety of providers and offices where you can find testing and immunizations.

Please plan accordingly, as class attendance is mandatory and appointments to obtain vaccinations and lab work will not be considered an excused absence.

Is there somewhere to find my immunization records?

Washington State Department of Health provides several options to help you access your family's immunizations if you do not have records on file at home, through your school, or at your healthcare provider's office.

What if I don't have personal health insurance?

You can enroll in a Student Injury Only Insurance Plan through Washington State Community Colleges for $39 per quarter. Students must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days beginning with the first day for which coverage is purchased before coverage begins. Enroll online at 4StudentHealth.

Another resource for insurance based on your household monthly income is through Washington State Health Care Authority's Apple Health coverage.

Graduates of this program may pursue careers in the following fields, and expect to earn: 

• Nursing Assistant: $20.40 hourly, $42,432 annually
• Home Health Aides: $18.22 hourly, $37,898 annually

Salaries based on annual median income (May 2023) in Washington State. For up-to-date information, visit O-Net OnLine, and enter the job title in the Occupation Quick Search field.

I-BEST stands for Integrated Basic Education & Skills Training. In the NA I-BEST Learning Community, students have the benefit of two instructors: one of them is a specialist in their technical field (nursing) and the other is a specialist in Basic Studies, such as English, reading, and/or math. Both instructors collaborate to support student learning in NA 105.

Olympic College has made a determination that the Nursing Assistant curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification in Washington State. The curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.