The Nursing Assistant Program prepares students to assist registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in providing basic nursing care for clients in acute and long-term settings. The classes will be geared toward developing basic academic skills in an applied work setting. The training will include learning and refining client-care skills, clinical observation, and performing skills in a supervised clinical setting.
Courses must be taken and passed consecutively to progress to the next course. Students are encouraged to complete all courses in one quarter. Successful students complete and exceed the required classroom and clinical hours required for Nursing Assistant Certification by Washington State Law (WAC 246-841-490).
Proof of the following is required two weeks prior to the start of NA 120, Nursing Assistant Practicum:
- Current immunizations and tuberculin status
- Non-refundable liability insurance (purchased through OC Cashier)
- Non-refundable malpractice insurance (purchased through OC Cashier)
- Personal health insurance
- Criminal History Information Background Inquiry Check
A student who cannot participate in client care delivery in clinical settings based on a positive Background Inquiry Check will not be able to meet program progression requirements.
Reentering Nursing Assistant Students
A student who withdraws or fails any NA course(s) the first time may re-enter the program in a subsequent quarter by enrolling in the course(s) not successfully completed, and will be readmitted on a space available basis. If the student withdraws or fails a second time and wishes to re-enter, the student must petition the Nursing Assistant Faculty for permission to continue in the Nursing Assistant Program. Petitions are due in the Program Director’s office seven days prior to the start of the quarter the student wishes to re-enter. The petition will be discussed at the next scheduled Nursing Assistant faculty meeting and a written response sent to the student. Nursing Assistant Program reentry is NOT an option if the withdrawal is due to a critical safety element or disciplinary action.
All classes MUST be completed within one calendar year to receive a Certificate of Completion from the Washington Department of Health and to be eligible to test for Certification as a Nursing Assistant.
Advisor / Program Contacts
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, successful students will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:
- Assist in the care of individuals as delegated by and under the direction of a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse (RCW 18.88A.030).
- Use caring, responsive oral and written communication in interaction with diverse clients and health care team members.
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making in caring for clients, and in the work environment, as demonstrated by promoting client rights and independence, and by abiding by laws, code of ethics, and program policies and agreements.
- Effectively meet the mental health and psychosocial needs of clients with mental illness or cognitive impairment through application of therapeutic principles and behaviors.
- Use principles of asepsis and infection control to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
- Participate effectively as a valuable member of the health care team while practicing within the scope and limitations of nursing assistant functions.