Purpose

The Nursing Assistant Program is designed to prepare students to provide direct, hands-on care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, and home health environments. Students will learn to work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), delivering essential care that supports patients’ daily living and overall well-being.

Curriculum Coverage

• Basic Patient Care Skills: Bathing, feeding, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance

• Vital Signs: Measuring and recording temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure

• Infection Control: Understanding standard precautions, hand hygiene, and OSHA compliance

• Patient Safety: Proper body mechanics, positioning, and safe transfer techniques

• Communication Skills: Effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams; respecting patient rights

• Emergency Procedures: Basic first aid and responding to medical emergencies

Certification Preparation

• Prepares students to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) state competency exam, which includes both a written (or oral) test and a hands-on skills evaluation.

• Some states may also require students to obtain CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as part of the qualification process.

Career Opportunities

• Employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and home health care agencies

• Serves as a foundational step toward advancing in the healthcare field, including pathways to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)

Salary Outlook

National Average (U.S.)

• Median Annual Salary: $38,130

• Hourly Wage Range: $14.50 – $21.50 per hour

• Top 10% Earn Over: $48,000 annually