Nurse Aide, Certificate

This program will be offered at Valley Academy.

C45840  Total credit hours: 12

The Nurse Aide curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of licensed health care professionals in performing nursing care and services for persons of all ages.

Course work emphasizes growth and development throughout the life span, personal care, vital signs, communication, nutrition, medical asepsis, therapeutic activities, accident and fire safety, household environment and equipment management; family resources and services; and employment skills.

Graduates of this curriculum may be eligible to be listed on the registry as a Nursing Assistant I and Geriatric Aide. They may be employed in home health agencies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and doctors’ offices.

Upon successful completion of the Nurse Aide program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Function within the role and scope of practice of a Nurse Aide as a member of the healthcare team.
2. Identify psychological and social needs of clients in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Demonstrate skills necessary to qualify as Nurse Aide I with the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry.
4. Demonstrate skills necessary to qualify as a Geriatric Aide with the Nurse Aide I Registry.

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of a nurse aide. These technical standards are published in the application packet for admission to health programs and the program student handbook. Nurse Aide & Nursing Assistant Technical Standards  (PDF)

Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to the Nurse Aide program prior to taking NAS 101 .

Applicants for admission to the Nurse Aide program must:

1. Complete the College’s assessment process and achieve acceptable scores or been exempted from placement.
2. Demonstrate physical and emotional health status compatible with the ability to provide safe care to clients and to obtain acceptance for clinical training.
3. Attend a required NAS orientation.
4. Students must be 17 years old by the first day of class.

NOTE: Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Nurse Aide program.

Progression Requirements

A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in NAS prefix courses in order to progress in the program.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.
If any clinical facility denies a student’s participation in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.