nursing students in scrubs practicing setting up an IV

Nursing Assistant Certified Program Description

Pierce College offers Nursing Assistant Certified coursework. The Nursing Assistant Certified class allows students considering a career in healthcare to enroll in this 12-credit course and explore the many experiences of a caregiver. The course provides basic instruction in assisting patients in daily-living tasks. These tasks include dressing, feeding, bathing, toileting, taking vital signs, providing catheter care and a host of assistive measures for patients and the healthcare team.

This 12-credit course typically meets four days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the first five weeks. The clinical/patient care portion is taught in the last 3 to 4 weeks from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specific days/times are determined each quarter. We also provide open labs in the evening so students can practice required skills.

ALL NAC students MUST have a form of reliable transportation to attend required course hours, including clinical hours in the early morning or late evening hours. Minimum clinical attendance hours are required by the state of Washington to be eligible for NAC testing.

The course cost will range between $1400 and $1500. The student must achieve a minimum score on the placement Reading assessment test (administered by the college) and pass a Department of Social and Health Services Criminal Background Check. This occupation requires physical strength and stamina. The student will be expected to lift up to 60 pounds. During the training, each student will be registered with the state as a NAR (Nursing Assistant - Registered).

The knowledge and skills acquired will enable students to successfully pass the state exam and become a Nursing Assistant Certified in Washington State.

I-BEST Foundations – Nursing Assistant Certified

Integrated Basic Skills program pairs up with ESL, Adult Basic Education, GED, and professional-technical instructors in the same classroom to concurrently provide adults with both literacy education and workforce skills. This integrated approach provides just the right level of education with the right amount of workforce training. This model allows students interested in healthcare to acquire a fundamental knowledge base in allied health and progress to the Certified Nursing Assistant class. The Basic Skills curriculum supports students as they develop the skills to pursue their career of choice.

ABE, GED, and ESL adult learners may qualify for our two-quarter I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) program. For more information, call Ann Hayes-Garcia at 253-912-3657. Opportunity Grant funding is also available. Contacts for the Opportunity Grants are Carol Hill at 253-964-6577 at Fort Steilacoom and Roxanne Cassidy at 253-840-8329 at Puyallup.

Wait List

Because the NAC class is limited to 10 students, the class fills rapidly. Therefore, a wait list has been established and enrollment is by permission only. Please contact Stania Kasjan 253-840-8355 for more specific information regarding the wait list. We are currently not adding any additional names to the list until those on it have had opportunity to enroll in the course.

We also recommend that you explore other local schools offering NAC classes:

Other Training Resources

Nursing Assistant Training is also offered at Medical Training Consultants, Inc. located in Lakewood. Additional independent private training schools include:

  • Priority Instructional Center (Lakewood)
  • Care Plus Home Health, Inc (Port Orchard)
  • Kamanga NAC Training (DesMoines)
  • Health Professional Institute (Renton)
  • College of Medical Training (Lakewood)
  • Nursing Assistant Training School (Tukwila)

For more NAC training locations in the State of Washington, please see the full program list from the WA State Department of Health/Nursing Commission.

Local long-term care facilities and convalescent centers may offer free training as a nursing assistant as part of their employee recruitment, but this benefit occurs only when the facility needs new staff. Training begins as soon as you pass the background check to be a Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA or NAR). An RN on their staff does the formal classroom training; the required number of clinical training hours is met by working with a preceptor (experienced NAC). Check local newspapers for current opportunities. Be aware that these employers will expect each trainee to work for them for a specified time, especially because they provide the training at no cost and pay the state board testing fee.

Nursing Assistant Certified Program Outcomes

Basic Technical Skills

A nursing assistant demonstrates basic technical skills which facilitate an optimal level of functioning for client or resident, recognizing individual, cultural, and religious diversity.

Personal Care Skills

A nursing assistant demonstrates basic personal care skills.

Mental Health and Social Service Needs

A nursing assistant demonstrates the ability to identify psychosocial needs of all clients or residents based upon awareness of the developmental and age specific processes.

Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents

A nursing assistant demonstrates basic care of cognitively impaired clients or residents.

Basic Restorative Services

The nursing assistant incorporates principles and skills in providing restorative care.

Client or Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A nursing assistant demonstrates behavior which maintains and respects client or resident rights and promotes independence, regardless of race, religion, life-style, sexual preference, disease process, or ability to pay.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant uses communication and interpersonal skills effectively to function as a member of the nursing team.

Infection Control

A nursing assistant uses standard and transmission based precautions to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

A nursing assistant demonstrates the ability to identify and implement safety and emergency procedures.

Rules and Regulations Knowledge

A nursing assistant demonstrates knowledge of and can explain the practical implications of the laws and regulations which affect nursing assistant practice.