Healthcare Foundations: Nursing Assistant Program

The Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) Program is an excellent foundation for students interested in a wide range of healthcare careers, whether they plan to directly enter the workforce or pursue further education in nursing, medicine, or other healthcare professions.

This hands-on course is designed for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.  Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences, students will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills to work as effective and compassionate nursing assistants in various healthcare settings. Students will explore various healthcare topics including basic nursing principles, anatomy and physiology, infection control, medical terminology, ethics, and patient rights. Students will also develop essential skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with mobility and hygiene, and using medical equipment. You will gain real-world experience through clinical hours at healthcare facilities under the supervision of experienced professionals to ensure competency in direct patient care.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written test and a skills evaluation. Earning an "A" or "B" in the course is required to qualify for the state certification exam, which is necessary to work as a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) in Washington State.