The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Peninsula College includes basic nursing skills, emergency procedures, and laws and regulations affecting nursing assistants. The program consists of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences needed to become a certified nursing assistant.
After completing this course, students are eligible to take the Washington State Certificate Exam, making them employable in many settings such as hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities (long term care and rehab), and assisted living facilities. The program also includes seven hours of HIV/AIDS healthcare certificate. To meet the hours of education required by the state, attendance for all classes and clinicals is mandatory.
The Peninsula College NAC program is a state-approved training that consists of 54 hours of basic and workplace skills with NAC and caregiving related academics, including labs, and 48 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be eligible to take the written and practical nursing assistant exam to become certified.
Apply skills and knowledge of high quality nursing assistant care, as a member of a LTC professional team.
Articulate accurate objective medical information verbally and in writing to other professional team members.
Demonstrate proficient assistance to a wide variety of residents in a safe, clean environment.
Create a care environment that encourages independence, while maintaining dignity, for each resident in their care.
Demonstrate competence with care assistance, and decision making.
Identify potential hazards and infectious agents to help with facility safety.
Demonstrate an understanding of the health care system.
Identify the facility policies and procedures and adhere with high self-expectations and standards.
Identify healthy care practices for themselves and their families, using the new skills learned in care giving.
Career Opportunities:
Certified Nursing Assistants are employed in rehabilitation centers, convalescent centers, hospitals, assisted living centers, clinics and home health. An NAC performs resident/patient care activities and related services necessary in caring for the personal needs, safety, and comfort of the resident/patients. Nursing Assistants provide a positive physical, social and psychological environment by following all policies and procedures of the facility.
How to Apply:
Step One: Potential Certified Nursing Assistant students must first apply to Peninsula College.
Step Two: Once your admission to Peninsula College has been communicated, please complete either the Port Angeles Campus or Port Townsend Campus NAC applications. Please be sure to review the Nursing Assistant class schedule, as attendance for all classes and clinicals is mandatory based on state regulations.
Step Three: Email the completed application to Program Coordinator, Kate Dexter at kdexter@pencol.eduor call (360) 417-5698 to make an appointment to submit your application in person.
Note: Applicants must follow instructions on Program Acceptance Letter to officially register for the NAC program. Official registration into NAC 105 course guarantees being able to take course. Not following instructions on the Program Acceptance letter may result in your ineligibility to continue the program.