Contact: Ronda Durano, MN, RN

This comprehensive training course provides basic awareness of the role of the nursing assistant in nursing care and development of the skills necessary to provide that care. The first part of the NAC coursework consists of nursing assistant theory and skills lab. Upon successful completion of these two courses, student progress to the clinical portion of the program where they practice knowledge and skills learning in a long-term care setting with patients. Student must successfully complete a background check prior to the beginning of the courses. The three courses prepare the student to take the written and skills portion of the Nursing Assistant exam. Successful completion of the exam enables the person to be employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Nursing Assistant Certified.

Nursing Assistants are qualified to work under the direction of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, and to assist in the care of patients and residents in hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities (long-term care and rehab) and assisted living facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining a safe environment for the client, providing assistance with activities of daily living as needed, restorative care, communicating with clients, and basic concepts of care.

Prerequisite: Students need to score a minimum of 85 on the college reading assessment test.

The Nursing Assistant Certified is part of the Pierce College Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) and is open to all Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD), Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and pre-college level adult learners. I-BEST programs provide high quality academic and workforce skills training and teaching excellence. All I-BEST programs have two instructors in all courses, added hours to increase success, and advising support. Students interested in careers in Early Childhood Education, Business Information Technology and Nursing Assistant are ideal for I-BEST. Students in I-BEST programs:

• Earn a college certificate that prepares them to work in a high demand career
• Increase their academic skills while earning college-level credits applicable to a college degree
• Design a career pathway that provides meaningful mileposts and real destinations
• Increase their abilities and opportunities for advancement in their chosen career
• Build a bridge to the future through a commitment to lifelong learning