COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE · UNITED STATES
Nursing Assistant
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
3 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 1 quarterProgram Duration
- 50 clinical hoursMandatory Clinical Experience
- Washington State CertificationCredential Achieved
- Multiple IntakesOffered Fall, Winter, Spring
- Career Stepping StoneFoundation for further study
The Nursing Assistant (NAC or CNA) program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a short-term certificate designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings. In just one quarter (approximately 3 months), you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification exam, which complies with the Nursing Home Reform Act. This program also prepares you for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, a comprehensive test of your understanding and ability to safely perform the duties of a nursing assistant. Upon successful completion of coursework, lab, and mandatory clinical hours, you will receive a Certification of Completion from DSHS, making you eligible to take the NNAAP exam. This program serves as an excellent first step into the healthcare field, offering a pathway to further nursing education or other allied health careers such as Registered Nursing, Radiologic Technology, or Surgical Technology. The training emphasizes communication, client rights, basic nursing skills, personal care, and rehabilitation, preparing you to work effectively in hospitals, nursing care facilities, extended care, home care, and assisted living facilities.
Curriculum
The program requires lecture, lab, and extensive clinical hours. Students attend lecture and lab three days a week for the first four weeks. Following this, 50 hours of clinical experience are scheduled with local healthcare facilities, requiring students to complete shifts that may start early in the morning.
- Quarter 1
- Nursing Assistant Lecture and LabNA 100
Careers
Upon completion and certification, graduates are prepared for various entry-level roles in healthcare. This program is also designed as a foundational step for those wishing to pursue further education and careers in nursing or other health sciences.
- Nursing Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Nursing Assistant program?
- Applicants must meet minimum academic requirements, which include specific placement test scores or completed college-level Math and English courses. For the I-BEST program, specific placement scores in Reading and English or college-level English courses are required.
- How long does the Nursing Assistant program take to complete?
- The program is a short-term certificate designed to be completed in just one quarter, which is approximately three months. It includes lecture, lab, and 50 hours of mandatory clinical experience.
- What is the application process for international students?
- To apply, you must first be admitted to Columbia Basin College. You then need to meet program-specific admission requirements, gather documents like CPR and First Aid certification, and submit the Nursing Assistant program application.
- Are there any scholarships or financial aid available for this program?
- Eligible students may receive financial assistance through the Opportunity Grant, which covers tuition, fees, and up to $1,000 for books and supplies. The I-BEST program also provides educational support and may help cover costs for eligible students.
- What career opportunities are available after completing the program?
- Upon certification, graduates are prepared for entry-level roles such as Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in various healthcare settings. The program also serves as a foundational step for further education in nursing or other health sciences like Radiologic Technology.
Entry requirements
English and Math ProficiencyCollege transcript showing Math and English at the 100 level or higher with a passing grade, OR a current placement test score placing you into Math 50 or higher, Reading 99 or higher, and English 101 or ABE 90.
For the I-BEST program, eligibility can be met with specific placement scores: Reading 99, English ENGL&101 or ABE 90. I-BEST support is offered in Fall and Spring quarters.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please contact the program for specific international tuition rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are not explicitly stated but may be covered for eligible students through the Opportunity Grant.
LivingNot specified.
Students are responsible for the cost of a national background search ($89.75) and may be eligible for financial assistance through the I-BEST program or the Opportunity Grant, which can cover tuition, fees, and up to $1,000 for books and supplies.
How to apply
1. Apply for Admission to CBCIf you are not already a CBC student, complete the online admission application on the CBC website.
2. Meet Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the minimum academic requirements, which include specific placement test scores or completed college-level Math and English courses.
3. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare your current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR certification, a current First Aid card, and a letter of reference evaluating your work or study habits.
4. Submit Program ApplicationComplete and submit the Nursing Assistant program application when it becomes available. Applications are typically posted in July for the upcoming academic year.
5. Await NotificationAccepted students will be notified via email. Those not accepted may be placed on a waitlist or denied if requirements are missing.
6. Complete Post-Acceptance RequirementsAccepted students must request a national background search (cost $89.75) and submit proof of valid immunization records to the Health Science Center before clinical hours can be scheduled.
Scholarships
Opportunity GrantCovers tuition/mandatory fees and up to $1,000 for books and supplies.
I-BEST ProgramProvides additional educational support to review instruction, prepare for exams, and strengthen basic skills.
Accreditation
The program prepares students for Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification and compliance with the Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA, 1987).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Nursing Assistant program?
+
Applicants must meet minimum academic requirements, which include specific placement test scores or completed college-level Math and English courses. For the I-BEST program, specific placement scores in Reading and English or college-level English courses are required.
How long does the Nursing Assistant program take to complete?
+
The program is a short-term certificate designed to be completed in just one quarter, which is approximately three months. It includes lecture, lab, and 50 hours of mandatory clinical experience.
What is the application process for international students?
+
To apply, you must first be admitted to Columbia Basin College. You then need to meet program-specific admission requirements, gather documents like CPR and First Aid certification, and submit the Nursing Assistant program application.
Are there any scholarships or financial aid available for this program?
+
Eligible students may receive financial assistance through the Opportunity Grant, which covers tuition, fees, and up to $1,000 for books and supplies. The I-BEST program also provides educational support and may help cover costs for eligible students.
What career opportunities are available after completing the program?
+
Upon certification, graduates are prepared for entry-level roles such as Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in various healthcare settings. The program also serves as a foundational step for further education in nursing or other health sciences like Radiologic Technology.