Program Overview

Summary

Learn nursing assistant hands-on skills and theory in a supportive environment, with access to a skills lab, clinical practicum and practice opportunities to prepare for the state CNA exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. This program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission as a recognized training program.

What You’ll Learn

• Describe the role of the nursing assistant and various health care team members.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and other health care team members using competent workplace English.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for client rights in all care settings.
• Perform the basic techniques needed for general health maintenance and daily care of clients while promoting client independence.
• Apply knowledge of the cause and effect of various common disease processes to identify interventions needed for safe client care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and explain the practical implications of the rules and regulations affecting the nursing assistant practice.

Program Description

Shoreline Community College offers a one-quarter Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) certificate of completion to prepare students to take the State CNA exam. The program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission as a recognized training program. Students are introduced to nursing theory, master NAC skills in a skills lab, and complete a practicum in a clinical setting. Students explore job search skills and learn about healthcare career options.

Certificate of Completion (16 - 18 Credits)

Grade of Pass/2.0 or better for each individual course in the program required.

Program Prerequisites

• Acceptance into the NAC Program.
• Successful completion of criminal background check (required by healthcare providers), proof of health insurance and immunizations.

For NAC 105 student must meet one of the following prerequisites:

• Placement into MATH& 141
• Completion with 2.0 or higher of ENGL& 101
• Completion with 2.0 or higher of BIOL& 231, BIOL& 241, or equivalent
• Completion with 2.0 or higher of other online/hybrid college level course

For NAC 103 student must meet one of the following prerequisites:

• CASAS test score of at least 220 in reading
• CASAS test score of at least 210 in math
• Shoreline English language learners should complete ESL Level 5

Program Requirements (16 - 18 Credits)

• NAC 105 Nursing Assistant (NAC) Theory and Skills Lab
• PLUS
• NAC 104 Nursing Assistant Clinical Experience
• -OR-
• NAC 103 Nursing Assistant (NAC) Theory and Skills Lab
• PLUS
• ABE 82 Special Topics in Adult Basic Education
• PLUS
• NAC 104 Nursing Assistant Clinical Experience Minimum Units: 3

Certificate Completion

Students should automatically receive their Certificate after successful completion of all required courses. If you have not received your Certificate, please contact Jenifer Aydelotte in the Office of Instruction.

Careers & Opportunities

The job outlook for nursing assistants is projected to remain strong in Washington State and nationally over the next decade. Graduates who pass the State NAC exam will be most competitive for jobs in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. With some experience, NACs may also be hired by hospitals. The median hourly wage for a nursing assistant in Washington State was $15.01 in 2020. In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, the median hourly wage for a nursing assistant was $16.12 in 2020. Potential employers include: hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Tuition & Fees

(does not include additional program or course fees, books, or supply costs)

Per Quarter
| WA-Resident | Non-WA resident,
US citizen, &
Eligible non-citizen
On Campus | Non-WA resident
Non-US citizen¹ | Non-WA resident, US citizen
Online Only
---|---|---|---|---
1 credit | $126.47 | $246.49 | $327.01 | $144.67
5 credits | $632.35 | $1,232.45 | $1,635.05 | $723.35
12 credits (full-time) | $1,387.14 | $2,487.04 | $3,408.94 | $1,571.08
15 credits | $1,570.80 | $2,520.25 | $3,617.20 | $1,757.65

¹ Includes all International Students, both on campus and overseas online

Additional Program Fees

Approximately $690.80 in fees

Related Program Options

• Nursing - Part Time (11 Quarter) Option
• Nursing (RN) - 6-Quarter AAS-T
• Nursing - LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option AAS-T
• Pre-Nursing Pre-Major