Purpose
The Nurse Aide program prepares individuals to work as a nurse aide in various settings (i.e. Nursing Homes, Home Health, Acute Care). Students are prepared to fulfill the minimum requirements for being eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assistant Program (NNAAP) exam; a passing exam score results in being listed in the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. There are specific requirements that potential students must meet prior to enrolling in the program. See the program advisor for details.
Under current guidelines, Federal financial aid cannot be used to enroll in this Career Studies Certificate program. Students may apply for WIOA/Virginia Horseshoe initiative funding. Please see your advisor or Student Services for funding information.
Program Requirements and Special Conditions
Admission
The Nurse Aide program is a high-demand curriculum for which the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available. To provide a consistent and fair means of admission, the college has adopted the guidelines below:
- Admission to the program will be offered on a first-come/first-served basis. Admission will be based on the dates students complete the application process and placement tests.
- First priority is given to residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, second to other Virginia residents, and third to out-of-state students.
- Once all students have been accommodated under this policy, the College may accept additional registrations for program courses on a first-come/first-served basis.
- Students who are not admitted must reapply the following year.
- The Senior Citizen Waiver of Tuition benefit is not available for this high-demand program.
- Students are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam after completion of HCT 101 for nurse aide certification. Students must receive a “C” (80%) in HCT 101 and HCT 190 to be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment program (NNAAP) exam.
- Students are eligible to take the PSI Medication Aide exam after completion of HCT 115 for medication aide certification.
- Students that complete the curriculum are eligible for an ESCC Career Studies Certificate.
The nursing law of Virginia addresses criteria for application for the nurse aide certification. The Virginia Board of Nursing has the power to deny the opportunity to become certified through testing if the applicant has committed a felony or misdemeanor violating the provisions of 54-367-32 of the Code of Virginia. A student’s eligibility to take the nurse aide certification exam cannot be determined until application for certification is received by the Virginia State Board of Nursing (VBON).
Some healthcare facilities may not employ individuals or allow students to participate in clinical experiences in their facilities who have committed certain criminal acts. Any student that has committed any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the program coordinator or program advisor for further clarification. Students who have convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not be able to complete the program. Students are responsible for costs related to required testing fees, liability insurance, uniforms, and criminal background checks.
The grading scale for the Nurse Aide program is as follows:
| A |
94-100 |
| B |
87-93 |
| C |
80-86 |
| D |
74-79 |
| F |
73 and below |
Program Application Requirements to Apply for Admission
In addition to general admission requirements established by ESCC, minimum standards for program entry are:
- High school diploma or GED
- Ninth grade reading and sixth grade math skills as established by Tests for Adult Basic Education (TABE) if Workforce Investment Act (WIOA) student
- Math placement to MTE 1 or completion of appropriate developmental math courses
- English placement to ENF 2 or completion of appropriate developmental English courses
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be able to lift forty (40) pounds
- Completion of a criminal background check
- Completion of a Physical Examination and a two-step PPD tuberculosis screening or chest x-ray if PPD positive
- Current record of immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus and Hepatitis B or signed waiver
- Must wear the appropriate uniform in the clinical area
- In all HCT courses, students must earn a grade of at least a “C” (which is an 80% average for these courses) to remain in the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Provide safe, competent care for the patient/family
- Employ appropriate actions regarding cultural, ethical, legal, and nurse aide values for self and others.
- Practice within the standards established by the profession, and identify the parameters of accountability.