Nurse Aide, Career Studies Certificate

Purpose

The Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificate (Plan Code 221-157-04) 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.

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:

1. 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.
2. First priority is given to residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, second to other Virginia residents, and third to out-of-state students.
3. 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.
4. Students who are not admitted must reapply the following year.
5. The Senior Citizen Waiver of Tuition benefit is not available for this high-demand program.
6. 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.
7. Students are eligible to take the PSI Medication Aide exam after completion of HCT 115  for medication aide certification.
8. Students that complete the curriculum are eligible for an ESCC Career Studies Certificate.
9. Valid CPR certification. CPR classes provide certification for two years and need to be repeated if the date of expiration has been reached. If the CPR certification has expired, the student will need to enroll in a recertification course, or if too much time has elapsed, the student will need to retake the full CPR class prior to clinical rotations.

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.

Admission Sequence

In addition to general admission requirements established by ESCC, minimum standards for program entry are:

1. Complete application to ESCC
2. High School Diploma or GED
3. Ninth grade reading level and 6^th grade math skills
4. Must be 18 years of age or older
5. Must be able to lift forty (40) pounds
6. Completion of Criminal Background
7. Completion of Physical examination with PPD or chest x-ray
8. Current record of immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and COVID vaccinations

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.