Nurse Aide Extended Care, Career Studies Certificate

Purpose

The Nurse Aide Extended Care Career Studies Certificate (Plan Code 221-157-08) prepares individuals to work as a nurse aide in various settings (i.e., Nursing Homes, Home Health, Acute Care). Graduates meet the requirements to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assistant Program (NNAAP) exam. a passing exam score results in inclusion the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. 

This program builds on the core Nurse Aide curriculum, offering additional coursework in first aid, medical terminology, and interpersonal communication-enhancing employment prospects.

The Nurse Aide Extended Care CSC qualifies for federal Financial Aid for eligible students. Students must apply for Financial Aid. 

The Nurse Aide Extended Care programs are a high demand curriculum for which 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 date’s students complete the application process and placement tests.
2. 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 /HCT 190   for nurse aide certification.
7. Students who have completed HCT 101 /HCT 190   are eligible to take the HCT 115   Medication Administration Training. Once the student successfully completes the course, the student is eligible to take the PSI Medication Aide Exam for medication aide certification.
8. Students that complete the curriculum are eligible for an ESCC Career Studies Certificate.
9. Students must receive a “C” (80%) in HCT 101 /HCT 190  to be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
10. 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 re-certification 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.

 

Program Admission Sequence

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

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Demonstrate 9th-grade reading and 6th-grade math skills by scoring 80% or above on the Credentia Entry Quiz (22 questions in 30 minutes).
4. Must be able to lift forty (40) pounds.
5. Complete an ESCC application and the Nurse Aide Extended Care application.
6. Complete the FAFSA (unless paying out of pocket for the program).
7. Completion of Criminal Background Check.
8. Completion of a Physical Examination and TB screening (PPD, chest X-ray, or QuantiFERON).
9. Provide proof of immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Tetanus and Hepatitis B or signed waiver.

 

Courses in this program may help students attain the following license(s) or certification(s):

• Certified Nurse Aide from the Virginia Board of Nursing
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - CPR/BLS (AHA only accepted)
• Medication Aide Certification (after completion of HCT 115)

Program Application Process to Apply for Admission:

1. Apply to ESCC online at www.es.vccs.edu by selecting the Nurse Aide Extended Care CSC.
2. Submit a secondary application to Susan Greer (sgreer@es.vccs.edu) by July 28, 2025.
3. Complete a criminal background check.
4. Submit the FAFSA
5. Complete a criminal background check.
6. Notification of acceptance will be sent by July 31, 2025.

Program learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Provide safe, competent care for the patient/ family.
• Apply ethical, legal, and professional principles in practice.
• Demonstrate accountability within the scope of a nurse aide.