Nurse Aide
Program Overview
The Nurse Aide (NA) Program prepares students to become knowledgeable healthcare providers. The NA Program is 120 hours total, which includes 80 hours of instructional lectures and 40 clinical hours. Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and hands-on knowledge required to take the Certified Nurse Aide Exam in as few as 6–9 weeks. Nurse aides find employment at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and on private duty.
Nurse Aide Required Courses
NA-105 Nurse Aide Lecture 80 hours
This course prepares students to function as entry-level caregivers by addressing concepts that include introduction to health care: basic anatomy, physiology, resident care skills, infection safety, and psychological and social concerns.
NA- 016 Nurse Aide Clinical 40 hours
This clinical course prepares students to develop nursing assistant skills in a variety of supervised laboratory and clinical settings.
Employment Outlook & Earning Potential
The Nurse Aide career outlook is very good. Employment is expected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is partly in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population. Modern medical technology will also drive demand for Nurse Aides because as the technology saves and extends more lives, it increases the need for long-term care provided by Nurse Aides.
Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system and the demand for healthcare professionals is rising. Skilled nursing facilities employ the largest percentage of Nurse Aides followed by general medical and surgical hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of Nurse Aides is $25,710.00*, and 80% of all Nurse Aides’ salaries range from $19,930.00 to $36,890.00.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition
Multiple Career Settings for Nurse Aides
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Home Health Providers
- Hospice Facilities
- Psychiatric Wards
- Drug Rehab Facilities