Nursing Assistant Certified
Commonly referred to as CNAs, Nursing Assistants work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
NACs are qualified to work under the direction of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and assist in the care of clients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Graduates learn to maintain a safe environment for the client, provide restorative care, and communicate with clients, and understand basic concepts of care.
Next Session: Spring 2025
The NAC program is offering three class options for spring 2025.
The daytime program classes run from 8am-12pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Students then go into clinicals from 7am-12:30pm June 3-12.
The afternoon program classes run from 1-5pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Students then go into clinicals from 12:30-5pm June 3-12.
The evening program classes run from 5-9pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Student then go into clinicals from 5-10:30pm June 3-12.
To get started with any of the NAC programs, follow the Steps for New Students to be admitted to Centralia College.
High Pass Rates on Certification Exams
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s Nursing Assistant Program Approval Panel reports that CC’s pass rate was 98 percent in 2024.
Included Certifications
- Students will earn state credentials in specialty training courses Dementia, Mental Health, Nurse Delegation, and Special Focus on Diabetes.
- Students will also receive their BLS credential through the co-requisite course.
- Students will get their Nursing Assistant Registered credential while in the class.
Department of Health Credential Search
Program Length
The NAC program takes 10 weeks to complete. Students earn 12 credits and 168 hours.
Program Certification
This course is approved and certified by both the Washington State Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant Certified training program, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and to become licensed in Washington State.
NAC Duties
- Turn and reposition bedridden clients, alone or with assistance, to prevent pressure injuries
- Answer clients' call signals
- Feed clients who are unable to feed themselves
- Observe residents' conditions and report changes to licensed nurse
- Provide clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed
- Bathe, groom, shave, dress, and/or drape clients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination
- Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum
- Take and record vital signs
- Monitor and record resident intake and output
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no application to enter this program. You do not need to attend academic advising and you do not need to take any placement tests, unless you are pursuing further education into the Registered Nursing (RN) program.
Once registration opens, you need to register for the class schedule that works best for you. Classes often fill up quickly after registration opens. Be sure that you are ready to register on the correct day and at the right time .
New Skills Test Registration Process
The guidelines below explain the testing process for graduates from approved Washington State Nursing Assistant training programs. The written test is $55. The skills test is $100. Find more information on the Washington State Board of Nursing website.
Step 1: Get a Credentia Candidate ID number.
- Create a Credentia365 account and verify your email address.
- You need a Candidate ID number to:
- Register for the skills test.
- Register for the written (or oral) test.
- Ensure your results are processed quickly.
Step 2: Register for the skills test.
- Register through WABON online scheduling
- Use WABON online scheduling to register for a test location, date, and time.
- The test site will follow up regarding their process for paying the skills test fee.
Step 3: Register for the written (or oral) test AFTER you pass the skills test.
Step 4: Apply for your nursing assistant-certified (NAC) credential with the Department of Health (DOH), if you have not already done so.
Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Understand the Long-term Care Ethical and Legal Responsibilities and the Uniform Disciplinary Act as it pertains to the Nursing Assistant role.
- Describe the role of a Nursing Assistant.
- Exhibit communication and interpersonal skills.
- Respect resident’s rights and independence.
- Pass the state Nursing Assistant certification exam.
- Pass the state Fundamentals of Caregiving exam.
- Pass the state Mental Health certification exam.
- Pass the state Nurse Delegation & Diabetes exam.
- Pass the state Mental Health exam.
- Pass the state Dementia exam.
- Pass HIV/AIDs certification.
- Successfully complete the 45-hour clinical experience.
ContactCareer & Technical EducationTech (TEC) Building, Room 114 360-623-8963 cte@centralia.edu |
Lorri Speer Program Director/Faculty Office: SWFT Center 360-623-8619 Email Lorri Speer |