Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I get training as a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC)?
• How long is the usual NA-C training course?
• If I attend NSCC, when can I take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP ™) examination to become certified?
• Can I work before I become certified?
• What is the outlook for employment as a Nursing Assistant?
• What makes NSCC’s NA-C program unique?

Nursing Assistant training courses are offered in community colleges, nursing care facilities, vocational and technical training programs and some hospitals. NA-C programs vary in length from 5 weeks to one or two community college quarters (one quarter=11 weeks).

On the day of graduation, all NSCC NA-C graduates are given their applications to apply for the State of Washington Nursing Assistant examination. Only those persons who have successfully completed a Washington State-approved training program are eligible to take the NNAAP Examination. The tests are given at Regional Test Sites at various times a month.

Yes. Many of our graduates immediately obtain employment. Once they receive their Certification, their salary is increased. Once employed by a nursing facility, you must become certified within 120 days from your first day of employment.

The outlook is very good. Several healthcare occupations made the list of occupations across Washington State with the most vacancies: registered nurses, nursing aids, orderlies and attendants, personal home care aides (www.workforceexplorer.com).  To date, all our graduates who have sought employment are currently employed.

Our program offers:

• Three experienced and highly-qualified instructors teaching as a team
• 72 hours of clinical experience (22 hours more than the required state minimum)
• Support, assistance and instruction for adult basic education and English language learners
• Clinical rotation in facilities that offer an opportunity to work with a wide range of ages and health care needs