Nurse Aide
Your education
The nurse aide occupational endorsement is a focused program designed to prepare you to function as direct care member of health care and nursing teams that providing direct care to persons of all ages in a wide variety of settings. You will develop an understanding of the theory and basic nursing skills necessary to become an efficient and productive team member.
Program coursework includes the nursing process, basic body structure and function, supporting healthy functioning in all age groups, as well as working with persons who experience a wide array of physical and mental disorders. There is a focus on safety and infection control, as well as professionalism and communication. You will also complete a 48-hour clinical practicum component at a long term care center or assisted living home, giving direct care to persons with a variety of diseases and disabilities.
Your career
Nurse aides work as members of the health care delivery team, giving hands-on care in a variety of settings. Graduates of this program work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health care, long term care and assisted living. Indeed, the demand for nurses remains high, and employers often support certified nurse aides who wish to continue their education at the bachelor’s level to become registered nurses (RNs).
Program delivery
Delivery:
Program can be completed through in-person classes or as a mix of online and in-class courses.
Program also requires completion of a 48-hour clinical practicum component at a long term care center and assisted living home, or in a hospital setting, giving direct care to persons with a variety of diseases and disabilities.
Scheduling:
Both evening and daytime courses are offered.
When to Start:
Program is a one-semester program and is offered both fall and spring semesters.
Location:
Program highlights
This one-semester training is approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing and meets the education requirements to take the State of Alaska administered certified nurse aide exam.
Training involves lecture and clinical skills practice in classrooms and laboratories at the UAF Community & Technical College. There is also a 48-hour clinical practicum component at a long term care center and assisted living home, or in a hospital setting, giving direct care to persons with a variety of diseases and disabilities. All clinical experiences happen in groups of 10 students or less, and are led by experienced licensed nurses.
There is recognition of the value of certified nurse aide education and experience by nursing schools and by many other health related professional schools. Certified nurse aides develop the ability to meet the physical care needs of individuals, as well as the communication skills and confidence to work well with all kinds of people – the ideal foundation for any career in health care.
Other details
Prerequisites for this training include a high school diploma or GED or have the instructor’s permission. and the following:
- Placement into WRTG F090 or EdReady score of 55-59.
- Students must be in good physical condition (capable of repeatedly lifting 50 pounds)
- Students must have the following immunizations: Hepatitis B series, two MMRs, two chickenpox vaccines (or titer to prove immunity to Hep B/MMR/chickenpox) and have a two-step PPD for tuberculosis within the past year
- Students must have a criminal background check before working in the clinical areas.
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