The Nurse Aide I class includes basic nursing skills required to provide safe, competent personal care for individuals.

Emphasis is placed on person centered care, the aging process, safety, care of the elderly during emergencies, legal and ethical issues, communication, infection prevention, vital signs, height and weight measurements, elimination, nutrition, basic restorative care, rehabilitation, dementia, mental health and end of life care.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills for the entry level practice of the Nurse Aide I.

Course Offerings: The Nurse Aide I course is a one semester course. Course are offered at a variety of times.  See College Catalog for schedule listings each semester, Continuing education available course offerings, or contact Sarah Jornigan, Program Coordinator. 

Employment Data:  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries with the highest levels of employment for Nursing Assistants is in nursing homes, general hospitals, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities, home health care and employment services. 

Median Annual Wage: The mean wage estimate (May 2021) is $33,250 at $15.99/hour nationally.  Average baseline rates in our local area start at $16/hour and increase based on experience with offerings of shift differential, weekend pay, and sign-on bonuses. 

Eligibility Requirements: Prospective students must be 16 1/2 years of age on the first day of the semester. A valid, non-expired, U.S. government issued picture ID and Social Security Card with matching name is required. Student must present a High School transcript or equivalent for review. Standard College admission requirements will need to be met for credit-bearing courses. Schedule required eligibility meeting with Program Coordinator, Sarah Jornigan. Other requirements such as immunization are per clinical site and will be discussed during eligibility meeting/conference. 

Certification Opportunity: Certification may be available once all requirements are meet through the Nurse Aide state approved course. Credentia© is the credentialing agency that conducts the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (testing). Once the student passes the NNAAP, they may be placed on the North Carolina Department of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) Registry, a division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as a Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA). 

The Nurse Aide I Refresher class is designed to provide a review of the Nurse Aide I core content to prepare individuals who have been or are currently listed on a Nurse Aide I Registry, have successfully completed a state approved training program, hold a state recognized health care credential from any state, or as military personnel who have had medical/corpsman training to test for the Nurse Aide I State Exam.

Program Philosophy

The Nurse Aide II Training Program at McDowell Technical Community College is structured to build upon Nurse Aide I skills providing the student with more advanced skills essential for providing patient care services under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse.

The program is designed to prepare participants to successfully fulfill the minimum requirements for completion of the Nurse Aide II Training Program and to successfully meet the minimum requirements for listing as a Nurse Aide II.

Program Objectives

This Nurse Aide II Training Program will provide the resources and enhanced learning opportunities for students to develop appropriate Nurse Aide II skills. This will be accomplished through structured, comprehensive, supervised classroom, lab, and clinical experiences, consistent with current standards of practice upheld by the NC Board of Nursing and inclusive of knowledge and skills required under OBRA. It is the objective for this program to prepare individuals to complete Nurse Aide II program requirements for listing on the North Carolina Board of Nursing, Nurse Aide II Registry.

The class provides basic training in Nurse Aide II tasks. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Nurse Aide II, sterile technique and specific skills such as urinary catheterization, wound care, respiratory procedures, ostomy care, peripheral IV assistive activities, and alternative feeding methods.

This is a three-semester diploma program that prepared graduates for entry-level jobs such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), Medical Assistant, Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, or Massage Therapist dependent upon the selected program major. 

The Nurse Aide curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of licensed nursing professionals in performing nursing care and services for persons of all ages.

Topics include growth and development, personal care, vital signs, communication, nutrition, medical asepsis, therapeutic activities, accident and fire safety, household environment and equipment management, family resources and services, and employment skills.

Upon completion, the student may be eligible for listing as a Nurse Aide I and other selected Nurse Aide registries as determined by the local program of study.

Current classes for Nurse Aide Training are listed on the McDowell Technical Community College Website under Academic Department: Nursing In addition to the courses listed below, students may be required to take transition/co-requisite classes based on RISE criteria. These classes do not count toward hours required for graduation.

Recommended Semester Schedule