Nursing Assistant (NAC)

What is the Nursing Assistant course?

Students in this 8-credit course will learn to perform bedside care as appropriate for an NAC (Nursing Assistant - Certified). The class consists of lecture, lab, and clinical experiences at long-term care facilities. Students successfully completing the course will be able to take the state certification exam.

The course at WCC is offered in the evenings, with clinical experiences on the weekends. The schedule varies from quarter to quarter, depending upon the availability of the lab and clinical instructors.  Click here to see the next quarter's tentative schedule.  If this schedule does not work for you, there are other local providers offering the course.  Visit the Washington State Department of Health website for more information.

Information Sessions (RN Nursing and NAC)

Wednesday, September 9      11:30am - 1:00pm           LDC 203
Wednesday, October 14         11:30am - 1:00pm           LDC 203
Tuesday, October 27               3:00pm - 4:30pm           LDC 212
Monday, November 9             11:30am - 1:00pm           LDC 203
Tuesday, November 24            3:00pm - 4:30pm           LDC 212
Wednesday, December 9       11:30am - 1:00pm           LDC 203

You are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions or contact one of the Professional/Technical advisors listed below for planning help.

Pathway Information

The Nursing Assistant Certification is a requirement for application to the RN Nursing Program at WCC, and is part of the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) Certificate and Training Endorsement.

Visit the Nursing Program web page.

Visit the Health Unit Coordinator Program web page.

What are the prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for this course, however English 92 and 95 are recommended preparation since there is significant reading required.

How can the Pathways Program support you?

The Pathways Program assists and supports students as they work toward a career in the healthcare industry. The program offers free tutoring, study groups, workshops, mentoring, and advising. As well as assistance obtaining industry mentors and job shadowing opportunities Please click here for a detailed explanation of eligibility, services, and contact information 

What are the application requirements?

The Nursing Assistant classes fill quickly, so getting your application materials in early is important. You must get all of your application materials in before you will be sent the code to sign up for the class - and then only if there is still space available.

Minimum requirements for a complete application are:

• Whatcom Community College application for admission (Admission to the college does not guarantee admission into the Nursing Assistant course.)
• Nursing Assistant application form found here: winter quarter NAC Application
• Receipt from WCC's Business Office for Washington State Patrol Background Check.You will need to pay $10 for a Washington State background inquiry. If you have a positive finding (a crime in your history) you may not be able to complete the clinical portion of the class, and therefore would not be able to pass the class. If you have questions about this, please email Connie Rockstad, Program Coordinator at
• You need to bring the results of a recent TB test (less than 1 year old)
  

Other expenses: In addition to tuition ($696.00 + fees for fall of 2009):

• There is a $75 lab fee for this program, which pays for your CPR training and the lab supplies that you will use.
• WCC does not administer the certification exam - students will need to pay for the exam at the testing site of their choice. The fee varies.
• Book & workbook $ 150.00
  
• Uniform (dark blue scrubs)* $ 50.00
  
• Watch with a second hand $ 40.00

*This is an estimated cost for new scrubs. Often scrubs can be found for less at Value Village, Goodwill, or online. Be sure to get dark blue.

STEP 1 - Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at , by phone (360) 383-3080 or in person at the Entry/Advising Office, LDC 116.

You are responsible for submitting all documents and materials by the deadline date. Incomplete files will not be considered for Nursing Program acceptance.

Will Whatcom maintain a wait list?

A Nursing Assistant class wait list will not be maintained. If you are not accepted, you must reapply for program admission the following quarter. Your prior application will be kept on file for 6 months, so you will not need to resubmit your TB test or pay for another background check as long as you are within that time frame.

What is the I-BEST Nursing Assistant Class?

I-BEST stands for Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training. An I-BEST program or class is one that takes people who are working on their basic educational skills (English and Math) and puts them in a technical training program at the same time. What it looks like to you, as a student, is that they are two teachers in the classroom, and an extra support class to help you really understand the classroom information.

Students must have CASAS test scores in a certain range to qualify for the I-BEST course. The CASAS test can be taken on the Whatcom campus, call the ABE/ESL office at 360.383.3060 for more information.

If you think you are interested in this program or would like more information, please email your questions to

Professional/Technical Program Advisor
Jackie Landsem
(360)383-3080 

Nursing Program Coordinator
Connie Rockstad, R.N. MSN
(360) 383-3550