Certified Nursing Assistant
Program Description:
As a Nursing Assistant a graduate will be qualified to care for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the supervision of physicians, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. This course fulfills the OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation ACT) requirements for training of longterm care nursing assistants in preparation for certification through competency evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the development of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required of the long-term care nursing assistant. Upon completion of this course, the student should demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations and clinical skills.
The Nursing Assistant program supports and adheres to the mission of the overall College. The program is committed to providing a learning environment with the training and education that enhances the nursing skills, and cultivating the social values required to meet the demands of the changing health care industry. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as nursing assistant/nurse aides in nursing homes, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously, or currently employed in these occupations. Successful completion of the program prepares the student for certification and employment as a Nursing Assistant in a long-term care facility in accordance with the National Nurse Aide Certification guidelines.
More information is available through the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Expected Earnings/Salary
Earnings for Certified Nursing Assistants as reported by the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook are as follows:
- The median hourly earnings are $11.46.
- The middle 50 percent earn between $9.71 and $13.76 per hour.
- The highest 10 percent earn more than $15.97 per hour.
Skills Needed
Success as a Certified Nursing Assistant requires a caring and empathetic nature, emotional stability due to the stress of caring for persons with health issues, the ability to follow orders and to work under close supervision.
Types of Programs Offered
This is a ten day intensive program which meets Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm on the Drake State Main Campus (3421 Meridian Street). Classes are offered each month.
2013 Classes
Jan. 7–Jan. 18
Jan. 22–Feb. 1
Feb. 4–Feb. 15
Feb. 18–March 1
March 4–March 15
March 18–March 29
April 1–April 12
April 15–April 26
April 29 –May 10
May 13–May 24
May 28–June 10
June 17–June 28
July 8–July 19
July 22–Aug. 2
Click here to view the current course info.
You must obtain proof of a TB Skin Test & Hepatitis Series B Immunization tests from your physician or health clinic. Proof of current CPR Certification is also required.
Books, uniforms of white scrubs and patch must be purchased.
The program cost beginning with the January 2012 class will be $600 for tuition & fees.
Nursing Assistant FAQ
Registration Form
Refund Policy
75% of the tuition will be refunded to the applicant if the applicant withdraws within two business days before start of class. If the student does not show up for class, they may apply for a 50% refund provided the application is made in writing within three days of start of the class. Refunds will not be issued after this time.
Financial Aid will not pay for this class.
Advisory Committee
Mr. Brian Buchmann
Clinical Excellence Manager, Huntsville Hospital System
Mrs. Patsy Cathcart
State President, LPN Association of Alabama
Mrs. Terry Clark
Risk Manager, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of N. Alabama
Mrs. Voncile Jackson
Retired Nursing Instructor, J.F. Drake State Technical College
Ms. Shelbrina (Shel) Lomax, RN
QA/Staff Development Coordinator, Floyd E. Tut Fann State Veterans Home
Ms. Joy McMinn
Chief Nursing Officer, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of N. Alabama
Mrs. Karen Neir
Retired Nursing Adjunct Instructor, J.F. Drake State Technical College
Mrs. Pat Pelzer
Nursing/Pharmacy Representative, Huntsville Hospital
For more information contact Jan Hyman at
jan.hyman@drakestate.edu or 256.551.3156.