Nursing Assistant

  • Credits: 3
  • Degree Type: Certificate
  • Campus: East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls

The Nursing Assistant certificate is a prerequisite for students planning to enroll in the Practical Nursing program.

Program Description

The Nursing Assistant course is a prerequisite for students planning to enroll in the Practical Nursing program. The course presents factual information and hands on skill practice through lecture, lab demonstration and practice, assigned audiovisuals, texts and handouts. The course also includes hands-on clinical experience.

The nursing assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of licensed practical nurses and/or registered nurses to perform basic patient cares and assist with activities of daily living. Nursing Assistants provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks. Nurse aides employed in nursing care facilities often are the principal caregivers, having far more contact with residents than do other members of the staff. This course introduces concepts of basic human needs in simple terms. Selected common technical nursing skills are introduced. Principles of body mechanics are emphasized.

The nursing assistant course is intended to prepare students for practice at the Nursing Assistant level. Upon successful completion of the course, the student is eligible to take the written and skills exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

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Employment

Nursing assistants are employed in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and home health care services.

According to CAREERwise, the median hourly pay as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Minnesota is $20.68 per hour. The employment outlook through 2024 is expected to grow approximately 11.3%, a very high-growth career.

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Program Course Listings

View semester order by campus: East Grand Forks | Thief River Falls

Required Courses
Course # Course Name Credit(s)
HLTH 1110 Nursing Assistant 3
TOTAL CREDITS: 3
 

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Program Specific Requirements


  1. Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division Background Study completion upon program entry. Evidence of approval to provide healthcare must be on file prior to participation in the clinical portion of the course. The student will be required to pay for the cost of the background study (currently $20).

  2. Immunization and health screening data must be submitted on the College Health Screening Form prior to participation in the clinical portion of the course.

  3. All students must have the required nursing assistant uniform for clinicals. More information will be provided the first day of class.

  4. The course must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Program Accreditation

Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.

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Why choose Northland?

Whether you're looking for a stepping stone to a four-year degree, hands-on training to jump start your career, or something in between - you'll find it at Northland.

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Program Faculty

  • Colette Greek
  • Nursing Instructor
  • Campus: East Grand Forks
  • Tel: (218) 793-2537
  • Toll Free: 1.800.959.6282
  • DeLoris Larson
  • Practical Nursing Instructor
  • Campus: Thief River Falls
  • Tel: (218) 683-8740
  • Toll Free: 1.800.959.6282