Nurse Aide Program

Program Mission

The mission of the Nurse Aide (NA) program is to prepare students to provide safe and therapeutic care in the role of a nurse aide. Students are then prepared to take the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Test. Upon passing the Competency Evaluation test and gaining a position in long-term care, the graduate will be added to the PA Nurse Aide Registry.  

Job opportunities are prevalent with long-term nursing facilities.

This is a 128-hour certificate program offered in either a full-time or part-time schedule. Classroom and lab instruction is held at Penn State Hazleton, with clinical skills held at one of two long-term care facilities: Weatherwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center or Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Nurse Aide Overview  

The nurse aide program is designed for individuals seeking enrollment on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Upon successful completion, students will have the skills necessary for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide written (or oral) examination and skills evaluation, the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).

Education Information

• Nurse aide students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED
• Students are required to complete 128 hours of classroom and clinical instruction
• In addition to facilitating a nurse aide position, this course is ideal for student interested in pursuing a future in Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA), Practical Nursing (PN) or nursing (RN) programs.  

Course Topics

The following detailed topics are covered throughout the nurse aide program:

• Introduction to health care
• Basic nursing and personal care skills
• Restorative care
• Behavioral health and social service needs
• Care of cognitively impaired clients (residents)

Schedule

Choose either part-time or full-time format.

Format 1: Part-time

• Summer II: Monday, August 5–Thursday, September 19, 2019

Classes held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
No classes on Wednesdays.

Register now for the August 5 class.

Time: Day 1–14 (classes)  8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            Day 15–26 (clinical)  7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Fall I Evening: Monday, October 7–Thursday, November 14, 2019

Time: Day 1–14 Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
            Day 15–26 Clinical experience held Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Format 2: Full-time

• Summer I: Monday, June 3–Tuesday, July 2, 2019

  • Register now for the June 3 start

• Summer II: Monday, August 19–Tuesday, September 17, 2019

• Fall I: Monday, October 21–Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Note: Additional time is required to obtain the required clearances for this program. Please allow 3-4 weeks for clearances.

This program is on the Pennsylvania Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) list through PA CareerLink.

For assistance with registering or applying for the payment plan, please call 570-450-3541 or 570-450-3110.

Program Cost

$950 – includes books and Criminal History Record Information Report.

Payment plan available! Call 570-450-3541 or 570-450-3110 for more information.

All students who pay for the nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP) are entitled to be reimbursed when they become employed by a long-term care facility within 12 months of completing the nurse aide training program. Reimbursement will be made on a pro-rated basis and is only done one time.

Information

For additional information, contact the Office of Continuing Education.

Amanda Gallagher
Program Coordinator – Nurse Aide
570-450-3541
aff5073@psu.edu