The country, including North Carolina, is facing a shortage of healthcare professionals. There’s an immediate need for nurse aides, and demands will increase according to the Department of Labor. In Raleigh, entry-level CNAs earn $22,201 per year. Experienced CNAs with in-demand skills can earn up to $32,839 per year in addition to health benefits and stipends for continuing education. Persons with a criminal record should not pursue this career path as it may be difficult to find employment after completing the program. Some schools require students to provide proof of immunizations during the application process. CNA candidates must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program that’s 75 hours or longer before challenging the state certification exam. Below are a few of the top state-approved schools in Raleigh, NC.
Wake Tech Community College
The Nurse Aide I training at Wake Tech teaches students basic nursing skills needed in a healthcare setting. The state-approved program follows all the guidelines set forth by the NC Division of Health. Topics include patients’ rights, communication, mental health, personal care, elimination, nutrition, vital signs, safety, first aid, emergency, and rehabilitation. Graduates all demonstrate the skills necessary to function as nurses’ assistants and are eligible to take the two-part state competency exam. Wake Tech is an approved testing facility so students can take the test in a familiar environment with the option to take the test in Spanish. The duration of the program is four weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 16 ½ years old by the first day of class
- Submit registration online or in person
- Submit proof of immunization or take a titer blood test
- Read the Nurse Aide Syllabus before registering for the class
- Register with the CastleBranch website and pay the $116 for the criminal background check, drug test, and medical document manager
- Submit copy of social security card and photo ID
Tuition for the program is $250. The cost of the textbook and supplies are is not included.
Website: https://www.waketech.edu/
Address: 2901 Houston Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: (919) 866-5000
Care One Health Training Institute
The Nurse Aide 1 training program at Care One helps students become proficient at taking patients’ vital signs, providing personal and rehabilitative care, responding to emergencies using approved procedures, and meeting patients’ mental health and social needs. The curriculum covers 105 hours of theory and hands-on training. Graduates of the program are fully prepared with knowledge and skills to pass the state competency exam and succeed on the job. Students in the daytime classes complete the course in four weeks while evening and weekend students finish in seven weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Provide two forms of ID – social security card and photo ID
- Submit a copy of high school or college transcript
- Must have valid CPR certification – American Heart Association or Red Cross BLS only
- Complete the required immunization – MMR, Varicella, PPD (TB), Hepatitis Series, Tdap, and Flu (seasonal)
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check – all types of felony or misdemeanor convictions will be review by the director of the institute
- Submit a completed School Medical Form – must be completed and signed by a physician or practitioner
Tuition is $702.50 inclusive of the textbook, uniform, background check and registration fee. Students are responsible for the state competency exam fee, TB test, and CPR.
Website: https://careonehealth.org/
Address: 309 Chapanoke Road, Suite 116, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
Phone: (919) 773-7165
Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center
The nursing assistant curriculum at Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center complies with the North Carolina State DHSR model. The training includes classroom lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practice in the lab, and supervised patient care experiences. Experienced instructors encourage participation and innovative and interactive classes to make the experience enjoyable and educational for all students. Classes run for approximately 5 weeks – subject to change. Students meet in the classroom Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The clinical experience takes place during the fifth week of class. Clinical times are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Submit high school or college transcript
- Submit a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Submit a completed student application form
- Provide a copy of immunization record
- Complete a satisfactory background check
Training is free for eligible students.
Website: http://www.guidinglightsnc.org/index.php
Address: 3724 National Drive, Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919-371-2062
Fax: 919-747-4256
Harmony Health Career Training
The Traditional Nurse Aide I/CNA I program at Harmony Health Career Training is offered in hybrid format during the Covid pandemic. The program features online lectures two days a week followed by face-to-face sessions on campus. Students will learn the principles of healthcare, body systems, taking vital signs, common diseases and their treatment, assisting patients with personal care, and other responsibilities of the nurse aide. The curriculum covers a total of 102 hours of training in the classroom, lab, and clinical rotation. Day and evening schedules are offered.
Admission criteria:
- Submit high school or college transcript
- Submit a copy of social security card and photo ID
- Submit a completed student application and enrollment forms
- Provide a copy of immunization record
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee
Tuition for the program is $780 including student liability insurance, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, non-refundable registration fee of $100. The cost does not include the state exam fee, textbook, and uniforms.
Website: http://www.harmonyhealthcareertraining.com/
Address: 1017 Bullard Ct, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919-615-1581
Fax: 919-615-1752
Johnston Community College
The Nurse Aide I training at Johnston Community College students with knowledge and skills to work as an entry-level CNA and also to pursue careers in nursing, health sciences, or sonography. The state-approved program covers 160 contact hours of theory and practical instruction in personal care, measuring vital signs, infection control, communication, nutrition, patients’ rights and independence, and the role and function of the nurse aide. Graduates will be prepared to take the state certification exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Day, evening, and weekend (Fridays and Saturdays) classes are offered. The duration of the program is 12 to 16 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must have current BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Submit two matching government ID cards – social security card and photo ID
- Submit copy of high school diploma or transcript or pass a reading test
- High school students must be at least 16 ½ years old
The program costs $708 and includes tuition, background check, books, drug screen, handouts, skills pack, badge, uniforms, immunization, BLS, and DSHR exam.
Website: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/
Address: 245 College Road, PO Box 2350 Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone: (919) 934-3051
Fayetteville Technical Community College
The nurse aide course at Fayetteville Technical Community College prepares students to provide personal care and basic nursing skills to elderly in long-term care facilities. theory and hands-on instruction will emphasize the process of aging including mental, social, and physical needs of the elderly, nutrition management, patient rights, diseases and disorders, human body structure and function, and communication.
Admission criteria:
- Must be able to read and communicate in English effectively
- Must have good computer literacy skills
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and 10-panel drug screen
- Submit a completed application for admission to the program
- Submit a copy of insurance receipt
- Submit a copy of a valid photo ID and social security card
- Provide copy of current immunization records – MMR, Varicella, PPD and Hepatitis B
- Submit a copy of high school transcripts or diploma
- Must have a current CPR card – must be American Heart Association’s Healthcare Provider
Tuition for the program is $180. Other costs include background check, textbook, supplies, study guide, insurance fee, drug screen, scrubs, shoes, and state exam fee.
Website: https://www.faytechcc.edu/
Address: 2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910-678-9868
Email: healthprograms@faytechcc.edu
Nash Community College
The nurse aide I program at Nash Community College comprises of 160 hours of instruction in the classroom and clinical facility. Course topics include patient rights, vital signs, communication, safety, mental health, rehabilitation, elimination, emergencies, and nutrition. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NNAAP to become a certified nurse aide. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. Day classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to noon. Evening classes meet Monday and Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Weekend classes meet Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The class may be available in blended format.
Admission criteria:
- Take and pass the reading and math TABE test with a score of 8th-grade level on both portions
- Preregister and prepay for the program. Admission is first come first serve
- Pay the registration cost of $186.25
- Present documentation of negative TB skin test
- Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license and social security card
Tuition for the program is $186.25. Books and supplies cost an additional $130. Other costs include uniforms and state competency test fee.
Website: https://www.nashcc.edu/
Address: 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (252) 443-4011
Wisdom Health Academy
Wisdom Health Academy offers a state-approved Nurse Aide 1 Training course that covers all students need for entry-level employment as a nurse aide. Theory and practical instruction will cover body mechanics, personal care, nutrition, communication, measuring vital signs, end of life care, and patient transfers. Students are required to complete all classroom and clinical work to graduate from the program. WHA offers small class sizes, affordable tuition, licensed RN instructors, and a better learning environment. The duration of the program is 8 weeks depending on the schedule. Daytime and evening classes are available.
Admission criteria:
- Must be able to read and communicate in English effectively
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and 10-panel drug screen
- Submit a completed application for admission to the program
- Submit a copy of a valid photo ID and social security card
- Provide copy of current immunization records – MMR, Varicella, PPD and Hepatitis B
- Submit a copy of high school transcripts or diploma
- Must have a current CPR card – must be American Heart Association’s Healthcare Provider
Tuition includes books, as well as the state competency exam fee.
Website: http://www.nursingschooldurham.com/
Address: 3622 Shannon Rd. Suite 103 Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919-908-9939
Fast Track Career Prep
The nurse aide I program at Fast Track Career Prep is approved by the state. The curriculum covers 136 hours of instruction including 47 lab hours and 32 clinical hours. Students will learn how to provide compassionate care, assist patients with day-to-day life tasks, and support nurses and physicians with diagnostic procedures and technical treatments. The program is delivered in hybrid format, giving students more flexibility in their studies. Upon completion of the requirements, graduates will be eligible to take the NC NNAAP administered by NACES. Two weeks of classes (Monday through Friday) will be completed online. Lab and clinicals will be scheduled for five consecutive weekends onsite.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a criminal background check and drug test from CastleBranch
- Must have malpractice insurance
- Submit a high school transcript or GED
- Submit a completed application and signed enrollment agreement
- Upload two forms of ID with online application (driver’s license and social security card)
- Pay the deposit in full
- Submit a TB test report
- Must have current CPR certification
- Submit proof of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, or signed vaccine declination form
Tuition for the program is $420. Registration, malpractice insurance, and material kit costs an additional $200.
Website: https://fasttrackcareerprepinc.vpweb.com/
Address: 4901 Caswell Place Unit D, Wilson, NC 27896
Phone: 252-296-9004
Fax: 252-296-9078
Email: administrator@fasttrackcareerprep.com
Durham Tech
Durham Tech prepares nurse aide students with basic nursing skills to care for patients in a various health care settings. The hybrid training will include 139 hours of classroom instruction, lab skills, and clinical instruction in vital signs, communication skills, personal care, infection control, observation and reporting, patient rights, and end of life care. Experienced instructors will prepare students for success on the NC Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, a requirement to be listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry.
Admission criteria:
- Submit high school diploma/HS equivalency certificate, or proof of successful completion of EFL073 or DRE097, or transcript of college-level English course
- Submit proof of immunity for MMR, Varicella, Tdap, negative TB skin test, Hepatitis B, and influenza
- Must have personal health insurance
- Must be at least 18 years old
The cost of the program is $275.29. Other costs that students must cover include supplies, uniforms, background check, immunization, state exam fee, and CPR certification. The course qualifies for financial aid.
Website: https://www.durhamtech.edu/
Address: 1637 East Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703
Phone: 919-536-7200
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