Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals require a nurse aide to be certified for employment and many college nursing programs require completion of a nurse aide course prior to acceptance into a nursing program. In addition, as a prerequisite to most Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner programs, direct patient care experience is required and working as a CNA can contribute toward these hours.

Instruction includes basic nursing assistant procedures, skills, restorative services, general household activities, patient care, safety, and emergency care. Students gain an understanding of the responsibilities involved in working with patients of all ages, in both wellness and illness, issues of mental health, patient rights, and patient/family interactions. Classroom instruction, lab, and clinical experience is offered.