Position yourself to start a rewarding career in the health care industry. Students learn basic nursing skills required to care for patients in a variety of health care settings. Through classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations, the student becomes prepared to take the N.C. Nurse Aide I Competency Evaluation, a requirement to be listed on the N.C. Nurse Aide Registry. In order to take the N.C. Nurse Aide I competency exam, candidates must have a valid social security number.

Students are required to show proof of immunizations, evidence of negative TB test prior to beginning the clinical portion of training. The course textbook, evidence of negative TB, uniform, and supplies are required. At the student’s expense, students may also be required to undergo a criminal background check, drug screening, show proof of specific immunizations and evidence of CPR training prior to beginning the clinical portion of training.  Positive findings on the drug screen or criminal background check may prohibit the student from completing the program. Evening classes require clinical participation on two weekends. The clinical schedule is provided on the first day of class. 

In addition to the traditional NA I classes, the Nursing Assistant program offers three options for training specific student populations. The ESL class is intended for students whose English is not their first language. The Hybrid class (part in-lab and part online instruction) is for students who enjoy learning via computer. The Short Course is designed for students with previous patient/health care experience or those entering a nursing or other health care education program. Select the class that best fits your needs!

Prerequisites: Demonstrate appropriate reading level in one of the following ways:

1. Successful completion of a college-level course or DTCC Reading course 080 or 090.
2. Reading Placement test score as follows: TABE 8.3, COMPASS 74. Reading placement tests are offered by the DTCC Testing Center, 919-536-7210, ext. 1101.
   

For questions contact the Nursing Assistant Information line at 919-536-7200, ext. 4310.

Send required prerequisite information to any of the below locations, where you will be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN form must then accompany your registration.

• Mail to: DTCC, Attn: Nurse Aide Program, 1637 Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703
• Fax to: 919-536-7291, Attn: Nurse Aide Program
• Deliver to: Main Campus, Corporate Education Center or or SOUTHBank building.

To Register: Visit one of the three convenient locations:

• Main Campus – Corporate Education Center
• SOUTHBank building, 3rd floor
• Orange County Skills Development Center in Chapel Hill

More information about registration and the Nurse Aide I program is provided in the frequently asked questions section.

Hours: 165

This Nursing Assistant course is geared toward students who speak English as a second language. The evening hours, small class size, short instruction period, and multi-cultural environment make this an enjoyable experience. 165 hours.

This offering of the Nurse Aide I course is designed for task-oriented, self-motivated, organized students with excellent reading skills. Students enrolled in this hybrid course complete the classroom portion online and attend class one day a week for the laboratory portion. Clinical training takes place two days a week in health care facilities in Durham and Orange counties.

Computer Requirements: To take an online course, students need regular, frequent, dependable access to a computer with the following:

• Internet access, usually through a modem and Internet Service Provider. High-speed access (such as cable modem or DSL) is recommended but not required;
• A modern Internet browser: Netscape 6.0, Mozilla 1.2, or Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher versions);
• A working email address, configured properly so emails from faculty and students are not blocked as “spam;” and
• PowerPoint 2000 version or higher. If you don’t own PowerPoint, Microsoft now offers a "Power Point Viewer" that can be downloaded free from their web site.

Computer Skills Needed: During the online part of this class, the computer provides the medium through which the “classroom” instruction portion of the course takes place. Therefore, it is critical that students have good computer skills and are comfortable doing the following:

• Sending and receiving emails;
• Attaching documents to email messages and opening attachments received;
• Using a browser to navigate the web; and
• Using a word processor.

Student Qualities Expected:

• Is a self-directed learner; and
• Enjoys reading on the computer.

First class meets in the classroom.

Prerequisite: Previous listing on the North Carolina or another state’s Nurse Aide Registry within the last five years without any adverse findings.

Verify your Nurse Aide I listing through the N.C. Nurse Aide Registry at www.ncnar.org or call 919-855-3969 or 919-715-0562. Submit a copy of your NA I listing/certification to one of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) locations listed in the NA I course. You will then receive the PIN form that must accompany your registration.

More information about the Nurse Aide I refresher is provided in the frequently asked questions section.