FAQ: Nurse Aide I

Please join an information session for more information not listed below or email Lillie Hill, Program Director, at hilll@durhamtech.edu.

1. Do I need to be admitted to the college to enroll?

Students enrolling in the Nurse Aide Continuing Education (NAS 3240A or NAS 3240B) course are not required to complete general college admission. However, students taking the curriculum course (NAS 101) as part of the certificate pathway must first apply and be admitted to Durham Tech.

Learn about Admissions and Enrollment

2. When are courses offered and how long do they last?

Courses are offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Spring and Fall:

  • 11-week Continuing Education courses

  • 16-week Curriculum course (NAS 101)

Summer:

  • 6-week and 11-week options beginning in early May

3. Where are classes held?

Courses may be offered at one of the following locations:

  • Main Campus: 1637 E. Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703

  • Orange County Campus (OCC): 525 College Park Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

  • Drakeford Library Complex: 203 S. Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC 27510

4. What is the difference between the Continuing Education course, NAS 101, and the Nurse Aide Certificate pathway?

All Nurse Aise I course options prepare students to sit for the North Carolina State Nurse Aide I certification exam.

NAS 3240A and NAS 3240B (Continuing Education)

  • Approximately 11 weeks

  • Pass/Fail grading

  • 3240A clinical experiences: local retirement or long-term care facilities (TBD)

  • 3240B clinical experiences: local hospital (TBD)

NAS 101 (Curriculum Course)

  • 16 weeks

  • Letter grade (GPA calculated)

  • Clinical experiences: local retirement or long-term care facilities (TBD)

  • Required for the NA Certificate

Nurse Aide Certificate (1-year program)

  • Includes NAS 101 plus:

    • HSC 110

    • Medical Terminology I

    • Medical Terminology II
      This pathway supports broader healthcare career advancement.

5. What are the eligibility and age requirements?

Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalency

  • Successful completion of ENG-002, ENG-025, or EFL-073

  • Unofficial college transcript showing completion of ENG-111 (or higher)

Age Requirements:

  • 18 years old for hospital-based course (3240B)

  • 16½ years old for 3240A or NAS 101

Courses are offered in English only.

6. How do I register? Is there a waitlist?

The program does not maintain a waitlist. Instead, students may join an interest list by submitting a Request for Information through Durham Tech's website.

7. How do I withdraw?

View Course Withdrawal and Refund Deadlines.

8. Is orientation required?

Yes. Once officially enrolled and seated in a class, students will receive a mandatory orientation date and time, typically two weeks before the course begins. A pre-application information session is not required.

9. What are the program costs and is financial assistance available?

Estimated program costs are provided through the Nurse Aide I Program Estimated Cost resource.

Financial aid and funding opportunities may be available for both curriculum and continuing education students. Students should review available options through the Financial Aid Office at Durham Technical Community College.

10. How and when do I take the state certification exam?

Graduates register for the Nurse Aide I certification exam through Credentia, the state’s testing vendor.

On the final day of class, eligible students receive registration instructions. After verification of successful completion of a state-approved training program, students receive an email from Credentia allowing them to select a test date and location. Testing availability varies by site.

Individuals interested in challenging the state exam should review eligibility criteria directly with Credentia.

11. What compliance requirements must be completed before clinicals?

Background Check and Drug Screening:
Instructions for the approved vendor will be provided at orientation. Students should not complete these requirements prior to receiving official guidance.

Required Identification:

  • Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

  • Signed, non-laminated Social Security card

Immunizations:
Students who cannot locate vaccination records should contact their county health department. Titer results are accepted. Incomplete immunization documentation will prevent participation in the course.

BLS Certification:
Basic Life Support certification must be approved by the American Heart Association and remain valid throughout clinical rotations. The college offers an approved course (SEF-3001 XP). Required textbooks may be checked out from any campus library during the week of class with a student ID and library sticker.

12. What are the uniform and clinical placement policies?

Students are required to wear Hunter Green scrubs (brand of choice) beginning in the second week of class.

Clinical placements are assigned each semester by the clinical coordinator and instructor. Students may not select their clinical site.