Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses teach basic patient caregiving skills. Upon completion of a CNA course, you are eligible to take the certification examination to become a licensed nursing assistant. Either a Certificate of Completion from a CNA course (with a minimum of 35 class and 50 clinical hours) or a current Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification License is required when applying to WVC's Nursing program. You can choose from the two options below when signing up for a CNA course (you must be 17 by the first day of the course).

Option 1: NURS 100
Quarter-long, 10-credits
On the Wenatchee campus, this course is usually offered every quarter from 9am-12pm, Monday - Thursday (hours for clinical and labs may start earlier). Summer hours are typically 8am-2pm Monday-Thursday (hours for clinical and labs may start earlier).
On the Omak campus, the class schedule varies. Always check the Course Schedule in case changes have been made and do not schedule other courses right after NURS 100 ends because you will need time to travel back to campus from clinical sites. For information on pricing, view our tuition and fees page.

To register for NURS 100, follow these steps:

1. Decide which quarter to take NURS 100
   
   • Complete applications will be accepted for winter quarter 2025 starting November 7, 2024.
   • Complete applications will be accepted for spring quarter 2025 starting February 11, 2025.
   • FALL 2024 COURSE FULL-Complete applications will be accepted for both summer quarter and fall quarter 2024 starting May 28, 2024. 
2. Complete the NURS 100 Application (PDF)
3. Submit the completed application
   • Wenatchee Campus - Application can be submitted:
     • By email to ibarragan@wvc.edu in ONE PDF file, including the confirmation email from DSHS, starting at 9:00 AM.
     • In person at Wenatchi Hall, Second Floor, Department of Health and Nursing, starting at 9:00 AM.
   • Omak Campus: Please contact Kim Charlton at (509) 422-7952 or kcharlton@wvc.edu
4. Once your application has been reviewed, and is determined to be complete, you will receive an enrollment access from either Imelda (Wenatchee) or Kim (Omak). 

Seats for each class are limited. Seats are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the course fills.

Option 2: Fast-Track Course (Wenatchee campus)
4 weeks, no credit
The Fast-Track courses are offered through the Continuing Education Department and the schedule varies.

To register for a Fast-Track course, follow these steps:

1. Decide when you will take a Fast-Track course. The schedule is available on the Continuing Education website. The schedule is subject to change so check the website often for up-to-date information. Questions can be directed to the Continuing Education department: ceinfo@wvc.edu or (509) 682-6900.
2. Sign up for an open Fast-Track course online. If the course you want is full, add yourself to the waitlist and sign up for a back-up course.
3. Complete the Fast-Track CNA Application (PDF).
4. Submit the completed application to Continuing Education (Wells Hall, Continuing Education Department, ceinfo@wvc.edu, (509) 682-6900)

Nursing Assistant Outcomes

Students who complete the Nursing Assistant Certificate program will be able to:

• Be prepared to work under the direction of LPNs, RNs, or other qualified health care workers to provide basic patient care.
• Demonstrate basic personal care skills.
• Provide patient-centered care and perform nursing skills in a safe, competent and therapeutic manner.
• Use communication skills effectively to function as a member of the nursing team.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal changes in body systems associated with aging
• Recognize and report changes in the resident/client’s condition
• Use procedures and techniques to prevent the spread of micro-organisms.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and implement safety/emergency procedures.
• Perform within the ethical and legal boundaries of the scope of practice.
• Display professionalism in appearance and job performance.
• Be eligible to take the WA State Certification Exam for Nursing Assistants.

 

Additional Considerations

• Conviction of certain crimes may prevent completion of the clinical class requirements of the program and may prevent future licensure and employment in health care. A criminal record check is required prior to any clinical training experience or clinical field trips. If you have a criminal record, meet with the WVC Director of Nursing to determine if your criminal history would prevent access to a health care facility. Please call (509) 682-6660  for more information.
• To explore occupations and find related career information, go to www.mynextmove.org.