Nursing Assistant

The Clackamas Community College nursing assistant course provides students with the skills to perform basic-level nursing care. Certified Nursing Assistants are defined by law as people who assist licensed nursing personnel in the provision of nursing care.

This course is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

The Clackamas Community College CNA2 course prepares students to perform acute care skills in hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities and other health care settings.

This course is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

The Nursing Assistant 1 (NA1) course is offered each term (fall, winter, spring and summer).

The one-term course consists of 80 hours of lecture and lab with an additional 75 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care center. Students begin their clinical experience during week six of the term.

Upon successful completion of this seven-credit class, students may apply for the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam for nursing assistants (CNA1).

Don’t let cost become a barrier! Clackamas Community College offers numerous scholarships and grants.

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Financial Aid
• Workforce Development

The estimated cost of course includes tuition, books, and additional fees. Costs incurred during the application process will not be refunded.

The cost of the course will include pre-registration requirements such as criminal background check, American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Professionals, immunizations and UA drug screen. In addition to tuition and course fees, required costs include textbooks and equipment.

Academic prerequisite courses include:

• WR-098 with a "C" or better (unofficial transcripts) or WR-121 by placement testing
• MTH-050 or higher (recommended but not required)

Non-academic requirements include:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school students may apply with written authorization from their high school counselor (proof must be provided)
• Show proof of immunization status for the following: MMR, Tdap/Td, HepB, Varicella, COVID, seasonal flu
• Tuberculosis screening
• BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers certification through the American Heart Association

Note: Information on how to complete the drug screen and background check will be provided to participants of the mandatory orientation. All of the steps including the background and drug check must be completed before students are approved to register.

• Starting winter term 2023, hybrid information sessions for Nursing Assistant 1 will be held twice a year.
  • The information session in January will be for spring and summer terms.
  • The information session in August will be for fall and winter terms.
• Information sessions will provide information on the class structure, financial information, advising assistance and more.
• You will hear back on the status of your application after the deadline has passed.
• Orientation will be held for those who have been conditionally accepted into the course.
• The first 10 students who complete their application and give feedback that they will have their requirements ready will be conditionally accepted.
  • Students after the first 10 will be put on a waitlist and informed of their spot.

The Certified Nursing Assistant 2 (CNA2) course is offered fall and spring terms.

The one-term course consists of 60 hours of lecture and lab with an additional 30 hours of clinical experience in an acute or skilled care facility.

This course focuses on technical and interpersonal skills, communication, safety, infection control and documentation with the outcome of demonstrated proficiency in knowledge, skills and abilities in these areas.

Don't let cost become a barrier! Clackamas Community College offers numerous scholarships and grants.

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Financial Aid

The estimated cost of course includes tuition, books, and additional fees. Costs incurred during the application process will not be refunded.

The cost of the course will include pre-registration requirements such as criminal background check, American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Professionals, immunizations and UA drug screen. In addition to tuition and course fees, required costs include textbooks and equipment.

Non-academic requirements include:

• Hold a current, unencumbered Oregon CNA level 1 license
• Hold a current BLS/CPR American Heart Association certificate valid through the end of the term
• Pass a criminal history check and drug screen
• Show proof of immunization status for the following: MMR, Tdap/Td, HepB, Varicella, COVID, seasonal flu
• Tuberculosis screening 

The Nursing Assistant course follows the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority (OAR 409-030-0100 to 409-030-025). In order to obtain a clinical practicum or clinical experience, students must meet the following standards and requirements set forth by the State. Note: If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, please contact the program director for additional information. Deadlines and due dates for completing OHA requirements may vary by program.

Criminal Background Check

Criminal background check must be completed prior to clinical placement and no more than three months before entering the program

Drug Screen

Drug Screen must be completed prior to clinical placement and no more than three months before entering the program

TB Skin Test (Two-step) or Chest X-Ray

There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Two-step TB skin test or
• Quantiferon Gold blood test or
• If the results are positive a clear chest x-ray (with lab report) is required

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)

There must be documentation the following:

• Tdap/Td booster within the past ten years

Varicella (chicken pox) There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Two vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required) or
• Medically documented history of disease

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)

There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Two vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titers for all 3 components (lab reports required)

Hepatitis B

There must be documentation of one of the following:

• Three vaccinations or
• Positive antibody titer (lab report required)

COVID-19 (OAR 333-019-010)

• Two vaccinations, Pfizer or
• Two vaccinations, Moderna or
• One vaccination, Johnson & Johnson

Flu vaccine (Recommended by OHA and required by some employers)

Seasonal flu vaccine

BLS/CPR Certification (must be provider level and valid through the end date of the course)

Certification must be through the American Heart Association

It is recommended to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer prerequisite program requirements. 

Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, Academic Advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131

Phil Reid, Academic Advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623