Course Overview

The 120- hour program includes: 48.75 hours of theory, 32.75 hours of lab, and 38.5 hours of clinical experience. Students successfully completing this program will received an accredited certificate from HACC and will eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia to enroll in the Nurse Aide Registry for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There is an additional cost of $135 (subject to change) to take the registry exam; this fee is not included in your tuition.

 

Please note:

Students must be 16 years old or older before the first day of class. HACC does not require it, but many facilities require employees to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

Students must be a resident of PA for the last two consecutive years of Pennsylvania or obtain a Federal Bureau Investigation Report (FBI) through the Department of Education.

 

Communication

This program is taught in English with English textbooks and workbooks. Students must be able to speak, write, and understand English fluently. Please review the Nurse Aide Essential Qualifications to make sure you are able to perform them.

 

Essential qualifications

All individuals who apply for admission to the Nurse Aide Program must be able to perform specific essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Communication - Verbal, nonverbal, reading and writing
• Hearing - Ability to hear and understand residents and staff, interpret conversation and assess and monitor residents
• Mobility - Mobile and strong enough to support and move residents and move quickly to perform resident care
• Motor Skills - Fine and gross motor skills sufficient to handle equipment and provide safe and effective resident care; steady arm and hand movements while manipulating objects or assisting residents; ability to perform multiple motor tasks simultaneously
• Sight - Ability to monitor and assess residents and read fine print on monitors, devices and gauges

 

What do nurse aides do?

Nurse aides (NAs, direct care workers) perform various duties under the supervision of a nurse. They:

• Provide care and assist clients who cannot care for themselves
• Measure and record vital signs
• Assist clients with bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting
• Care for clients with catheters
• Provide range of motion exercises
• Transport clients in wheelchairs, make beds
• Provide infection control and safety awareness
• Provide post-mortem care

 

How much does the program cost?

The program costs $1750. This includes books.

 

Will I be eligible for credentials?

Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam (administered by Pearson Vue) You must be at least 16 to take this exam.

 

How long does the program take to complete? Where are the classes held?

• HACC offers on-site training at numerous locations throughout Pennsylvania.
• It is an intense 120-hour training program. It can take 18 days to complete based on which class you choose.
• Students must complete the full 120 hours and score at least 75% on each written exam to receive the certificate of completion
• Please note that 100% attendance is required for the classroom and lab portion of the program You cannot be absent at any time from the first day of class (Orientation Day) up through the start of clinical. Any time missed during this timeframe will result in dismissal from the program with NO refund.
• Recommended study time is 30 minutes for every hour of class. Expect to study for 3.5 hours the evening after a 7-hour class day.

 

How do I register for the class?

• Download the Nurse Aide Student Handbook - pdf. It includes general information, admission criteria, essential qualifications, and the HACC Health Examination form.
• Call 717-221-1751 or email nurseaide@hacc.edu to register for the class you are interested in or if you have additional questions.
• Required Admission Paperwork:
  • Students must provide the following documentation at least two weeks prior to the first day of class, and must bring documentation with them on the first day of class:
  • All admission paperwork MUST be completed within one year of the start date of class.
    • Physical examination – this form is included in the Information packet
    • Negative two-step Mantoux test or negative QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test – refer to the Health Examination form for specific details on how to complete the two-step PPD accurately
    • PA State Police Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report https://epatch.pa.gov/home.
      • If you have not been a resident of Pennsylvania for the past two consecutive years or have been convicted in another state (no matter how many years ago) of any of the offenses listed on the Prohibitive Offense List (pdf), you must complete and obtain a FBI report in addition to the PA State Police background check.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report – ONLY REQUIRED if you have not been a full-time resident of Pennsylvania for the past two consecutive years or have been convicted of an offense outside of PA. NA Procedure for obtaining an FBI clearance report (found in Nurse Aide Student Handbook - pdf)
    • Current flu vaccination

    • COVID-19 Immunization Requirements of Clinical Facilities

       

Is the program accredited?

The Nurse Aide Training Program is approved by the PA Department of Education.

 

Student Access Services

If you have a documented Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or any special accommodations supported by documentation, we request that you contact HACC’s Student Access Services at 717-780-2614 or by choosing the appropriate SAS Campus Coordinator at contact us. You need to contact their office well in advance of the class start date in order for them to complete the assessment of accommodations. (Please be aware that accommodations for the State Competency Exam taken after the course is completed must be applied for at least one (1) month in advance of taking the state test.) You can review the accommodations page at Pearson VUE. Click on the link for test accommodations and please be aware current (1-5years) documentation of a disability is necessary when requesting accommodations and is outlined in detail at the above website.

 

Reimbursement Opportunity

If you are employed by a skilled nursing care facility (one that accepts residents on Medicare/Medicaid) within 12 months of completing the Nurse Aide Training Program and have paid for training/testing yourself, you are eligible for reimbursement of those funds.

 

How can I get more information?

• Visit the PA Department of Health for nurse aide registry exam information.

 

Who can I contact for more information?

Nurse Aide Training Program 
nurseaide@hacc.edu
Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall, Room 221C
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-221-1751
View directions from Harrisburg Campus (Google Maps).