Nursing Assistants are healthcare professionals who provide essential support in patient care, typically under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). They assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility, and they help maintain a safe and clean environment. They may also check vital signs (like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure), report changes in patients’ conditions, and support patients with their emotional and social needs.

WhidbeyHealth’s new state-approved program is limited to six students and takes place at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center in Coupeville. This accelerated part-time course runs January 27-March 7, 2025, and consists of 130 total hours: 42 hours of classroom education, 33 hours of skills labs and 55 hours of supervised clinical experience. As a benefit to the community, WhidbeyHealth is providing this training course at no charge to accepted applicants, though students are responsible for the cost of books and licensure.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take the state certification exam to become a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) in Washington state, making them employable in many healthcare settings – including WhidbeyHealth! Certification can be used as a stepping stone into nursing or other healthcare professions.

Applicants are admitted to the WhidbeyHealth Nursing Assistant Training Program through a selection process including a panel interview/s, letters of reference and Education/Human Resources/Employee Health clearance. No wait list is maintained. Applicants must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Students must attend all scheduled classes and clinical time to meet State certification requirements.

Student Evaluation Methods will be based on the student obtaining a score of 80% passing in each of the following categories: Class/Theory exams, Skills Lab (learning/performing skills) and WhidbeyHealth Clinicals (actual patient care). Failure to meet the 80% minimum grade requirement will result in dismissal from the program. Any absence must be pre-approved and if authorized by the program director, made up at a date and time to be determined by the program director.