Our Certified Nursing Assistant (NAC) program at Peninsula College provides comprehensive training in essential nursing skills, emergency procedures, and the laws and regulations governing nursing assistants. This program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and real-world clinical experience to prepare students for certification and a rewarding career in healthcare.
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Washington State Certification Exam, allowing them to work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living homes.
The Peninsula College NAC program meets state-approved training standards and consists of 71 hours of basic nursing and caregiving skills, alongside 40 hours of clinical practice under the guidance of a Registered Nurse. Full attendance in both classroom and clinical sessions is mandatory to meet state educational requirements.
Successful graduates are prepared to take both the written and practical NAC certification exams.
How to Apply
Applying to the NAC program is a multi-step process to ensure students meet state and clinical requirements. Applicants must complete immunization and background checks, apply to Peninsula College, submit the NAC application, and register for class.
- Step 1: Meet Immunization Requirements
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Before applying, ensure you have the following vaccinations and documentation. Documentation will be collected by the instructor at the end of the first week of class.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella): Proof of receiving 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (Live) OR proof of immunity via lab titer to Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Proof of receiving 2 doses OR proof of immunity via lab titer to Varicella.
- TB Testing:
- Proof of one negative TB test within the last 12 months by Tuberculin Skin Test or QuantiFERON Gold.
- If you have a history of a positive TB test, you’ll need a negative chest X-ray within 12 months and a negative symptom screen.
- Flu Vaccination: Required for students starting in fall and winter quarters in Port Townsend. This is highly encouraged for Port Angeles students.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: A COVID-19 series is highly encouraged for Port Angeles and Port Townsend students. An up-to-date COVID-19 booster vaccine is required for Port Townsend students.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis): Documentation of an adult booster dose within the last 10 years.
- Hepatitis B: Highly encouraged to complete the 3-dose series and provide documented immunity via lab titer for Port Angeles students. The 3-dose series and documented immunity via lab titer is required for Port Townsend students.
- Step 2: Verify Background Requirements
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A criminal background check is required for NAC licensure. Before applying, we recommend reviewing the list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions.
DSHS List of Disqualifying Crimes and Negative Actions
Disclaimer: A clinical site can decline you for any reason. If you have concerns about your background check, please contact the program coordinator.
For Port Townsend students, our clinical site tests for drug usage at your appointment with the Employee Health Nurse. The test is for THC (marijuana), amphetamines, methadone, cocaine, morphine, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, oxycodone, methamphetamines, and fentanyl. Be aware that failure to pass the urine drug screen will cause you to be ineligible to go to clinical. You will not pass the course, may not be retested at our clinical site for a year, and are ineligible for a tuition refund if it is after the withdrawal date.
- Step 3: Apply to Peninsula College
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To begin your journey as a NAC, apply to Peninsula College through the general college application. You can do this online by visiting our admissions page.
Steps to Complete the Application:
- Create an account or log in with an existing account
- Select Peninsula College
- Choose your student type for "I will be enrolling as a..."
- Select Professional Technical for the program
- Choose "Nursing Assistant C01" for the degree or certificate
- Select the term or quarter you plan to start
- Step 4: Complete the NAC Application Form
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After you receive your acceptence letter to the college, you'll need to fill out a separate online application specifically for the NAC program.
Nursing Assistant Program Application
This application will ask for additional details about your qualifications and readiness for the program. - Step 5: Register for Class
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Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted by the NAC program coordinator. At this point, you'll receive instructions on how to register for NAC 105 (the course that starts your clinical and classroom training).
Note: Applicants must follow instructions on the Program Acceptance Letter to officially register for the NAC program.
Program Information
The Nursing Assistant Certified program prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed in healthcare settings.
- Learning Outcomes
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- Apply skills and knowledge of high quality nursing assistant care, as a member of a LTC professional team.
- Articulate accurate objective medical information verbally and in writing to other professional team members.
- Demonstrate proficient assistance to a wide variety of residents in a safe, clean environment.
- Create a care environment that encourages independence, while maintaining dignity, for each resident in their care.
- Demonstrate competence with care assistance, and decision making.
- Identify potential hazards and infectious agents to help with facility safety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the health care system.
- Identify the facility policies and procedures and adhere with high self-expectations and standards.
- Identify healthy care practices for themselves and their families, using the new skills learned in care giving.
- Career Opportunities
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Certified Nursing Assistants are employed in rehabilitation centers, convalescent centers, hospitals, assisted living centers, clinics and home health. An NAC performs resident/patient care activities and related services necessary in caring for the personal needs, safety, and comfort of the resident/patients. Nursing Assistants provide a positive physical, social and psychological environment by following all policies and procedures of the facility.
- Tuition & Fees
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Tuition for the NAC program follows Peninsula College’s standard tuition rates. For the most current information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page.
In addition to tuition, students should plan for the following program-specific costs:
- Uniforms (at least two sets per student; a set includes a top and pants): $80-$100
- Shoes (leather or other puncture-resistant material, athletic or medical type): $30-$100
- Analog watch with sweeping second hand: $40
- Textbooks: $45
- Required Immunizations: Cost varies based on vaccination status and insurance coverage. Estimated between $0-$1000
- Washington State Patrol Background Check: $11 per name
- Certification Testing and Licensing Fees: $209
Washington State Department of Health Nursing Assistant Certification Testing
Washington Test Takers
Note: All fees are approximate and subject to change. Please confirm current costs during your application process.
- Program Details & Certificate Information