Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant courses (NA101 and the associated clinical course NA101C) are offered summer, fall, winter (starting 2014) and spring terms. A mandatory orientation (search the schedule of classes for .250 NA101 Nursing Assistant Orientation) as the first step toward being allowed to enroll in the NA101 course and is open to a limited number of students. Please see the Nursing Assistant Program flyer for more information.
The Nursing Assistant (NA) course/program meets the education requirements for individuals wishing to become CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) in Oregon. While the lab and classroom work takes place in Medford on the Riverside Campus, clinical experience may take place in the Medford or Grants Pass area.
Nursing assistants perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They answer patients call bells, deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and bathe. CNAs may also provide skin care to patients; take temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; and help patients get in and out of bed and walk. They may also escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep patients rooms neat, set up equipment, or store and move supplies. CNAs observe patients physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes are often the principal caregivers, having far more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Since some residents may stay in a nursing home for months or even years, aides develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way.
Most full-time nursing assistants work about 40 hours a week, but because patients need care 24 hours a day, some CNAs work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Many work part-time. CNAs spend many hours standing and walking, and they often face heavy workloads. Because they may have to move patients in and out of bed or help them stand or walk, aides must guard against back injury. Nursing assistants may also face hazards from minor infections and major diseases such as hepatitis, but can avoid infections by following proper procedures.
Academic Requirements:
Nursing assistants can be trained at many of Oregon's community colleges or through on-the-job training programs. After successful completion of a nursing assistant course, students are eligible for the certification exam through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Academic and Technical Standards
Nursing Assistant Academic and Technical Standards
Criminal Background Check
If students have a criminal history matching any of the crimes and time frames shown on the “Nursing Assistant Permanent Disqualifying Crimes” and the “Potentially Disqualifying Crimes” documents the Oregon State Police will send the program a fingerprint background check response that says “denied.” Questions about the process may be directed to the contact information given below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Costs/Expenses Estimate
Josephine and Jackson County 2012 Average Hourly and Annual Salary: $12.77/hour; $26,571/year
Employment Outlook: Above average
For more information:
- Nursing Assistant Program Flyer [PDF] - note prerequisites, course information, and CPR requirements.
- NOTE: .250 registration for the summer NA101 course opens at 7:30 am May 27, 2013, and for the fall NA101 course opens at 7:30am, August 19, 2013.
Nursing Assistant
(541) 245-7504 Medford
(541) 956-7500 x7504 Grants Pass
Email