Make a Difference - Become a Nurse Aide

Nurse aides are in high demand in our region. The Nurse Aide program at Westmoreland County Community College will put you on the path to possible full-time employment and a rewarding career.

What Are the Job Duties of a Nurse Aide?

• Accurately measures, records and reports residents vital signs
• Report needs and changes in the resident’s condition
• Monitor and document the resident’s intake and output
• Feed and assist residents with nutritional intake
• Assist resident with range of motion exercises
• Measures, records and reports resident pain
• Provides a safe client environment
• Assist residents with hygiene and grooming needs
• Transfer and assist residents with ambulation and mobility needs

Employment Opportunities

• Employment in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and home health care
• Job growth projected to increase 11% from 2016 to 2026
• Projected annual openings are 2,708
• Entry-level wage: $23,420
  • Mean wage:$29,190
  • Experienced: $32,070

Program Details

• 128 hours of training
  • 72 hours of lecture/lab
  • 56 hours at a clinical site
• Program meets the mandates of the federal government (via OBRA)
• Training completed within 8-9 weeks
• Instructors approved by Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Program offered fall, spring and summer semesters
• Preparation for National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam

Upcoming Class 

•  There are no currrent classes scheduled. Please check back for updates.
• When the next class opens, you will need to complete an application to the college. When you click on the APPLY link, you will set up an account. Once your account is established you can log into your account and complete the online application for the Nurse Aide program. The link to the application will appear HERE when the next class opens for applicants. 

How to Apply and Admission Requirements

• Read the Nurse Aide Fact Sheet.
• Complete the below forms to upload to your application dashboard (your application is not complete without the below forms):
  • Verification of Residency Form
  • Attestation of Compliance with PA Act 14 Form
  • Health and TB Form
  • CHRI Information
  • Process for Procuring an FBI Report for NA Training
  • Liability Insurance Form
  • FERPA (this document only needs to be completed if your education is being covered by a 3rd party)

Course Requirements

• Attend all classes – lecture/lab and clinical
• Achieve 80%  on exams
• Be able to do heavy lifting (verified by your physical exam)
• Show evidence of liability insurance prior to the first day of clinical
• Perform all the skills on the clinical performance records
• Wear identification that clearly states you are a trainee - provided by Westmoreland