Nursing Assistant non-credit program
(formerly called CNA)
Why choose the Nursing Assistant non-credit program at PCC?
Are you ready to join the healthcare workforce in a role that is in high demand and offers stability? Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) opens the door to a career where you’ll make a difference in patients’ lives every single day. This program is designed to help you succeed and offers a pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or physician assistant.
Scholarships to cover tuition and fees
Thanks to a Future-Ready Oregon grant, the cost of the program is covered by scholarships through June 30, 2026.
Enroll today
Accepting applications for Winter term soon. Check our website later for updates.
stethoscope Practical in-person training
沙巴体育官网 your skills in both lecture and lab settings, gaining real-world experience during clinical practicum at hospitals or skilled nursing facilities in the Portland area.
calendar check 7 week program
Spend a little over 16 hours per week over seven weeks.
chart line In-demand
Grow the skills that will make you a vital member of the healthcare team, from compassion to effective communication and teamwork.
user nurse Career-ready preparation
Complete the program and gain the knowledge and confidence to pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam which grants you certification and the ability to work as a certified nursing assistant in the state of Oregon.
people group Wrap-around support
The Nursing Assistant program has teamed up with PCC’s Career Pathways department to provide enhanced coaching and case management for students in the program. Nursing Assistant students receive additional support with navigating college resources, goal setting, and overcoming barriers to success from a dedicated coach. Additional supports may also include transportation assistance, professional clothing, or supplies needed to be successful in the program.
What to expect
Approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the Nursing Assistant program teaches hands-on skills that students will use every day to provide patients with exceptional health care. After practicing these skills in a lecture and lab setting, you will put them to use in the real world during a clinical practicum at one of several hospitals, clinics, long term care, or skilled nursing facilities in the Portland area.
Part I: CPR Certification, Lecture & Lab, 69.5 hours
- 37 hours of classroom time
- 28 hours of lab skills training
- 4.5 hours for CPR certification
Learn about the principles of health care, various diseases and body systems. Work with other students to practice skills like taking vital signs, dressing and undressing clients, and assisting with feeding.
Part II: Clinical Practice Experience, 40 hours
After successful completion of the lecture and lab portion, you will move on to a clinical rotation. Put your skills to work during 40 hours of real-world experience. Gain experiences and a preview of your role as part of the healthcare team.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to
- Pass the state board exam, which grants certification as a certified nursing assistant.
- Apply a working knowledge of a variety of human body systems, including the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and more.
- Understand a variety of human disease processes, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, and substance abuse, among many others.
- Understand standard precautions and the importance of keeping a clean and sterile environment, as well as how to prevent and halt the spread of disease by maintaining cleanliness.
- Perform a vast number of skills essential to the role of a CNA, including taking vital signs like pulse and blood pressure; helping with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, or hair and nail care; and assisting clients with walking and range-of-motion exercises.
- Gain insight into the psychological struggles of patients and clients, listening to, empathizing, and connecting with people.
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of nursing assistants, including which tasks they are prohibited from, and how to earn and maintain licensure.
- Network with nurses, doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists and others to provide patient-centered care.
- Use effective time management to maintain a work-life balance
- Exercise professionalism, appropriate conduct, and other skills that will help in finding, securing and maintaining long-term employment.
How long will it take?
- Required orientation before class begins and fulfillment of clinical requirements such as background check, drug screen, immunization verification, and online training modules
- 69.5 hours of CPR certification, Lecture and lab
- 40 hours of clinical practice experience
- 7 weeks to complete
How much will it cost?
Scholarships to cover tuition and fees
All tuition, fees and other program costs will be covered for the first 120 students by Future Ready Oregon Grant through June 30, 2026.
With Future Ready Oregon Grant funding, the following costs are covered:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1500 |
| CastleBranch Fee (background check; drug testing; immunization records; OSHA & HIPPA training) | $200 |
| BLS/CPR Certification & Text | $130 |
| OSBN Certification Exam – initial attempt | $106 |
| Fingerprinting for OSBN Certification | $70.50 |
| Scrubs (2 pair) | $110 |
| Instructional Materials | $130 |
| Total costs | $2246.50 |
In addition to tuition, fees, and other program costs outlined above, students will be responsible for the fees associated with the OSBN certification for any attempts to pass certification beyond the initial attempt.
Course schedule
Summer Session
- Course start date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
- CPR Certification and Orientation: Thursday, July 10 from 8am to 2:50pm
- Lecture/Lab: Thursdays/Fridays from 8am to 4:20pm
- Clinical times: to be decided
Fall Session 1
- Course start date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
- CPR Certification and Orientation: Thursday, September 25 from 8am to 2:50pm
- Lecture/Lab: Thursdays/Fridays from 8am to 4:20pm
- Clinical times: to be decided
Fall Session 2
- Course start date: Friday, October 17, 2025
- CPR Certification and Orientation: Friday, October 17, 2025 from 8am to 2:50pm
- Lecture/Lab: Thursdays/Fridays from 8am to 4:20pm
- Clinical times: to be decided
Locations
- Lecture and lab: PCC Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
- Clinical sites: Subject to change based on availability and resources
Steps to enroll
Applicants will be asked a few screening questions on the interest form linked below, to complete their clinical requirements (drug screen, background check, vaccination verification, and online training modules), and meet with a Career Pathways coach. Upon completion of these requirements, 20 students will then be admitted to each course on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
Create an account
Visit Continuing Education Registration and create a new account – select “Apply as a non-credit student”.Application timeline
Program start date Date by which all enrollment steps must be completed Winter 2026 Check website later for updates - In the application, when asked to choose between Community Education and Continuing Education, select Continuing Education.
- Returning PCC Students can skip steps one and two.
-
Set up email
You will receive a confirmation email with your PCC ID # (referred to as the G#) and username. Follow the link provided in the email to complete your set up and obtain your PCC email address.
-
Submit form
After receiving your PCC ID# and email address, submit the Nursing Assistant Program Interest form to indicate your interest in the Nursing Assistant program. The link to this form will be available when we are ready to accept applications for winter term.
-
Complete clinical requirements
Upon submission of the interest form, you will receive instructions sent to your PCC email address for how to complete your clinical requirements for the background check, drug screen, and immunization verification through CastleBranch. Be sure to check your PCC email address frequently. If the class has full enrollment, additional student applicants will be notified that they have been put on a waitlist.
- See Requirements for Clinical & Field Education for more information.
- Note that students will complete their CPR requirement the first day of class.
-
Onboarding session
Once your clinical requirements are complete, you will be invited to an onboarding session with your PCC Career Pathways career coach to establish a College and Career Plan, set up your scholarship for tuition and support services, and enroll in the Nursing Assistant course. Those who do not complete their clinical requirements prior to the course will be considered for the next course. Students who complete their clinical requirements after the course spots have been filled will be put on a waitlist for the course and?will be considered for the next course.
Questions?
Contact the Nursing Assistant program at?NA@pcc.edu