Nurse Aide

Career Information

Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA): Provide basic patient care under the supervision of nursing staff.

  • Home Health Aide: Assist patients in their homes with daily living activities.

  • Patient Care Technician: Support patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

  • Geriatric Aide: Specialize in caring for elderly patients.

  • Rehabilitation Aide: Assist in the care and rehabilitation of patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.

  • Medical Assistant: Perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities.

  • Phlebotomist: Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.

These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.

Program Description

This program is designed to be completed in one year during the 11th or 12th grade.

Year 1

Nurse Aide I (2 credits): Nurse Aide I, offered as an occupational preparation course beginning at the 11th-grade level, is regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing. It emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the healthcare system. Students study growth and development across the lifespan, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology. They are introduced to concepts of infection prevention and disease processes. Students receive entry-level skill training in patient-nurse aide relationships; measuring and recording vital signs; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and general patient care. Work-based learning may be offered as part of this course. The Nurse Aide I course introduces students to careers in nursing, health professions, and STEM-H professions. Students must maintain American Heart Association's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) training during this course.

Nurse Aide II (2 credits): Nurse Aide II is an occupational preparation course emphasizing body systems and diseases as related to advanced clinical care of the acute medical-surgical patient, the chronically ill, and the elderly. Students receive skills training and hands-on clinical experiences in a healthcare setting. Work-based learning in a healthcare facility is part of the course. Students must maintain American Heart Association's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) training during this course. This course requires students to meet the Virginia Board of Nursing required clock hours to be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam. Additionally, this course includes the approved opiate competencies for health and medical sciences education.

Program Structure and Benefits

Career Technical Student Organization - Future Health Professionals: This organization prepares students for careers in the health sciences.

Real-World Experience: Students learn and practice their skills in professional patient care settings complete with all current industry-standard equipment. Students are tested on 23 skills necessary to pass the Virginia Board of Nursing state licensing exam for nurse aides. They engage in 45 hours of hands-on experience with residents in a long-term care facility under the supervision of registered nurses.

Certifications: Students will earn their Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Workplace Readiness Skills (WRS) certifications prior to attending clinicals.

Instructors