More information available on our Nursing Assistant website.
Recommended basic skills courses are
- College Readiness in English
Prerequisite Courses
- HPR 1011 CPR for Professionals or Proof of Completion of CPR for Healthcare Professionals (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA) only
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for entry level positions in bedside care. The program is competency-based introducing students to the principles, skills and abilities that comprise the Nursing Assistant Scope of Practice. Successful graduates of this program will have the knowledge base to work in a variety of settings to include long-term care, home health, hospice, rehabilitation, and acute care. Students who complete NUA 1001 , NUA 1070 , and NUA 1071 are eligible for a Program Completion Certificate from Pikes Peak State College.
A PPSC Program Certificate does not guarantee state licensure or the ability to legally practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The PPSC Program Certificate grants the individual eligibility to apply to take the Colorado Nurse Aide Certificate Examination. It is successful completion of the state certification exam within two years of program completion that will result in legal licensure and the eligibility for practice within the State of Colorado.
In addition to the classroom content delivered in NUA 1001 , students can anticipate up to 60 hours of hands-on clinical experience in NUA 1070 and NUA 1071 . Clinical instruction takes place outside of the traditional classroom in a live, community-based healthcare setting. Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in NUA 1070 and NUA 1071 (Students under age 18 will be scheduled for a non-hospital clinical assignment for NUA 1071 .
To register for the NUA program courses students must obtain an application from the NUA department. Students will be eligible to register once they have turned in their completed application packet to include the following information:
- Proof of immunization or positive blood titers for: Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B and Varicella. Tuberculin skin test, quantiferon or negative Chest X-ray and current year influenza vaccination and completion of the COVID vaccination series
- Signed documentation of a physical exam administered by their private care physician at their own cost
- Current CPR for Healthcare Providers (BLS), American Heart Association (AHA) only
- PPSC approved criminal background check and drug screen: The background checks and drug screens are an additional cost, paid by the student. Failure of either the background check or drug screen will disqualify the individual for eligibility to the program for two years. Contact a NUA faculty advisor for information on specific disqualifiers.
For additional information/clarification please attend a NUA information session of review the information on power point on the NUA website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Nursing Assistant certificate program, students should be able to:
- Implement awareness of a client’s emotional, social, and mental health needs through skillful, directed interactions
- Support the client in attaining and maintaining independence
- Interpret the observational and documentation skills needed in the assessment of client’s health, physical condition, and well-being
- Demonstrate the functions of the nursing assistant within the health care team
- Communicate competently with clients and other members of the healthcare team
- Exhibit behavior in support and promotion of the Clients’ rights
- Demonstrate an awareness of the Colorado Nurse Aide Practice Act
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