Nursing | Nurse Aide Certificate

Recommended basic skills courses are

  • College Readiness in English

Prerequisite Courses

  • HPR 1011 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 Nurse Aide 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 and NUA 1070 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 Nurse Aide. 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 30 hours of hands-on clinical experience in NUA 1070  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 register for this certificate program. 

To successfully complete this program, students will be required to complete proof of immunization forms for clinical compliance. Additional requirements include: 

  • 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. 

Program Learning Outcomes/Terminal Competencies

Upon completion of the Nurse Aide certificate program, students should be able to:

  • Establish effective communication and interact competently with clients and the interdisciplinary team on a one-on-one basis
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to clients' emotional, social, and mental health needs through skillful, directed interactions
  • Discuss promoting and assisting clients to attain and maintain independence, recognizing each individual's capabilities in regard to ADLs, hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and elimination
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills that support and promote each client's rights as well as respect for the client as an individual
  • Demonstrate appropriate observational and documentation skills needed in the assessment of clients' health, physical condition, and well-being
  • Combine knowledge gained to function within the healthcare team in the nurse aide role
  • Demonstrate proficiency in skills required by the State Board of Nursing (SBON) Chapter 11 Rules and Regulations for Approval of Nurse Aide Training Programs