University of Alaska Fairbanks Nurse Aide O.E.C. Program

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Occupational Endorsement Certificate (O.E.C.) program designed for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field as certified nursing assistants. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring healthcare careers, a career changer looking for stable employment, or a working adult ready to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives, this nurse aide program in Fairbanks, Alaska provides the essential training and certification preparation you need.

Upon successful completion of the Nurse Aide O.E.C. program, students are prepared to sit for the Certified Nurse Aide examination through the Alaska Board of Nursing. This occupational endorsement provides focused, practical training that can serve as a stepping stone into the healthcare profession or as preparation for advanced nursing education.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 9 credits minimum required
• Cost of Program: Approximately $2,169 based on $241 per credit for lower-level courses (9 credits)
• Accreditation: University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters

CNA Training Structure

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nurse Aide O.E.C. program combines comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory and clinical experience to prepare students for professional healthcare careers.

Understanding Your Educational Pathway

Students can choose between two structured approaches to complete their nurse aide training:

Direct Pathway:

• Complete HLTH F107 (Nurse Aide Training) as a single 9-credit course
• Provides comprehensive training in one integrated program
• Includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience

Progressive Pathway:

• Begin with HLTH F111 (Personal Care Attendant Training) – 4 credits
• Continue with HLTH F113 (Personal Care Attendant to Nursing Assistant Bridge) – 5 credits
• Builds skills progressively from basic care to advanced nursing assistance

Classroom Learning

Students learn basic nursing skills necessary to assist nurses as efficient healthcare team members. The curriculum emphasizes positive communication skills and focuses on personal care of residents’ physical and emotional needs in various healthcare settings. Course content includes fundamental nursing principles and patient care techniques essential for providing compassionate, professional healthcare.

Clinical Experience

The program includes both laboratory practice and clinical experience components structured to build competency:

• Laboratory Skills Development: Students practice essential nursing procedures in controlled environments
• Real-World Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in healthcare facilities under professional supervision
• Patient Care Application: Direct application of classroom knowledge to actual patient care situations

Exam Preparation

Students are specifically prepared for the National Nurse Aide Examination upon program completion. The curriculum is designed to ensure graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the certification exam and begin working as certified nursing assistants throughout Alaska.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet specific academic and health requirements before enrolling in the Nurse Aide O.E.C. program. Understanding these requirements early helps ensure successful program completion.

Academic Prerequisites

Educational Foundation:

• High school graduation or GED completion
• Placement into MATH F055 or higher mathematics course
• Placement into WRTG F090 or higher writing course
• Students must earn a C- or better in each required course

University Requirements:

• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in all coursework
• At least 30% of program credits must be completed in residence at UAF
• Program completion required within five years of formal acceptance

Health and Physical Requirements

Students must be in good physical condition to safely participate in clinical training. Required health documentation includes:

Immunization Requirements:

• Two varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
• Hepatitis B vaccine series (complete series required)
• Two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines
• Two-step PPD tuberculosis testing within the previous 12 months of clinical participation

Alternative Documentation:

• Students are encouraged to have titer testing to prove immunity to required diseases
• Medical exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Additional specific immunizations may be required by individual clinical sites

Background Check Requirements

A criminal background check is required for certain program pathways, particularly the Personal Care Attendant Training component. Students should verify specific requirements based on their chosen course sequence and discuss any concerns with program advisors early in the application process.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers flexible scheduling options designed to accommodate various student circumstances while maintaining rigorous educational standards.

Semester Availability

Year-Round Opportunities:

• Fall semester enrollment
• Spring semester enrollment
• Summer semester enrollment
• Multiple entry points throughout the academic year

Course Structure and Time Commitment

HLTH F107 – Nurse Aide Training (9 credits):

• 5 hours lecture per week
• 8 hours laboratory and clinical experience per week
• Intensive, comprehensive single-course approach

Alternative Pathway Scheduling:

• HLTH F111: Personal Care Attendant Training offered as demand warrants
• HLTH F113: Bridge course offered as demand warrants
• Allows for more gradual skill development

Balancing Education with Life Responsibilities

The program structure recognizes that many healthcare students are working adults or have family responsibilities. The variety of scheduling options and course pathways provides flexibility while ensuring all students receive comprehensive training for certification success.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

Tuition Structure:

• Lower-level courses (100-200 level): $241 per credit
• Total estimated tuition for 9-credit program: $2,169
• No out-of-state tuition charges for Alaska residents
• Tuition rates subject to change per Board of Regents policy

Additional Expenses: Students should budget for supplementary costs including textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and certification exam fees. Contact the program directly for current estimates of these additional expenses.

Understanding Financial Aid Options

Federal Financial Aid:

• Complete FAFSA applications for federal grant and loan eligibility
• Work-study programs may be available for qualified students
• Veterans educational benefits accepted for eligible service members

University and State Programs:

• University of Alaska scholarship opportunities
• Alaska state educational funding programs
• Occupational training grants for healthcare careers

Payment Planning:

• Payment plan options may be available through the university
• Contact the UAF Financial Aid Office for personalized assistance
• Discuss timing of expenses with program advisors

For comprehensive financial planning, contact the UAF Financial Aid Office to explore all available options and create a funding strategy that works for your situation.

How to Apply

The application process for the Nurse Aide O.E.C. program involves several sequential steps designed to ensure students are prepared for success in healthcare education.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Phase 1: Initial Application

1. Submit a free application for admission to UAF occupational endorsement programs
2. Complete placement testing to demonstrate mathematics and writing proficiency
3. Meet with academic advisors to discuss program pathways and career goals

Phase 2: Health and Safety Documentation

1. Gather required immunization records and health documentation
2. Complete background check requirements if applicable
3. Verify physical condition requirements for clinical participation

Phase 3: Program Registration

1. Register for required courses once admission requirements are met
2. Plan course sequence based on chosen pathway (direct or progressive)
3. Confirm clinical placement availability and requirements

Important Deadlines and Timeline Considerations

Completion Form Deadlines:

• Spring completion: May 1
• Summer completion: August 1
• Fall completion: December 1

Planning Considerations:

• Program must be completed within five years of formal acceptance
• Clinical placements may have specific scheduling requirements
• Immunization requirements may take time to complete

Getting Started with Your Application

Contact the University of Alaska Fairbanks admissions office to begin your application process. Early contact with program advisors helps ensure smooth progression through requirements and maximizes your chances of successful program completion.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Address: 1810 Salcha Street, Fairbanks, AK 99775
• Phone Number: (907) 474-6300
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: catalog.uaf.edu

Summary and Next Steps

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nurse Aide O.E.C. program represents a well-structured pathway into Alaska’s growing healthcare field. With comprehensive classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and flexible scheduling options, this occupational endorsement provides the essential foundation for a meaningful healthcare career.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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