University of Alaska Southeast Certified Nurse Aide Training O.E. Program

The University of Alaska Southeast offers a comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide Training Occupational Endorsement program designed to prepare students for entry-level healthcare careers. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring healthcare opportunities, a career changer seeking stable employment, or a working adult ready to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives, this certified nursing assistant training in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, Alaska provides the essential foundation for your healthcare journey.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the Alaska State Nurse Aide certification exam. This occupational endorsement provides focused, practical training that opens doors to immediate employment opportunities while also serving as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare education and career advancement.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 9 credits (approximately 16 weeks)
• Cost of Program: Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information
• Accreditation: University of Alaska Southeast is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Available at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka campuses with online and traditional classroom options

CNA Training Structure

The University of Alaska Southeast CNA program combines comprehensive theoretical education with hands-on clinical training to ensure students develop both the knowledge and practical skills needed for professional healthcare careers.

Classroom Learning

Students receive extensive theoretical foundation covering basic nursing skills necessary to become efficient and productive healthcare team members. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental patient care principles, medical terminology, and healthcare procedures essential for providing quality patient care in various healthcare settings.

Clinical Experience

The program includes a minimum of 80 hours of skills and clinical training, providing students with substantial hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. Students apply classroom knowledge through direct patient care under professional supervision, developing confidence and competency in essential nursing assistant skills.

Exam Preparation

Students must successfully pass the didactic portion of coursework with 75% (C grade) or higher and achieve 100% proficiency in skills and clinical training to qualify for the Alaska State Nurse Aide certification exam. This rigorous preparation ensures graduates are well-equipped to succeed on the certification examination and begin their healthcare careers.

Admission Requirements

The University of Alaska Southeast CNA program maintains specific admission requirements to ensure student success and program quality.

Academic Prerequisites

Educational Foundation:

• Writing placement exam score demonstrating college-level proficiency
• Overall writing placement score into WRTG 110 or higher (combined score of 500+)
• Alternative: High school or college transcripts showing completion of college writing class at WRTG 110 level or higher

Required Documentation

Health and Safety Requirements:

• Current health screening completed by an MD, NP, or PA
• Tuberculosis (PPD) test with results valid for one year spanning course dates
• Alaska criminal background check dated within 6 months of application
• Instructor approval and completed application

Application Components:

• Personal data sheet with complete contact information
• Health screening form signed by healthcare professional
• Writing placement exam results or qualifying transcripts
• Alaska criminal background check report

Important Application Notes

Students with criminal background check violations must contact the State of Alaska Nurse Aide Licensing Examiner before submitting their application to UAS. The Alaska Board of Nursing evaluates eligibility on a case-by-case basis and may deny certification based on certain criminal history.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The University of Alaska Southeast offers flexible program delivery options to accommodate diverse student needs across multiple campus locations.

Campus Locations

Program Availability:

• Juneau Campus: Traditional classroom and online options
• Ketchikan Campus: Traditional classroom format
• Sitka Campus: Traditional classroom format

Course Format Options

Students can choose between traditional classroom instruction and online learning formats, providing flexibility for working adults and those with varying scheduling needs. Each format maintains the same rigorous academic standards and clinical requirements.

Scheduling Considerations

The program operates on a semester-based schedule with applications accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students should plan for both classroom attendance and clinical placement commitments throughout the program duration.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

Educational Expenses:

• ACCUPLACER Writing Placement Assessment: $10 (if needed)
• Alaska Criminal Background Check: $20 (cash or personal check only)
• Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, and clinical supplies

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and comprehensive fee information.

Financial Assistance Options

The University of Alaska Southeast provides extensive financial aid resources to help students manage educational costs:

Federal and State Programs:

• Department of Labor Division of Employment & Training Services (income-based qualification)
• UAS Foundation scholarships and departmental tuition waivers
• Federal financial aid through FAFSA applications

Specialized Funding Opportunities:

• Area Health Education Center (AHEC): Up to $1,000 stipend with one-year commitment
• Alaska Community Foundation scholarships for Sitka, Ketchikan, and Wrangell residents
• Tlingit and Haida College Student Assistance Program
• SERRC Alaska Education programs for qualifying students

Payment Planning:

• Student payment plans available through UAS Student Accounts
• Various scholarship opportunities for students with specific backgrounds or circumstances

How to Apply

The University of Alaska Southeast CNA program requires completion of a comprehensive application process to ensure student readiness and program fit.

Application Process Steps

Phase 1: Initial Application Preparation

1. Complete the personal data sheet with accurate contact information
2. Take the ACCUPLACER Writing Placement Assessment at UAS Learning Center
3. Obtain health screening from qualified healthcare provider (MD, NP, or PA)
4. Secure Alaska criminal background check from authorized locations

Phase 2: Application Submission

1. Compile all required documents into complete application packet
2. Submit completed application to UAS Health Sciences Department
3. Include all required fees and documentation
4. Ensure application meets semester deadline requirements

Application Deadlines and Contact Information

Submission Options:

• Mail: University of Alaska Southeast, School of Career Education, Attn: HEALTH SCIENCES Dept. – CNA Program, 1415 Harbor Way, Juneau, AK 99801
• Email: [email protected]
• Drop-off: Available at campus locations

Selection Criteria: Applications are reviewed based on completion of all four required components. With competitive applicant pools, acceptance may also consider GPA and application submission timing.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Main Campus Contact

• Institution Name: University of Alaska Southeast
• Address: 1415 Harbor Way, Juneau, AK 99801
• Phone Number: (907) 796-6125 or (907) 796-6100 (admissions)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: catalog.uas.alaska.edu

Multiple Campus Locations

Juneau Campus:

• Juneau Auke Bay Campus (primary location)
• UAS Learning Center for placement testing
• Health clinic services available for enrolled students

Ketchikan Campus:

• 2600 7th Ave., Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-6177
• Email: [email protected]

Sitka Campus:

• 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK 99835
• Phone: (907) 747-7700
• Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources

Students can access comprehensive support services throughout their educational journey at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Academic Support Services

Learning Resources:

• UAS Learning Center with tutoring and testing services
• ACCUPLACER placement test preparation materials
• Academic advising for program planning and career guidance
• Online learning platform support for distance education students

Health and Clinical Support

Health Services:

• UAS Health Clinic for enrolled students (physical exams and TB testing at no charge)
• Clinical placement coordination with local healthcare facilities
• Health screening assistance and documentation support

Financial and Career Services

Student Support:

• Financial aid counseling and scholarship application assistance
• Career services and job placement support
• Student payment plan options and account management
• Professional development and continuing education information

Application Resources

Documentation Assistance:

• Background check information and processing locations
• Health screening form templates and requirements
• Writing assessment preparation materials and practice tests
• Application deadline tracking and submission support

Summary and Next Steps

The University of Alaska Southeast Certified Nurse Aide Training O.E. program represents an excellent pathway into Alaska’s growing healthcare field. With comprehensive classroom instruction, extensive clinical training, and flexible delivery options across three campus locations, this program provides the thorough preparation needed for certification success and immediate employment opportunities.

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