Kaua’i Community College CNA Program

The Nurse Aide program at Kaua’i Community College in Lihue, Hawaii provides comprehensive training designed to prepare entry-level nurse aides for rewarding careers in healthcare. This state-approved program equips students with essential skills to provide compassionate care to elderly, ill, and disabled individuals across various healthcare settings. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey or changing careers, the Nurse Aide Certificate of Competence program prepares you to work under the supervision of licensed nurses or physicians in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, assisted living centers, clinics, hospitals, and home care environments.

Upon successful completion of the CNA classes at Kaua’i Community College, students become eligible to take the State of Hawaii Nurse Aide certification exam, opening doors to immediate employment opportunities throughout Hawaii’s healthcare system.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (5 credits total)
• Cost of Program: $131 per credit for Hawaii residents ($655 total); $345 per credit for non-residents ($1,725 total)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Hawaii State Director of the Department of Human Services and meets Hawaii Administrative Rules 16-89A-3
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for information about pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall and Spring semesters; contact the program directly for specific class times

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Kaua’i CC Nurse Aide program covers essential knowledge and skills through NURS 100, including:

• Roles and responsibilities of the nurse aide as a healthcare team member
• Therapeutic communication skills with clients, families, and healthcare team members
• Infection control and safety procedures
• Professional conduct, ethical principles, and legal responsibilities
• Personal care techniques
• Resident rights and patient dignity
• Emotional support strategies
• Care approaches for special populations
• Basic problem-solving skills appropriate for nurse aide practice

Clinical Experience

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through NURS 100L, which provides:

• Practical application of classroom learning in clinical environments
• Supervised hands-on training in patient care techniques
• Experience with equipment used to provide safe nurse aide care
• Opportunities to apply infection control and safety procedures
• Development of therapeutic communication skills with actual patients
• 6 lab hours per week in clinical settings

Exam Preparation

The program thoroughly prepares students for the State of Hawaii Nurse Aide certification exam by:

• Aligning curriculum with state certification requirements
• Building competence in all required nursing assistant skills
• Providing opportunities to practice and demonstrate skills in real clinical settings
• Ensuring students can demonstrate professional conduct in healthcare environments

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Kaua’i Community College Nurse Aide program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Qualified for ENG 100L (English requirements)
• Basic Life Support CPR certification prior to enrollment
• Student liability insurance
• Health clearances (specific immunizations and health documents will be required)
• Criminal background check

Additional general admission requirements for Kaua’i Community College:

• Any U.S. high school graduate (or equivalent), or any person 18 years or older is eligible for admission

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date and detailed admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nurse Aide program at Kaua’i Community College offers:

• Classes during both Fall and Spring semesters
• Two courses taken concurrently:
  • NURS 100 – Nurse Aide (3 credits): 3 lecture hours per week
  • NURS 100L – Nurse Aide Clinical Lab (2 credits): 6 lab hours per week

The program must be completed within one semester. For specific class schedules, days, and times, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at (808) 245-8225 or the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Tuition and Fees

• Hawaii Residents: $131 per credit ($655 for the 5-credit program)
• Pacific Islander Students: $196.50 per credit ($982.50 for the 5-credit program)
• Non-Residents: $345 per credit ($1,725 for the 5-credit program)
• Additional Student Fees: Approximately $108

Additional Costs

Students should budget for:

• Books and supplies (approximately $1,360)
• CPR certification
• Student liability insurance
• Health clearances and immunizations
• Background check fees
• Uniforms and appropriate footwear

Financial Aid Options

Kaua’i Community College offers various financial aid options, including:

• Federal and state grants
• Scholarships
• Student loans

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for financial assistance. For specific information about financial aid for the Nurse Aide program, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

How to Apply

To apply for the Kaua’i Community College Nurse Aide program, follow these steps:

1. Apply to Kaua’i Community College
   • Submit an application online at apply.hawaii.edu
   • Applications for Summer & Fall 2025 are currently being accepted
2. Meet General Admission Requirements
   • Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the college
   • Submit any required documentation for admission
3. Complete Program Prerequisites
   • Qualify for ENG 100L
   • Obtain Basic Life Support CPR certification
4. Register for Courses
   • Once accepted to the college, register for both NURS 100 and NURS 100L concurrently
   • Courses must be taken during the same semester
5. Complete Health and Background Requirements
   • Submit required health clearances
   • Complete background check
   • Purchase student liability insurance

For assistance with the application process, contact the Admissions and Records Office at (808) 245-8225 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Kaua’i Community College
• Address: 3-1901 Kaumuali’i Highway, Lihue, Hawaii 96766
• Phone Number: (808) 245-8311
• Admissions Office: (808) 245-8225
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.kauai.hawaii.edu/nurse-aide
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm (closed on weekends & state holidays)

Additional Resources

Kaua’i Community College provides several resources to help prospective and current Nurse Aide students:

• Hawaii Administrative Rules 16-89A-3 – Official state requirements for nurse aide certification
• Nurse Aide Program Student Learning Outcomes – Detailed information about program outcomes
• Course Descriptions – Specific information about NURS 100 and NURS 100L courses
• Academic Calendar – Important dates and deadlines
• Financial Aid Information – Resources for funding your education
• State Licensure Information – Information for students planning to practice in other states

Summary and Next Steps

The Nurse Aide program at Kaua’i Community College offers a direct pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Hawaii. Through a one-semester program combining classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, you’ll develop the essential skills needed to provide compassionate care in various healthcare settings.

With affordable tuition rates, especially for Hawaii residents, and the potential for financial aid, this program represents an accessible entry point into the healthcare field. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the State of Hawaii Nurse Aide certification exam, qualifying you for immediate employment opportunities.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.