Caring For Life Nurse Aide CNA Program

The Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life in Jacksonville and Castle Hayne, North Carolina, is built on the foundation that compassion is fundamental to quality healthcare. This state-approved course prepares students with the essential skills needed to provide thoughtful, patient-centered care in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the healthcare field, a career changer seeking more meaningful work, or someone interested in taking the first step toward advanced nursing education, the CNA classes at Caring For Life offer a supportive pathway to state certification.

Founded in 2009 by experienced healthcare educator Tanya Fowler, MSN, PMHNP, Caring For Life approaches nurse aide training with a unique philosophy: when you emotionally care for your work, your practical skills naturally excel. This approach has helped thousands of students successfully complete their certified nursing assistant training in North Carolina and move forward in healthcare careers. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences, students develop both the technical competence and compassionate approach needed for success in this vital healthcare role.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 122 hours total
• Cost of Program: $500 (includes background check, drug screen, student insurance, and AHA BLS CPR certification)
• Accreditation: State-approved program leading to NC Nurse Aide I certification
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple schedule options available, including day, evening, and hybrid (part online, part in-person) formats
• Program Locations: Jacksonville Campus and Castle Hayne Campus (near Wilmington, NC)

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life covers essential knowledge and skills through comprehensive classroom instruction. Students learn to perform basic nursing skills including:

• Vital signs measurement
• Assisting with hygiene
• Feeding techniques
• Infection control practices
• Elimination assistance
• Patient positioning
• Personal care skills
• Interpersonal communication skills
• HIPAA regulations
• Safety procedures
• Understanding death and dying
• Legal ethics and professionalism
• Healthcare system fundamentals
• Patient safety protocols
• Basic first aid
• Acute care procedures
• Home care environment considerations

The program offers both traditional classroom instruction and hybrid options. The hybrid format allows students to complete some lecture components online through discussion boards, online lectures, and quizzes, while still attending in-person sessions for hands-on learning.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is a required component of the Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life. During clinical rotations, students apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under supervision. These hands-on experiences are essential for developing confidence and competence in providing patient care.

Clinical schedules vary by class, but typically begin at 7:30 am. Evening classes typically include weekend clinical rotations to accommodate working students. Students must come to class on the first day in complete uniform and be prepared for clinical requirements.

Exam Preparation

The Caring For Life Nurse Aide I program is specifically designed to prepare students for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I state examination. Successful completion of the 122-hour course allows graduates to take this exam and become listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry.

The program structure ensures students have both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to pass the state examination and excel in their future roles as certified nursing assistants.

Admission Requirements

To register for the Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life, prospective students must provide:

• High school transcripts, college transcripts, GED, or equivalency
• Proof of immunizations including:
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis B
  • TB test completed within the past year

Additionally, students will need to complete:

• Background check and drug screen (included in course fee)

A textbook is required for the program and may be purchased or rented separately.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Caring For Life offers multiple scheduling options across their Jacksonville and Castle Hayne campuses to accommodate different student needs:

Jacksonville Campus (618A Court Street, Jacksonville, NC):

• April 21 – June 30: Monday & Thursday, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (includes 4 Saturday classes)
• May 6 – July 22: Tuesday & Wednesday, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (includes 2 Saturday clinicals)
• July 7 – August 21: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (includes 4 Saturdays from 8:30am-2:30pm)
• August 6 – October 2: Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00am – 2:00pm (Clinicals 7:30am-3:00pm)

Castle Hayne Campus (1915 N County Drive, Castle Hayne, NC):

• March 18 – May 21: Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:00am-2:00pm (Clinicals 7:30am-3:00pm)
• June 24 – August 27: Tuesday & Wednesday, 9:00am-2:00pm (Clinicals 7:30am-3:00pm)

Students must submit all applications, enrollment forms, and deposits at least one week before the class start date. Class schedules are subject to change based on enrollment.

The hybrid program option combines online learning with in-person sessions, providing additional flexibility for students with busy schedules.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

Nurse Aide I Program:

• Course Fee: $500 (includes background check, drug screen, student insurance, and AHA BLS CPR certification)

Additional Required Expenses:

• Textbook (may be purchased or rented separately)
• Uniform requirements

Post-Graduation Certification Costs:

• NC Nurse Aide I State Examination Fee

Financial Aid Options

For information about potential financial assistance opportunities, please contact Caring For Life directly.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life:

1. Contact the campus of your choice (Jacksonville or Castle Hayne)
2. Complete and submit enrollment forms
3. Pay the required deposit to secure your place in the class
4. Gather required documentation (high school transcript/GED, immunization records)
5. Prepare to attend the first day of class in complete uniform with all required materials

All applications, enrollment forms, and deposits must be submitted at least one week before the class is scheduled to start. Enrollment is determined by receipt of a paid deposit and signed enrollment form.

For more information or to begin the application process, prospective students can:

• Call the Jacksonville campus at 910-989-2273
• Email applications to [email protected]
• Visit the program website at caringforlifenurseaide.com

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Caring For Life offers their Nurse Aide I program at two campus locations:

Jacksonville Campus:

• Address: 618A Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540
• Phone: 910-989-2273
• Fax: 910-809-4996
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
• Facilities: 5,000 square feet with state-of-the-art lab equipment including hospital beds, overbed tables, privacy curtains, and more

Castle Hayne Campus:

• Address: 1915 N County Drive, Unit 100, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
• Phone: 910-989-2273
• Fax: 910-809-4996
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 9:00am – 1:00pm, Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm, Tuesday & Thursday: By Appointment Only
• Facilities: 2,000 square feet with lab space that replicates healthcare settings, including hospital beds, overbed tables, and privacy curtains

Website: caringforlifenurseaide.com

Additional Resources

Caring For Life uses a learning management system called Canvas for their hybrid courses. Students can access online course materials through this platform at https://caringforlife.instructure.com/login/canvas.

The school website includes several helpful resources for prospective and current students:

• Course catalog with detailed program information
• FAQ section addressing common questions
• Enrollment forms available for download
• Schedule of upcoming classes at both campus locations

Summary and Next Steps

The Nurse Aide I program at Caring For Life offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant in North Carolina. With locations in Jacksonville and Castle Hayne, this state-approved 122-hour program prepares students with the essential skills and compassionate approach needed for success in healthcare settings.

Founded on the principle that emotional care enhances practical skill, Caring For Life’s program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. The flexible scheduling options, including daytime, evening, and hybrid formats, make this training accessible for various student needs.

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