Central Oregon Community College CNA Program

Ready to take your first step into healthcare? Central Oregon Community College’s Nursing Assistant program in Bend, Oregon offers a supportive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant. This Oregon State Board of Nursing approved program provides comprehensive training that prepares you to perform essential patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the workforce quickly or a career changer seeking a rewarding new path, COCC’s Nursing Assistant program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to succeed. After completing this program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Oregon State Board of Nursing sanctioned certified nursing assistant examination and begin your journey in the healthcare field. If you’re searching for quality CNA classes in Bend, Oregon, COCC offers the professional training you need to launch your healthcare career.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 130 total contact hours (40 lecture hours, 30 lab hours, 60 clinical hours)
• Cost of Program: $847 tuition (in-district, $121 per credit for 7 credits), plus approximately $145 in fees. Additional costs apply (see Tuition & Financial Aid section)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: In-person classes at COCC campus in Bend, Oregon. Available in fall and spring terms

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The classroom portion consists of 40 lecture hours covering essential nursing assistant skills. Students learn about collaboration with the healthcare team, communication and interpersonal skills, person-centered care, infection prevention, safety and emergency procedures, activities of daily living, mental health and social services needs, technical skills, observation and reporting, documentation, and end-of-life care.

Clinical Experience

The program includes 60 hours of clinical training that takes place in acute and long-term care facilities. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real healthcare settings, providing direct patient care under supervision. Students learn to gather information, think critically, and solve problems in the clinical environment while providing ethical care to diverse adult clients.

Exam Preparation

The course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for this examination. Passing the state competency exam and background check allows graduates to become certified as nursing assistants through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Nursing Assistant program at Central Oregon Community College, students must meet the following requirements:

• Department approval based on:
  • Proof of holding a current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card
  • Passing a criminal history check
  • Passing a urine drug screen
  • Meeting immunization and TB test requirements
• Students must be 18 years of age by the start of clinical rotations

For the most up-to-date admission requirements, please contact the program directly.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nursing Assistant course (NUR 103) at Central Oregon Community College is offered during the fall and spring terms. Classes are held in-person at the COCC campus in Bend, Oregon.

The program requires 130 total contact hours, which includes:

• 40 hours of lecture
• 30 hours of lab
• 60 hours of clinical experience

Students complete the clinical portion in acute and long-term care facilities. For specific class schedules, meeting times, and start dates, please contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The Nursing Assistant program at COCC has the following costs:

Tuition and Registration:

• COCC Registration: $0-$25 (required for students who haven’t attended COCC in the last year)
• Tuition: $847 (in-district rate at $121 per credit for 7 credits; higher for out-of-district students)
• Fees: Approximately $145 (see course catalog for details)
• Mazama Gym Pass: $20 per term (optional)

Additional Required Costs:

• American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR Card: $100
• Criminal History, Drug Screen, and Immunization Tracking through Verified Credentials: $139
• Immunizations: $10-$400 (varies depending on insurance coverage and current immunization status)
• My Clinical Exchange (for St. Charles clinical placements only): $20.50 (6-month subscription)
• Textbook (Mosby’s Textbook for Nursing Assistants, 10th Edition): Approximately $80
• Uniform: Approximately $30

Oregon State Board of Nursing Certification Costs:

• Application Fee for Nursing Assistant Certification Examination: $106
• Electronic Fingerprint Fee: $70.50

For the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information, please contact the program directly.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nursing Assistant program at Central Oregon Community College:

1. Apply for admission to Central Oregon Community College
2. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss program requirements
3. Complete the prerequisites for the program, including obtaining a current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card
4. Complete the criminal history check, urine drug screen, and provide documentation of required immunizations

For specific application deadlines and detailed application procedures, please contact the COCC Admissions Office at 541-383-7700 or visit the college website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Central Oregon Community College
• Address: 2600 N.W. College Way, Bend, Oregon 97703
• Phone Number: 541-383-7700
• Email: Contact the program directly for specific email contacts
• Website: https://www.cocc.edu

Additional Resources

• COCC Nursing Assistant Program Page: Visit the college website for detailed program information
• Oregon State Board of Nursing: For information about CNA certification (971-673-0685 or oregon.gov/OSBN)
• Course Catalog: Available on the COCC website for detailed course descriptions and requirements
• Academic Advising: Available to help students plan their course schedule and navigate program requirements

Summary and Next Steps

Central Oregon Community College’s Nursing Assistant program in Bend, Oregon provides comprehensive training to prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. With 130 total contact hours combining classroom learning, skills labs, and clinical experience, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality patient care. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam and begin your career as a certified nursing assistant.

For those looking to further their education, COCC also offers a Nursing Assistant One-Year Certificate of Completion that includes additional coursework in communication, public health, developmental psychology, and more. This certificate also provides training as a Community Health Worker, giving you even more career options.

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