Peninsula College CNA Program

Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for success in the healthcare field. This short-term certificate program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide compassionate care in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re looking to start a new career in healthcare or seeking a stepping stone into the nursing profession, Peninsula College’s CNA classes provide a supportive pathway to certification with hands-on clinical experience and professional preparation.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 6-8 weeks
• Cost of Program: Tuition for 6 credits plus fees (varies based on residency status)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
• Program Schedule: Evening classes (6 weeks) with weekend clinicals; summer option with three consecutive weeks of daytime classes

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The classroom portion consists of lectures, discussions, videos, and class projects covering essential nursing assistant skills and knowledge. Students learn about:

• Basic nursing skills
• Emergency procedures
• Laws and regulations affecting nursing assistants
• Healthcare Provider CPR certification
• HIV/AIDS healthcare certification (7 hours)
• Medical terminology
• Infection control
• Patient care fundamentals

Clinical Experience

The clinical component of the program includes:

• Clinical Lab: Students practice skills in a simulated patient care environment
• Clinical Rotations: 40 hours (typically 6 clinical shifts) working directly with patients or residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse

Students gain practical experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. Clinical sites are located in both Port Angeles and Sequim, with hours ranging from 6am to 9pm depending on the rotation.

Exam Preparation

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the Washington State Certificate Exam through the National Nursing Assistant Certification Exam (NACES). Passing this exam qualifies graduates for licensure as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington State and employment in various healthcare facilities.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to Peninsula College’s CNA program, applicants must:

• Be able to read, write, understand, and speak the English language
• Be physically able to perform the duties of a Nursing Assistant, including lifting, moving, and transporting patients
• Complete and submit the application form
• Pass a Washington State Patrol background check

There are no prerequisite courses required for this program.

Required Vaccinations

Students must provide proof of the following vaccinations:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella): Proof of receiving 2 doses or proof of immunity via lab titer
• Varicella (Chicken Pox): Proof of receiving 2 doses or proof of immunity via lab titer
• TB Testing: Negative TB test within the last 12 months by skin test or Quantiferon Gold; if student has history of past positive TB test, a negative chest X-ray within 12 months and a negative symptom screen are required
• Flu Vaccination: Required if training during October 1st – March 31st
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis): Documentation of adult booster dose
• COVID-19 Vaccination: According to current requirements
• Hepatitis B: Highly encouraged (3-dose series and documented immunity by titer)

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Peninsula College offers flexible scheduling options for its CNA program:

• Evening Option: Classes held in the evenings for 6 weeks with 6 clinical shifts mostly scheduled on weekends
• Summer Option: Three consecutive weeks of daytime classes
• Course Offering: The nursing assistant course is offered once per quarter, including summer

Students are required to attend all classes and clinical experiences to meet the hours of education required by the state. Attendance for all classes and clinicals is mandatory.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The total cost of the Peninsula College CNA program includes:

• Tuition: Based on 6 credits (varies depending on residency status – Washington resident, non-resident, veteran, or international student)
• Fees:
  • Student Life Fee: $3.25 per credit
  • Parking Fee: $8.00 per quarter
  • Graduation Fee: $3.50 per quarter
  • Technology Fee: $10.00 per credit
  • First Aid Class Fee: $25.00
  • Liability Insurance Fee: $15.75

Additional costs include:

• Books: Approximately $45
• Immunizations: Varies depending on vaccination status and insurance coverage (estimated $0-$1000)
• Equipment (scrubs and watch): Approximately $60
• Washington State Patrol background check: $12 (per name)
• State Certification Fees:
  • Licensing fee: $85.00 to the Department of Health
  • State examination fee: $124.00 to Credentia

Financial aid options may be available, including:

• Federal and state financial aid (FAFSA or WASFA)
• Scholarships
• Worker Retraining funding (for those who qualify)

How to Apply

To apply to the Peninsula College CNA program:

1. Apply to Peninsula College through their online application process (no application fee)
2. Complete the specific CNA program application for either the Port Angeles or Port Townsend campus
3. Email the completed application to Program Coordinator, Kate Dexter at [email protected] or call (360) 417-5698 to make an appointment to submit your application in person
4. Follow instructions on the Program Acceptance Letter to officially register for the NAC program

Note: Applicants must follow instructions on the Program Acceptance Letter to officially register for the NAC 105 course. Not following these instructions may result in ineligibility to continue the program.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Peninsula College
• Address: 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, WA 98362
• Program Coordinator: Kate Dexter
• Phone Number: (360) 417-5698
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://pencol.edu/program/nursing-assistant-certified

Additional Resources

• NAC Application Forms:
  • NAC Application: Port Angeles
  • NAC Application: Port Townsend
• Class Schedule: Available at https://pencol.edu/class-schedule
• Worker Retraining Information: For those who qualify for tuition assistance, visit https://pencol.edu/worker-retraining

Summary and Next Steps

Peninsula College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a quick, comprehensive pathway to starting a rewarding career in healthcare. With a focus on hands-on training and real-world clinical experience, this 6-8 week program prepares you to provide compassionate, competent care as a nursing assistant.

Upon completing this program, you’ll be eligible to take the Washington State Certification Exam, opening doors to employment in hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living centers. The skills you’ll gain are not only valuable professionally but also personally as you learn healthcare practices that can benefit you and your family.

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