If you have an interest in serving people in need, becoming a nurse assistant is great way to begin a career in the health care industry. Community colleges, technical schools and other organizations offer free or low cost nurse assistant programs in the state of Oregon. For students who are interested but don’t have the financial resources necessary to participate in a program, these free or discounted courses provide the opportunity to move forward. Colleges throughout Oregon have established specialized federal Workforce Development programs to provide training in several areas of interest to employers including health care services. Nurse Assistant classes may be held at the employer’s site or on a campus within the state. You will need to inquire with the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development to learn more about these programs made available throughout the state.
WIA Approved Training Centers in OR:
Mt. Hood Community College – 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, OR 97030 | 503-491-6161
The Nursing Assistant program at Mt. Hood Community College is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. The 150-hour course includes lecture material, skills lab experience and clinical site application. Mt. Hood typically offers this training as an on-line course, a traditional classroom program or both. Mandatory information sessions are offered prior to the beginning of each term, enabling prospective students to select the style of education that suits him/her best. All information sessions require a reservation (RSVP). For more information on this program including tuition and fees, call 503-491-7312.
Blue Mountain Community College – 2411 NW Carden Pendleton, OR 97801 | 541-278-5762
Mercy Rehabilitation & Care Center – 525 W Umpqua Roseburg, OR 97470 | 541-677-2199
Holy Cross Nursing Assistant Education – 2360 Chambers St. Eugene, OR 97402 | 541-968-4594
Treasure Valley Community College – 650 College Blvd Ontario, OR 97914 | 541 881-8822
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CNA Certification Information
The decision to become a nurse assistant should be based on knowing all the requirements for training and certification. All new nurse aide candidates applying to take the National Nurses Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination in Oregon must have successfully completed a 150-hour state-approved training program with a minimum of 75 supervised clinical hours in order to be eligible to test. All candidates who are employed as nurse assistants or have a written offer of employment from a Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing home are required to be sponsored by that nursing home. If you are an LPN or RN student or you are in the Military, you must contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing to determine your eligibility to test before completing and mailing your fees and application.
A nurse aide candidate who was trained out-of-state and is seeking certification in Oregon must have completed training in another state-approved program. Candidates must complete the Application for Registration by Examination, and attach a copy of the training program diploma or certificate of completion. The diploma or certificate must include either a state seal or the number of classroom and clinical hours.
In Oregon, all approved certified nursing assistant training programs must provide students with comprehensive instruction on the requirements to work in all types of licensed health care facilities including nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities.
CNA Training in Oregon
Individuals can become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Oregon upon successful completion of state approved course work and certification exam at an approved testing site. Training programs adequately prepare students to take the exam. All programs are a minimum of 150 hours and range from a few weeks to a full semester to complete the program. The cost of these programs is between $800 and $2500, though some long-term care facilities offer free training programs. Payment plans are available colleges and technical schools. In some locations that offer free training, students may be eligible to receive salary during the clinical portion of the program with an established commitment to that facility upon program completion. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Oregon:
Linn Benton Community College – 6500 SW Pacific Blvd.Albany, Oregon 97321
The Nursing Assistant course at Linn Benton Community College is a 150 hour class that meets the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) hours for Nursing Assistant training, with 75 hours of class and skills lab instruction and 75 hours of clinical hours. The course includes instruction in basic nursing skills, restorative care, personal care skills and patient rights. Students learn to care for residents in a long term care environment. After completing the course, you will be eligible to take the CNA1 competency exam. For further information on this program including program costs, call (541) 928-7232 (Albany location) or Samaritan Services at 541-768-5116.
Clatsop Community College – 1653 Jerome Ave., Astoria, Oregon97103
The CNA course at Clatsop Community College is offered every term and is open to anyone. This is a 9 credit program comprised of classroom learning, lab hours, and supervised clinical nursing experience. Students will complete a minimum of 75 hours of clinical experience in a long term care facility. Total cost of the program is estimated at $810 and does not include additional fees for textbooks, supplies or immunizations. For further information on this program, call (503) 338-2436.
Southwest Oregon Community College – 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420 | 541-469-5017
The nursing assistant course at Southwest Oregon Community College prepares students to work in long-term care facilities, home care, hospitals and adult foster homes. It consists of a minimum of 153 hours of instruction and work experience in a licensed nursing facility and prepares students for eligibility to take the State Certification Exam. The Basic Nursing Assistant course is offered each term as possible. Course scheduling may change from term to term related to instructor availability. Class hours vary, so please refer to the course calendar for specific class, lab and clinical hours. Class starts promptly at the scheduled time. Attendance is required. The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) will not allow a person to sit for the certification exam to become a CNA unless all requirements for the classroom, lab and clinical are successfully completed and a score of at least 75% has been achieved on the final exam. The estimated total cost for the program is $1055 including tuition, textbook and other course related fees.
Portland Community College – 17705 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229 | Phone: 971-722-2798.
The CNA program at Portland Community College is an Oregon State Board of Nursing approved program that consists of 75 hours of required classroom and lab skills demonstration, and 75 hours of required clinical practice in a skilled nursing facility. This training allows students to obtain employment in many areas of the medical field, such as assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The estimated total cost of the program is $2330 including tuition, textbooks, uniform and other course related supplies.
Klamath Community College 7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls OR 97603
Klamath Community College’s Nursing Assistant program is a 9 credit course designed to prepare students for the Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Course components include classroom lecture, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice in healthcare settings. Lecture and labs are held Tuesday through Friday 8:00 to 9:30 with a lab. There is 2 lab sections to chose from, see catalog for details. Clinical rotations vary Monday through Friday with hours between 5:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Total estimated cost of the program is $1577 and includes tuition, textbooks, immunizations, and all course required materials. For more information on this program, call 541.882.3521.