Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC)

nurse smiling while handing a glass of water to an elderly patient

Certified nursing assistants have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide daily care to adult residents, patients, and clients who are unable to care for themselves. This includes assistance with basic care skills such as grooming, bathing, and feeding. Giving both social and emotional support is a large part of the job, in addition to being familiar with resident rights, the legal aspects of care, death and dying, dementia care, and communication skills necessary to function with confidence in a healthcare team.

This program prepares students to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination.  If successful, students will be certified in Washington State and qualified to work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, group homes, and other home care agencies.  The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social and Health Care Services (DSHS) in Washington State approves this program. Certification can be used as a stepping stone into nursing, or other healthcare professions.

  • Theory and Lab class times will vary per quarter. Please check online classes schedule
  • Open Lab times are arranged, attendance required
  • Clinical times are arranged (day or evening shift)

Program Features

  • The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social and Health Care Services (DSHS) in Washington State approve this program. 
  • Now offering on-site (in-facility) Washington State written and skills testing to students who successfully complete our program!
  • Theory (NURS106) and Lab (NURS107) class times are Monday through Friday, 3:00 pm to 7:50 pm

Certificate Info & Requirements

Nursing Assistant Certified Certificate of Completion
NAC Program Educational Outcomes
Clinical Participation Requirements
COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster(s) Requirements

Required materials:

Eligibility

Students under the age of 18 are required to have parent permission and permission from Running Start (if in Running Start) to complete the program.  Please keep in mind that it may be difficult to get a job if younger than 18.  Retraining and retesting is required if you do not work one paid shift in a 24 month period.

Nursing Licensing & Examination Eligibility

The license to practice nursing in the State of Washington is granted by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. To be eligible to write the NCLEX (the nursing licensure exam), the commission requires you to provide information about physical/mental conditions and any filed criminal charges.

Out of State Students – Professional License

The Bellevue College Nursing Assistant Technology program is state-approved and meets the educational requirements for state department of health licensure that is required for employment in the state of Washington.  

Washington State Department of Health is the agency responsible for individual licensure. https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/NursingAssistant/LicenseRequirements#heading29766 

Bellevue College has not determined if the Nursing Assistant Certified program at Bellevue College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

How to Apply

Item numbers and entry codes will be provided to applicants once they have completed the application process and been selected for the program.  Acceptance into the Nursing Assistant Certified program is first come, first serve for applicants who have submitted completed applications.  Applicants are notified via email if their application is missing documents.

Apply Now Button links to How to Apply page

Last Updated December 8, 2022