Nursing Assistant I Hybrid Program

The Nursing Assistant I course at Forsyth Tech is a state-approved course which teaches basic nursing skills to the student. Such skills are required to provide personal care for patients, residents, the elderly and others requiring medical assistance in a healthcare setting. Emphasis is placed on patient safety and infection control, the aging process, communication, legal and ethical issues, patient rights, personal care, vital signs, elimination, nutrition, emergencies, rehabilitation, proper body mechanics and mental health. This course includes a clinical component.

Students are prepared to take the North Carolina Nurse Aide Competency Examination, a requirement for listing on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry. Upon successful completion of the exam, the candidate will be considered a Certified Nursing Assistant I (CNA I). CPR certification is included in the class and required to take by all students even if they hold a current certification.

The Dorothy L. Lougee, Nursing Assistant I hybrid course integrates online instruction and in-person, lab work, and clinical practice. The online component of the class is through Blackboard, a virtual learning environment, offering students guided study through the various course modules while ensuring participation through assigned readings, weekly assignments, as well as discussion board postings. Typically, students are given a week to submit assignments online, with periodic commentary and discussion board postings to be included by the instructor(s) and other students. This course is ideal for students who are proficient in the use of technology, independent in their work processes and are in need of a flexible classroom schedule. A course calendar is available for students to reference the days and times in which they are required to attend campus for CPR, lab work, and for the clinical component of the course.

Prior to enrolling in a Nursing Assistant I course, students must be in compliance with the mandatory vaccination and immunizations required by the participating clinical facilities.   In addition, the students will be required to complete a background check and drug screening as a part of the enrollment process.

To facilitate these requirements, the Health Sciences Division has enlisted the help of a Compliance Tracking System, Complio’, which will guide students through the process and assist in keeping their records updated along their career pathway.  The fee for this service is $95 for 2 years and can be renewed if needed.

To start the process, the student will need to setup an account at http://forsythtechcompliance.com/   Once this account is activated, the background check and drug screen will be initiated.  A direct helpline and video tutorials are available on the site.

Students will be required to upload documentation for the following immunizations and vaccinations:

1. Tdap/Td– Total of 1 vaccination within the last 10 years
2. MMR– Total of 2 vaccinations -OR- Lab report showing a positive blood titer for measles, mumps and rubella
3. Varicella– Total of 2 vaccinations -OR- Lab report showing a positive blood titer for Varicella (chicken pox)
4. Tuberculin (TB) Test– Negative results of 2 TB skin tests within the last 12 months (must be administered at least 7 days apart)
   • –OR– Negative results of 1serum blood test (Quantiferon, T. Spot (IGRA) within the last 12 months
   • –OR– Negative chest x-ray within the past 5 years for students who have a history of positive skin tests with written evaluation by healthcare provider for signs and symptoms within the last 12 months if x-ray is over 1year old
5. Influenza– Annual seasonal influenza vaccination required in mid-fall and winter.
6. Hepatitis B-Total of 3 vaccinations -OR- Lab report showing positive blood titer –OR– a signed Hepatitis B Waiver
7. COVID Vaccine– Moderna or Pfizer vaccine total of 2 doses and booster -OR- Johnson/Johnson vaccine 1dose plus booster (Novovax and Astrazeneca are now being approved).
8. High School Diploma, GED or College Transcript

On the first day of class the student will need to present to Instructor a Driver’s License (or state issued photo ID) and Social Security Card (first and last names must match). These documents are required for state certification testing.

Registration: $253.00 (Malpractice Insurance, CPR, Campus Access, Parking and Security (CAPS) Fee included)

• Compliance tracking fee- $95
• Books (not included in registration fee) – Contact the bookstore (336.734.7100) for current textbook prices.
  1. Nurse Aide I Train Program (Modules)
  2. Forsyth Tech Community College Nurse Aid I/Training Program/Lab Manual
• Uniform (Navy Blue) – can be purchased at a vendor of your choice with white closed-toed, non-porous shoes
• Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff (optional, but recommended)
• ID Badge: no fee (You must present your registration receipt and receipt for ID payment in order to get your ID badge)
• State Certification Exam ($140.00)

^* All prices subject to change

The Nursing Assistant Level 1 (NA1) plays an important role in patient care. As the front line care provider, NA1’s spend more time in direct contact with the patient than any other member of the health care team. Under supervision of registered and practical nurses, the Nursing Assistant provides basic nursing skills and personal care activities such as measuring vital signs and assisting patients with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, moving, or grooming patients), and maintaining a safe environment for the resident/patient.

Nursing Assistants (NA1) are employed in Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, Clinics, Hospices, Rehabilitation Centers, Psychiatric Centers, and Home Care. There is a high demand for NA1s, especially in long term care and home health.

Earnings for NA1s vary depending on experience, shift and length of service. Entry level pay may begin at $12.00 for the new NA1, but range from $14.00-$20.00 with experience and location.

It is recommended that Nursing Assistant I candidates have a high school Diploma or GED. However, each candidate must successfully complete a placement test with reading at a 10th grade level and math at a 6th grade level. College transcripts which reflect courses that apply will be accepted.

Human resource skills are essential for work in health care. Such skills include professionalism, teamwork, customer services, and communication skills. They also need to be organized and self-starters. Safety is key and all precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Healthcare facilities that provide clinical experiences for Forsyth Technical Community College programs require criminal background checks and drug screenings. The healthcare facility holds the right to deny a student admission into their facility based upon the information presented in the initial background check and drug screening process.

In an event of a class cancellation, all efforts will be made to enroll the student in the next available class of their choice.

For more information please contact the Student Care Department at 336.734.7023.

To see if you qualify for a scholarship, please contact Michael Glontz at 336.757.3701 or mglontz@forsythtech.edu.