This course prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide safe, compassionate care as a nursing assistant in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will learn basic patient care procedures, infection control practices, communication skills, and the principles of patient rights and safety. Instruction covers assisting with daily living activities, measuring vital signs, positioning and transferring patients, and supporting patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Classroom learning is reinforced through supervised clinical experiences, enabling students to develop competence and confidence in providing care. Completion of this course prepares students for state certification and entry-level employment in long-term care, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Students must attain a minimum of 120 hours of total instruction, which must include a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours in the skills lab, and 40 clinical hours in a skilled nursing facility. Students are required to meet the clinical requirements of the clinical facility prior to attending clinicals. Skills lab and clinical days will typically fall on Friday or Saturday depending upon availability of both the skills lab and clinical facility.
Enrollment and Program Requirements for NUR 100
The following items must be completed and paid for by the student through a third-party vendor to maintain enrollment in NUR 100:
1. CPR Certification: Concurrent enrollment in EMT 121 or a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card.
2. Drug Screening: Negative urine drug screen.
3. Tuberculosis Clearance: Proof of TB immunization or a clear chest X-ray within the last 6 months.
4. Immunizations: Proof of MMR and Hepatitis B immunizations or signed declination form. COVID-19 and/or influenza immunizations may also be required by clinical site policy.
5. Fingerprint Clearance: Fingerprinting for DPS/FBI background checks. Students must obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Academic Requirements:
Students must earn a grade of 75% or higher in NUR 100 to be eligible for the certification/licensure examination.
Certification Requirements (Arizona State Board of Nursing):
Applicants must provide proof of legal presence in the United States and disclose any felony convictions. Successful completion of both the written and manual skills certification exams, along with the licensure application, will result in designation as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Additional Information:
A complete list of requirements and instructions is available from your campus Administration Office or Library.
Prerequisites
• Reading proficiency as established by District Policy.
• Successful completion of MAT 100 or higher with a grade of “C” or better or math placement as established by District policy.
1. Identify patient/resident rights and report potential violations per facility policy.
2. Use therapeutic communication and demonstrate professional conduct with patients, families, and staff.
3. Perform hand hygiene and apply standard and transmission based precautions correctly.
4. Demonstrate safe body mechanics to lift, transfer, position, and ambulate patients using approved devices.
5. Measure and document vital signs (T, P, R, BP, pain) and record height, weight, and I&O accurately.
6. Provide basic personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, oral care) while maintaining dignity and privacy.
7. Perform routine care procedures within scope (bedmaking; catheter/ostomy assistance; hot/cold applications) and report changes.
8. Apply safety measures and respond to emergencies per protocol (falls, hazards, restraint alternatives).
9. Explain restorative care goals and assist with ROM and mobility plans; differentiate care in acute vs. long term settings and follow chain of command.
10. Protect health information by following HIPAA/documentation standards; describe end of life and home health care principles and report environmental risks.