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Program FAQs

What to Expect

How much can I expect to make as a Nursing Assistant 1?

Entry-level Nursing Assistants can make between $12 and $15 an hour, depending on prior work experience, employer, and clinical experience. Find out more by visiting the Oregon Employment Division website.

Do I have to have a high school diploma or GED?

A high school diploma is recommended, but not required. However, you do need to be at least 16 years of age for the NA-1 training program course (if under 18 a legal guardian’s signature is required).

Do I have to attend an information session before enrolling?

It is a policy of Caregiver Training Institute that all students must complete a free, no-obligation online information session prior to enrolling in classes in the NA-1, Nursing Assistant-2 and MA programs.

Can I reserve a spot in a particular class?

Yes. Before you can register, reserve a spot in a specific class that has openings, or make a tuition payment.

When do I sign up for my Board Test?

Oregon State Board of Nursing regulations allow us up to 10 business days following your last day of clincals to process certificates. We make every effort to have certificates ready sooner than that, but during our busier times of the year it may take the full 10 business days to process completion paperwork. Students will be notified by email when their certificates are ready to pick up at the office. We can help you sign up for your state board test when you pick up your certificate

What is the school’s class scheduling policy?

PHT reserves the right to cancel, move, and reschedule a training program or class due to circumstances that are beyond our control, such as low attendance, inclement weather, power outage, or instructor illness/unavailability. The school will use all reasonable endeavors to avoid changes of this nature and will notify students as soon as the change is known prior to the start of their training program or class. If training programs or classes must be cancelled and/or rescheduled prior to the start of the training program or class, PHTwill reschedule students to the next available training, with the student’s consent. Should the offered alternative not be an acceptable option for the student, a full refund of pre-paid fees for which services have not been provided will be issued.

Nursing Assistant 1 vs Nursing Assistant 2

I see that there’s both Nursing Assistant 1 and Nursing Assistant 2. What’s the difference? Do I have to take both?

No, you do not have to take both! You can get your Nursing Assistant 1 and start working as a Nursing Assistant right away. The Nursing Assistant 1 training allows students to obtain employment in many areas of the medical field, including: assisted living facilities (ALF), intermediate care facilities (ICF), and skilled nursing facilities (SNF).

The Nursing Assistant 2 is an added level of certification that will let you perform additional, more complex skills, and thus work in acute care environment and earn more money. Nursing Assistant 2 certification is required to work in a hospital, so if your ultimate goal is to work in a hospital environment you will want to eventually pursue a Nursing Assistant 2.

Can I take the Nursing Assistant 2 class directly after taking the Nursing Assistant 1 class?

You must pass the OSBN state board exam before taking the Nursing Assistant 2 class. Depending upon when you complete your Nursing Assistant 1 class, how quickly you are able to get scheduled for the state exam, and if you pass on the first try, you may or may not be able to take our classes within consecutive terms.
We also suggest that you get a job prior to beginning the Nursing Assistant 2 program, so that you have some job experience before applying for CAN.

Does PHT offer financial aid?

The Nursing Assistant Training Program is a noncredit class, which means it is not eligible for financial aid. However, PCC does offer scholarships.

Do I have to apply to this program?

No. The Nursing Assistant Training Program is open registration, so anyone can register. However, there are certain requirements you will need to fulfill once you are registered.

Are there prerequisites for the Nursing Assistant program?

No. There are no required prerequisites for the program; you do not need a GED or high school diploma to register. However, we do recommend that you be proficient in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.

What are the requirements I need to fulfill?

You must attend an orientation before the first day of class. Registration is required to attend an orientation. You can view the full schedule of orientations here. At orientation, you will learn about Nursing Assistant training as well as other requirements that you will have to fulfill, including a background check and drug screen.

I can’t attend (or missed) the orientation that is scheduled before the class that I am registered for. But I can attend one that is scheduled after my class begins. Is that okay?

No. Attending an orientation is an Oregon State Board of Nursing requirement, and you must attend one prior to the first day of your class.

Approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the Institute for Health Professionals’ Nursing Assistant 1 training program teaches hands-on skills that students will use every day to provide patients with exceptional health care. After practicing these skills in a lecture and lab setting, you will put them to use in the real world during a clinical practicum at one of several Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in the Portland area.

Part I:  Lecture & Lab, 80.5 h

  • Learn about the principles of health care, various diseases and body systems
  • Work with other students to practice skills like taking vital signs, dressing and undressing clients, and assisting with feeding

Part II:  Clinical, 76 hours

After successful completion of the lecture and lab portion, you will move on to a clinical rotation.

  • Put your skills to work during 765 hours of real-world experience
  • Interact with patients and health care workers, and view the healthcare industry from the front lines
  • PHT will place students in a clinical rotation; students will not need to arrange their own clinical internship.

After completing the program, you will be prepared to pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing exam, which allows you to work as a Nursing Assistant 1 in the state of Oregon.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Pass the state board exam, which grants licensure as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
  • Apply a working knowledge of a variety of human body systems, including the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and more
  • Understand and treat a variety of human disease processes, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, strokes, and substance abuse, among many others
  • Understand standard precautions and the importance of keeping a clean and sterile environment, as well as how to prevent and halt the spread of disease by maintaining cleanliness
  • Perform a vast number of skills essential to the role of a Nursing Assistant, including taking vital signs like pulse and blood pressure; helping with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, or hair and nail care; and assisting clients with walking and range-of-motion exercises
  • Gain insight into the psychological struggles of patients and clients, listening to, empathizing, and connecting with people
  • Understand the rights and responsibilities of nursing assistants, including which tasks they are prohibited from, and how to earn and maintain licensure
  • Network with nurses, doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists and others to provide total care
  • Use effective time management to maintain a work-life balance
  • Exercise professionalism, appropriate conduct, and other soft-skills that will help in finding, securing and maintaining long-term employment.