Nursing Assistant
Start Your Healthcare Career Here
Become a Nursing Assistant
The Oregon Coast Community College Nurse Assistant Program is a seven-credit, 120-hour course fulfilling the Oregon State Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a nursing assistant.
The lecture portion of this course is taught online through independent study. It takes 40 or more hours to complete. Students spend 40 hours in the skills lab and 40 hours in a licensed health care facility gaining hands-on clinical experience.
The programs are offered from either the OCCC North County Center in Lincoln City or the OCCC Central County Center in Newport.
About the Program
Students will learn basic bedside nursing skills, basic restorative skills, mental health and social service needs, personal care skills, and knowledge of client rights. Students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients in long-term care and acute care facilities. This course requires both time and a “personal caring” commitment from the students. Students must also be able to meet physical requirements, engage in therapeutic communication, and deal with stressful interpersonal situations.
Learning Outcomes
- Utilize appropriate infection control measures while providing patient care, including hand hygiene, disposal of contaminated articles, and hazardous wastes.
- Utilize proper body mechanics and safety transfer to prevent injury to self and client.
- Implement basic principles of personal care, including bathing, hair care, dressing/undressing, oral care, shaving and nail care.
- Utilize basic communication and interpersonal skills with patients as well as staff members, family members, and other health care team members.
- Provide safe and effective patient care to include meeting basic needs, personal care, restorative services, mental health services, social needs and patient rights.
- Distinguish between personal and professional values and legal/ethical responsibilities in practice.
Estimated Costs for 2026-2027
Item | Cost |
OCCC Tuition and Fees (8 credits) | $1,312.00 |
Textbook for Nursing Assistant Class (Sorrentino, S.A. Mosby’s (2021) Textbook for Nursing Assistants 10th Edition) | $120.00 (approximately) |
Complio Subscription (Compliancy Tracking) | $50.00 |
Criminal Background and Drug screen | $99.00 |
BLS/CPR Class | $75.00 |
Uniforms and Supplies (Scrubs (2 sets), Stethoscope, Gait Belt, Pulse Oximeter, B/P Cuff, Watch with second hand, and white or black sole shoes) | $300.00 (approximately) |
Immunizations *Immunization costs will vary dependent onvaccinations needed or titers required for proof ofimmunity – please see your health care provider or theOregon Alert System* | *** |
State application fee to the Oregon state Board of Nursing | $116.00 |
Fingerprint Criminal Background processing fee for the Oregon State Board of Nursing | $75.00 |
Total | $2,147.00 |
All costs are subject to modification and individual quality preference with respect to items such as shoes, stethoscope, watch, etc. Book costs are the area of most variation depending on titles purchased. Immunizations can also vary greatly depending on your immunization history. Criminal background costs are dependent on whether you have lived outside of Oregon and which state(s).
Application Process
The Nursing Assistant program is a limited entry program that is typically offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring term. The course may not be offered or may be cancelled for low enrollment or other factors such as faculty availability.
| Checklist | Description |
|---|---|
| Apply to OCCC | After receiving the welcome email from our college, follow the instructions to set up your college email and accounts. |
| Book Advising Appointment | Advising - Oregon Coast Community College |
| The advisor for nursing & allied health can assist with general advising, orientation sign up and answer other questions. | |
| Know Your Payment Plan | OCCC’s Nursing Assistant Program is not financial aid eligible as a standalone program. There may be other payments options, please discuss them during your advising appointment if you are unsure. |
| Nursing Assistant Application | The NA application will be posted on the nursing assistant web page for each term that it is being offered. |
| Avamere Employee Applicants | This population should still follow the above steps in addition to working with their supervisor. |
How Do You Get Started?
Paying for School — You Have Options
Cost should never be the reason you don’t pursue a a Nursing Assistant certificate. Your Student Success Coach can tell you about OCCC’s Financial Aid options. Schedule your meeting, below!
Your Next Steps
Your career is waiting. Let’s not waste a moment!
Ready to start? Here’s what to do today:
Schedule an in-person or Zoom advising appointment with a Student Success Coach.
Apply for admission and register for classes
Additional Information
Disabilities
Oregon Coast Community College is committed to providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities throughout the College community. Students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Our philosophy is to maximize your independence and self-reliance, providing a variety of support options to assist you in achieving your educational and/or vocational objectives. To receive services, you must submit documentation of your disabling condition(s) to the Vice President for Student Affairs. To initiate support services, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541-867-8511. Students are responsible for requesting, in a timely manner, accommodation and documenting the nature and extent of their disability.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
The College prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in any area, activity or operation of the College. The College also prohibits retaliation against an individual for engaging in activity protected under this policy, and interfering with rights or privileges granted under anti-discrimination laws. In addition, the College complies with applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA’), and all local and state civil rights laws. Under this policy, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the College’s programs, services, and activities will be extended to all persons, and the College will promote equal opportunity and treatment through application of this policy and other College efforts designed for that purpose.
Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact either:
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Kristina Holton
or
Director of Human Resources, Joy Gutknecht
Questions can also be mailed to their attention at 400 SE College Way, Newport, OR 97366.