Most states require that applicants have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. It is important that students can communicate in English, both verbally and written. Some schools require testing such as the Test of Adult Basic Education, TABE, a common assessment used in adult education programs. Medical requirements include a recent TB test, inoculation for rubella and at least the first shot in the three-part series for hepatitis B.
The course study of any certified nurse's aide program must meet the federal statute of 75 hours of classroom time and clinical practice as of February 4, 2011. As an example, the state-approved curriculum for nurse's aide programs in North Carolina includes 75 hours divided into five major sections for academic and laboratory study.
One of the major sections is "Role and Function," including five units covering communication, introduction to health care, ethical and legal issues, infection control and safety procedures.
"Personal Care and Basic Nursing Care" is the second major section with seven units such as basic nursing care, conditions, resident's environment, caring for dying patients, nutrition and hydration and personal care and grooming.
"Restorative Care," including basic restorative services and prevention of pressure ulcers, is the third section.
The fourth section covers restraints, and the fifth section covers the psychological effects of aging. Clinical or laboratory experiences are part of each section. The passing academic grade is 75 percent. Instructors issue a pass or fail for clinical skills.
The state exam has two parts -- written and hands-on. Both parts of the test require passing scores. State assessments vary on the number of questions, but most include at least 70 multiple choice questions. The hands-on portion of the test includes all areas that the student learned during training. The applicant chooses five skills to perform out of 25. Skills include hand washing, making an occupied bed, taking vitals, weighing a patient, performing passive range of motion actions and oral care. The applicant must complete all five skills satisfactorily. The written exam requires a minimum score of 70 percent.
Graduates can expect most schools to assist them with employment opportunities in hospitals, long and short term nursing facilities, physician offices and health clinics. For future opportunities, continued education in nursing aide training and administering medications is an option.