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Nurse Aide Training Program~ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nurse Aide?
A Nurse Aide assists the nurse in providing basic patient care such as helping take vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate,
temperature, etc.), assist with a bath, shower or meals, change bed linens, and other personal care needs.
Where can a Nurse Aide work?
Nurse Aides usually work in a long-term care facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. With further
training, it is possible for a Nurse Aide to move into advanced nursing, other Allied Health careers, or work in a hospital
setting (may require training in CPR, EKG or Phlebotomy).
➢ For information about Nurse Aide jobs, you can research online or in the newspaper for positions in long-term
care (nursing homes), hospitals, or home health care agencies.
➢ In this geographic region, a Nurse Aide can earn an average of $15 to $20+ per hour.
What is the cost of the Nurse Aide Training Program?
The tuition of $1250 must be paid in full to register. Payment types: credit card, money order or check
➢ Bucks County Community College does not have a payment plan option for the Nurse Aide Training Program and
you are not eligible to apply for Financial Aid.
➢ For information on acquiring an educational loan, please contact Sallie Mae at www.salliemae.com
or call 1-888-272-5543. Nurse Aide is a noncredit continuing education program.
➢ You may receive tuition reimbursement if you choose to work in a long-term care facility (nursing home) after you
graduate and pass the statewide registry exam.
What are the requirements before I apply?
Step 1: Read and review this handbook in its entirety. Complete the required documents detailed in this handbook.
Step 2: Prepare and organize the documents, IDs, etc. as outlined on page 37.
Step 3: Contact the Program Coordinator at nurseaide@bucks.edu for a document review and approval prior to the
registration deadline.
Step 4: If you have all requirements and space in class is available, you may register.
What is the Nurse Aide Training Program like?
The Nurse Aide Training Program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is 120 hours (67 hours
classroom/skills lab; 53 hours clinical). The classroom/skills component covers topics ranging from vital signs, personal
care, ethics, communication skills, infection control, feeding and body mechanics. The clinical component is the hands-on
training at an assigned long-term care facility. This begins when you have satisfied the theory and lab components of the
program.
What is the Dress Code?
A white scrub and black scrub pant are required on the first day of class. You are required to have sturdy, non-slip, non-
skid full white colored shoe. A watch with a second hand is recommended. Your instructor will review all details on the
first day of class.
What are the requirements after successful completion of the program?
After successfully completing the program, students must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program
(NNAAP) Competency Exam in order to enroll on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. There is an additional cost of
$135 for the written and skills exam administered through Pearson Vue.