RichmondCC Makes Earning Nursing Assistant Credentials Easy

Richmond Community College is constantly molding its programs and classes to make pursuing one’s education more convenient. One particular program that has evolved over time is the Nursing Assistant I course offered at the college’s Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg.

“We understand people have busy schedules, between work and family responsibilities, or maybe transportation is an issue,” Tina Nielsen, Allied Health Programs Coordinator, said. “That’s why we offer the Nursing Assistant I program in a variety of formats, from day, evening to hybrid classes.”

The hybrid class includes online sessions plus class meetings every other weekend. Students complete online assignments and only have to be in a physical classroom every other Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We have found this format to be very helpful for busy people who may already have a job but are looking for a career change,” Nielsen said. “There’s no better time to begin a career in healthcare than right now.” There is a mandatory information session for the hybrid Nursing Assistant I class on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Honeycutt Center, Room 134. The online portion of the class begins Sept. 19; first classroom meetings are Sept. 24 and 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Honeycutt Center.

A nursing assistant performs any combination of the following duties: care of residents/clients in a nursing home or other medical facility under the direction of nursing and medical staff; assists with activities of daily living as indicated by plan of care utilizing adaptive equipment as indicated; maintains respect and dignity in all aspects of care; interacts with residents/clients and visitors; and takes and records vital signs and food and fluid intake and output, as directed.

A high school diploma or GED is not a requirement for admittance into the program. Requirements for registration include:

• Accuplacer Reading Score of 83, RED 090 “B” or higher, “P” in DRE 098, or transcript from 2-year degree or higher

• Valid U.S. government issued Social Security Card

• Valid driver’s license or state issued picture ID

• Current TB skin test, flu shot and immunization records

For more information about the hybrid Nursing Assistant I class that begins with an information session on Sept. 15, call Nielsen at (910) 410-1833 or email TBNielsen@richmondcc.edu.