Nursing Assistant (NA1 and CNA2)

Workforce Training Program | mhcc.edu/CNA  | cna@mhcc.edu 

Nursing Assistant 1 (NA 1)

Certified Nursing Assistants

Nursing assistants (NAs) work as part of a healthcare team, usually under orders from an LPN or RN. NAs may work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, retirement homes, assisted living, and home healthcare. They provide basic care, and help patients with daily living tasks, such as:

  • Cleaning and bathing.
  • Using the toilet and getting dressed.
  • Moving patients between beds and wheelchairs, or turning them in bed.
  • Recording concerns and reporting the info to the nurse.
  • Taking vital signs.
  • Serving meals and helping patients eat.

The Nursing Assistant (NA1) training at Mt. Hood Community College is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The 166-hour course includes lecture material, skills lab experience and clinical site application to help students prepare for the state certification exam. MHCC offers this training as traditional classroom program, and Vocational ESL Nursing Assistant trainings are offered each term.

NA 1 Requirements

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • College placement test score: RD115
  • Must be able to meet industry standards such as: Lift, move, turn, position, push, or pull patients and/or objects, weighing up to 35 pounds or more.
  • Complete program information session and application
  • Must successfully complete a criminal background check, 10-panel drug screen and provide proof of immunizations prior to receiving a registration form
    • Convictions, or other investigatory findings, that demonstrate a close relationship to role and responsibility of a nursing assistant may prevent a person from accessing clinical placement (resulting in inability to complete the program) or an inability to become certified/employed after completion.

Certified Nursing Assistant 2 (CNA 2)

This course helps those with a current, unencumbered CNA 1 certification to enhance their skills and improve their hiring potential. This is an exciting way to advance in your career as a caregiver. Students will learn skills like:

  • Checking blood sugar
  • Running an EKG
  • Advancing their knowledge of health issues.

People who are employed as a CNA 2 continue to have a high amount of contact with the person they are caring for, while enjoying additional responsibilities.

The CNA 2 training at Mt. Hood Community College is 96 hours and approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The class includes lecture, lab, and clinical experience that will enhance a CNA 1's career and provide them with the certification that hospitals are looking for. After passing the final examination and successfully participating in the clinical hours, OSBN will recognize the student as a CNA 2. This program is offered in the traditional classroom setting and classes are offered each term.

CNA 2 Requirements

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • College placement test score: RD115
  • Must be able to meet industry standards such as: Lift, move, turn, position, push, or pull patients and/or objects, weighing up to 35 pounds or more.
  • Complete program information session and application
  • Possess current CPR card
  • Must hold a current unencumbered CNA 1 license in the State of Oregon
  • Must successfully complete a criminal background check, 10-panel drug screen and provide proof immunizations prior to receiving a registration form
    • Convictions, or other investigatory findings, that demonstrate a close relationship to role and responsibility of a nursing assistant may prevent a person from accessing clinical placement (resulting in inability to complete the program) or an inability to become certified/employed after completion.
CNA

Exploring nursing assistant as your major? Learn more with MHCC's Career Coach, which covers: skills needed for each career, wages, employment rates, and live job postings in the Greater Multnomah County Area.