Nursing Assistant Rural Pilot

Learn About the Nursing Assistant Rural Pilot

Recent state legislation (ESSB 5582 SECTION 11) calls for the launch of a pilot project to build partnerships between Washington rural hospitals and area high schools to develop the nursing assistant and healthcare workforce.

NA Rural Pilot Goals

The goal is to address workforce shortages by supporting students’:

• Nursing assistant education.
• Entry into the healthcare workforce.
• Advancement into nursing or other healthcare career pathways.

WABON Collaborations

Per the legislation, WABON will work in collaboration with:

• Rural hospitals.
• High Schools Health Training Programs.
• Relevant employer and exclusive bargaining unit partnerships.
• Nursing assistant-certified training programs.
• Department of Health.
• Department of Labor and Industries.
• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Other References

Flyers are available for easy reference:

• Rural Hospital & High School Nursing Assistant Partnership (High Schools)
• Rural Hospital & High School Nursing Assistant Partnership (Hospitals)

FAQs

High School Students and Parents

Can a high school student join a Nursing Assistant Program?

Yes. Washington State Nursing Assistant Programs accept High school students if they meet the program requirements.

Where can I join a Nursing Assistant Program?

Students may take Nursing Assistant training through NA training programs at a College, Long-Term Care Facility, Skills Center, High School, Hospital or Private Business offering CNA training and an instructor-led clinical.

Here is a list of the Approved Washington State Nursing Assistant Programs for your reference: https://nursing.wa.gov/education/nursing-assistant-training/nursing-assistant-training-programs

How long will it take me to complete the Nursing Assistant Program?

It depends on the Nursing Assistant curriculum at your High School or your choice of Nursing Assistant Programs.

Here are the minimal requirements and pathways to Nursing Assistant certification:

• 35 classroom, 33 lab and 40 clinical hours for a total of 108 hours
• In 2025, will increase to 66 classroom, 32 lab and 40 clinical hours making the total 138 hours.
• Programs range from 4 weeks – 9 months depending on the training program.
• Students must pass both a skills & written exam before applying for certification.

Do I need to be certified/licensed to work as a Nursing Assistant (NA) in Washington State?

Yes. To work in Washington state as a NA you need to be certified or registered through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Visit the DOH Credentialing for helpful information that you need to know.

When do I get my NAC Certificate?

You will get your certificate after you have completed the nursing assistant training and have successfully passed the Nurse Assistant exams. Here is how to access more information on the Nurse Assistant Testing: Nursing Assistant Testing | Washington State Board of Nursing

After you have successfully passed the Nursing Assistant exam you will apply for your Nursing Assistant Certification. Follow this link to find information on how to be certified:  Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)

Where can I work after I get my NA-C?

According to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-841A-403 number (1) & (2)), Nursing Assistants Certified can work in health care facilities and other entities delivering health care services and use NACs. Please follow this link to find more information: https://wacarecareers.wa.gov/nursing-assistant-certified

What is the minimum age to work?

According to Labor and Industries (LNI), a youth must be 14 years old to work in non-agricultural jobs. Of course there are guidelines to be followed in specific settings.

Follow this link and find more details: https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f700-022-000.pdf

High Schools Leaders

What do we need to do to start a Nursing Assistant Training Program in our High School?

To qualify as a nursing assistant training program for initial and ongoing approval, an applicant must follow all the instructions in WAC 246-841A-420 through 246-841A-460.

Click here to learn how to open a new nursing assistant training program:

https://nursing.wa.gov/education/nursing-assistant-education/na-program-info

How long does it take to open a nursing assistant training program?

Opening a nursing assistant training program involves several steps and can vary in time depending on factors like regulatory requirements, institutional resources, and the readiness of your setup. Here's a general timeline and the key steps involved:

1. Planning and Development (3 to 6 months):
   • Research and Design: Develop the curriculum, obtain materials, and decide on the program structure.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Research Washington state and federal regulations for nursing assistant programs. Washington state has specific requirements and approval processes.
   • Accreditation and Approval: Apply for approval from relevant co-accrediting bodies or state health departments.
2. Facility Preparation (1 to 3 months):
   • Location and Setup: Secure and prepare a training facility. This includes classroom space, lab areas for hands-on practice, and any necessary equipment.
   • Staffing: Hire qualified instructors and support staff. They must meet educational and professional requirements set by regulatory bodies.
3. Application and Approval (3 to 6 months):
   • Submit Documentation: Provide required documentation to state agencies or co-accrediting organizations. This often includes curriculum details, faculty qualifications, and facility information.
   • Inspection and Review: Undergo site inspections and reviews as part of the approval process. This ensures that your program meets all necessary standards.
4. Marketing and Enrollment (1 to 2 months):
   • Recruit Students: Market the program, conduct informational sessions, and start enrolling students.
   • Orientation and Preparation: Prepare for the first class by orienting students and finalizing schedules.

In general, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. It’s important to plan thoroughly and consider all these factors to create a realistic timeline for your specific situation.

How can I connect with a Rural Hospital?

Here is a link to the Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) in the State of Washington: Critical Access Hospitals.

You can also contact Eunice.Muriu@doh.wa.gov. Nursing Consultant for the Rural Hospital and High School Nursing Assistant Partnership projects for assistance.

Where can a Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) work?

NA-C can work in Health care facilities. This means a nursing home, a hospital, through a hospice care agency or facility, through a home health care agency, under a licensed or certified service provider, adult family homes, assisted living communities, residential treatment facilities, and correctional facilities. Follow this link for more information: RCW 18.88A.020: Definitions. (wa.gov)

Hospital Administrators

Are you interested in partnering with a high school near you?

Great! You can reach out to High Schools near you and share your interest to partner with them in opening a nursing assistant training program. We can also connect your hospital to high schools near you. The contact person may vary from one high school to another.

What do students and their families need to know about NA-C employment when it comes to teens?

There are guidelines from Labor and Industry regarding Teens at Work. Please visit these websites for information:

• How to Hire Minors (wa.gov)
• Teens At Work:  F700-022-000 Teens at Work: Facts for Employers, Parents and Teens (wa.gov)

Other ways to support the RH & HS NAP?

• Donate items listed HERE.
• Dedicate a classroom in the hospital where the high school can meet and practice labs
• Share a Program Director or Instructor
• Recruit high school students into your existing NA program
• Create scholarships specifically for training and recruiting high school Nursing Assistant

Information about teens unpaid internships:

Sometimes students may come to your hospital for unpaid internships.

Follow this link to learn more about Internships for your teen worker:

F700-173-000 Unpaid Internships 101 (wa.gov)

 

Learn More

If you have an existing NA training program, or are considering starting one, and would like to learn more about Rural Hospital and High School Nursing Assistant Partnership project, please contact us at the following emails.

• Eunice Muriu, RN: Eunice.Muriu@doh.wa.gov
• Reuben Argel, RN: Reuben.Argel@doh.wa.gov