Nursing Assistant

The Nursing Assisting course (NAS 100) is designed to prepare men and women as nursing assistants who work under the supervision of physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Preparation to provide basic, personal care for patients/residents in long term care and acute health care settings and physicians’ offices is included. Content necessary for a student to become eligible to write the Nursing Assistant Certificate Examination (NACEP) is included and complies with federally mandated OBRA87 guidelines. The Nursing Assisting course is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Division of Healthcare Facilities.

The Medication Assistant course (NAS 102) is designed to prepare men and women as a medication aide who works under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Preparation to administer basic medications to patients/residents in long term care settings is included. With successful completion of NAS 100 and NAS 102, students are eligible to write the Medication Aide Certification Exam (MACE) to obtain certification as a Medication Aide. The Medication Aide course is approved by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).

Both NAS 100 and NAS 102 contain classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction.

Students who wish to obtain college credit for their coursework must meet all SUSCC admission requirements. Non-college credit students are not required to meet College admission requirements. Both courses are offered at various times during the year on the Valley, Opelika, or Wadley campus.

NAS Course Enrollment Requirements:

1. Application for the Nursing Assisting / Medication Aide
2. Negative drug screen
3. Negative T.B. skin test within 1 year
4. Current immunizations, including but not limited to, Tetanus and Hepatitis B
5. Ability to meet essential functions
6. Clear criminal background check
7. Current CPR certification at the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level
8. Flu shot

Students currently enrolled in high school may enroll in NAS courses but the student must be aware that some employing agencies require employees to be age 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED prior to employment.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirement of the College, admission to the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide (NAS/HHA) program requires:

1. unconditional admission to the College.
2. 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculated on previous coursework and clear academic status at Southern Union.
3. official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. 
4. eligibility for English 101 and Math 100 and satisfaction of the College reading requirement.
5. application for the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Program.
6. ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook. 
7. ability to meet all health/ clinical requirements as stated in current Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Student Handbook.