Nurse Aide

New in 2026–2027: Program-specific course content will be weighted as Honors-level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.

Prerequisites: Nurse Aide Program

• Must be a Junior or Senior
• Biology: Grade “C” or better
• Algebra I: Grade “C” or better

The Nurse Aide program prepares students for entry-level patient care roles through a structured combination of academic instruction and hands-on skill development. Coursework focuses on patient care principles, safety, communication, and professional responsibilities aligned with standards set by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Students should expect a fast-paced course that requires accuracy, study, and consistent engagement.

Nurse Aide training is physically demanding and hands-on. Students learn and practice 23 required nurse aide skills using industry-standard equipment in professional patient care settings. Skills training includes activities that require standing, bending, lifting, repositioning patients, and providing direct personal care. Physical stamina and the ability to follow procedures precisely are essential.

Students complete 45 hours of hands-on clinical experience working with residents in a long-term care facility​​​​​​​ under the supervision of registered nurses. These experiences require professionalism, respect for patient dignity, and adherence to all healthcare protocols. Students are expected to interact appropriately with patients, staff, and instructors while following confidentiality and safety requirements.

Clinical experiences are a required part of the Nurse Aide program and are not field trips. On assigned clinical days, students must provide their own transportation and report independently and on time to their assigned clinical location. HCPS transportation is not provided to hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or other clinical sites. Students may have different clinical assignments and do not necessarily attend clinicals at the same location or time.

Clinical partners may also require health and safety documentation beyond standard HCPS school requirements, such as PPD/TB testing and influenza vaccination. These requirements are established by the healthcare facilities and are not optional. Students must complete and submit all required documentation by the established deadlines. Students who do not meet clinical facility requirements on time are not eligible to participate in clinical experiences, which are necessary for completing required direct patient-care hours and preparing for certification/licensure.

Students are expected to participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals, a national student organization focused on leadership development, teamwork, and healthcare career readiness.In addition to earning course credit, students are eligible to work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
• Workplace Readiness Skills
• Qualification to sit for the Virginia Board of Nursing - Nurse Aide Licensing Exam

These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.

This program operates with expectations aligned to professional healthcare environments. Students are expected to:

• Purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending ACE classes and events
• Display a visible ID badge at all times
• Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication

Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below