Nursing Assisting
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
NURSING ASSISTING
PROGRAM LENGTH: 2-3 years
GRADES: 10-12
The Nursing Assisting pathway is designed for students who want a direct role in patient care. Students learn how to support patients safely and professionally in settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare. The pathway builds from healthcare fundamentals into clinical skill practice and supervised experiences.
By the end of the program, students will learn skills in:
- Patient care procedures and infection control
- Vital signs and basic medical documentation
- Communication, teamwork, and professional behavior
- Assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Patient rights, ethical/legal responsibilities, and cultural sensitivity
- Supervised clinical experiences under the guidance of a Registered Nurse Instructor
Course Pathway Map
This one semester introductory course is designed for 9th and 10th grade students who are interested in exploring careers in healthcare, with a focus on pathways such as Nursing Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assisting, and Veterinary Assisting. The course provides an overview of the diverse opportunities available in the healthcare and veterinary fields, helping students make informed decisions about their future career pathways. Throughout the course, students will explore the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals, learn basic medical terminology, and gain an understanding of human and animal anatomy and physiology. Topics such as infection control, patient safety, ethical behavior in healthcare, and the importance of teamwork will be introduced. Real-world activities, guest speakers, and field trips will provide students with practical insights into real-world healthcare environments. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue specialized training in one of the health career pathways offered in the Health Services and First Responder Academies. This class is ideal for students who are curious about healthcare professions and eager to begin planning for their future in the medical field. Students will receive 0.5 Elective credit upon completion of this single-semester course (0.5 credit each semester).
Recommended course- Health Career Exploration
This year-long course serves as the first part of a comprehensive two-year program designed to introduce high school students to foundational knowledge in the healthcare field of Nursing Assisting. Throughout the course, students will explore the roles and responsibilities of various health professionals, learn foundational skills in their field, and gain valuable experience toward the second year of their program. Students will gain an understanding of the healthcare system, medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, patient care principles, infection control, and safety protocols. The curriculum emphasizes essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical behavior in healthcare settings. Hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers from different health professions will enhance students' learning experience and prepare them for more specialized training in the second year of the Nursing Assisting program. By the end of the course, students will have accumulated the basic knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their certification course the following year. Students will receive 1.0 CTE or Elective credit upon completion of this two-semester course (0.5 credit each semester).
In the second year of the Health Services Academy, students who choose the Nursing Assisting pathway will build on the foundational knowledge gained in Health Career Foundations to develop specialized skills required for entry-level positions in the healthcare field. This course focuses on preparing students to become Licensed or Certified Nursing Assistants (LNA or CNA), equipping them with the clinical and practical knowledge necessary to provide quality care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare. Students will receive instruction in key areas such as patient care procedures, infection control, vital signs monitoring, basic medical documentation, communication skills, and assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). The course includes hands-on clinical experiences in healthcare settings, where students will apply their skills under supervision of a Registered Nurse Instructor. In addition, topics such as patient rights, ethical and legal responsibilities, cultural sensitivity, and professional behavior in healthcare will be emphasized. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the Arizona state LNA/CNA certification exam. This program is ideal for students who aspire to enter the workforce directly after high school or continue their education in nursing or other healthcare-related fields. Students will receive 2.0 CTE or Elective credit upon completion of this two-semester course (1 credit each semester).2026-2027 Applied Tech Course Catalog
In this course, students will design a project using the fundamentals of project management, conduct research on their topic of interest, then produce a final written report, portfolio, or a presentation that summarizes and demonstrates student learning. The capstone project will relate to academic accomplishments and demonstrate mastery of the subject. Students will receive 1.0 CTE or Elective credit upon completion of this two-semester course (0.5 credit each semester).2026-2027 Applied Tech Course Catalog
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding course offerings, requirements, and descriptions, please refer to the official course catalog.
Certificates & Licenses
Throughout the program, students work toward industry-recognized healthcare certifications that prepare them for entry-level patient care roles. These credentials demonstrate the knowledge and technical skills needed for clinical settings. Advanced coursework may include clinical experiences and expanded patient care training, allowing students to apply skills in real-world healthcare environments. Students who complete the Nursing Assistant requirements may qualify for placement on the state registry and pursue employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
| Certificate Name | Class / Year Obtained | Type | Purpose / Eligibility | Information Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA / LNA) | Health Sciences II | Certification | Qualifies students for entry-level nursing assistant roles under AZBN standards | Patient care skills, vital signs, safety procedures, infection control, and healthcare ethics |
| BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) | Emergency Medical Technician II | Certification | Required for many healthcare positions and clinical placements | CPR, AED use, choking response, and emergency life-saving techniques |
| Stop the Bleed Certification | Emergency Medical Technician II | Certification | Trains individuals to recognize and treat life-threatening bleeding using pressure, packing, and tourniquets. | Bleeding control, tourniquet use, wound packing, and emergency response actions |
Career, Salary, and Growth Opportunities
Entry
Median
Experienced
NATIONAL ANNUAL SALARY
2020
2022
2024
AZ MEDIAN SALARY GROWTH
2024
2034
PROJECTED JOB OUTLOOK
Nursing and patient care careers focus on supporting patients with daily care, comfort, and basic clinical needs. Students who build skills in bedside assistance, vital monitoring, and patient support, along with certifications like CNA, CPR/BLS, or PCT, can qualify for entry-level roles and continue advancing through experience and additional training.
Roles such as nursing assistant, patient care technician, and home health aide offer steady employment, with salaries ranging from $28,000 to $52,000 and opportunities to grow as skills and certifications increase. The field has strong demand, with about 211,800 openings projected nationally each year through 2034. For students who enjoy helping others and making a direct impact on patient care, nursing and patient support careers provide a dependable pathway to meaningful, in-demand work.
*Statistics sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Arizona workforce projections.
Our Facilities
Students train in a simulated healthcare lab designed to mirror real clinical environments. The open-concept space includes multiple patient care areas and nurse stations, allowing students to practice technical skills using industry-standard medical equipment.
Our facilities feature:
Simulated hospital room for patient care training
Four-bed hospital ward with privacy curtains
Nurse stations for workflow and charting practice
Dedicated classroom instruction area within the lab
Exam tables for clinical skills practice
Patient care manikins for real-world training
Hospital beds, overbed tables, linens, and hampers
Blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and clinical supplies
Computers for electronic patient charting practice
This setup allows students to develop real-world patient care skills in an environment that closely reflects healthcare settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Nursing assisting is an entry-level patient care role. Many students use it as a stepping stone into nursing programs later.
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Nursing Assisting II includes supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings.
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Possibly. Depending on placement, students may need items like a background check, fingerprint clearance, immunizations, TB testing, or other partner requirements. Students are responsible for any associated costs.
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Reliability, strong safety and hygiene habits, empathy, attention to detail, and comfort following procedures consistently.
Our Industry Partners
We collaborate with leading industry professionals to ensure our students gain real-world experience, leading to direct pathways into high-demand careers. We are proud to work alongside organizations that invest in the future of our students.
