Credits Earned: 7 Credits
Length: 8 Weeks
Total Instructional Hours: 120 NATCEP Hours + 30 Certification Prep Hours=150 hours
Clinical Required: Yes
Certification Eligibility: National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)
Start Your Healthcare Career in Weeks
The Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) at Erie County Community College prepares students to become Nurse Aides (NAs) in Pennsylvania.
This hands-on program combines classroom instruction, laboratory skills training, and supervised clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility. Students develop the foundational skills necessary to provide safe, compassionate care to residents in long-term care and other healthcare settings.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification examination.
Why Choose EC3?
- Pennsylvania Department of Education aligned curriculum
- Strong partnerships with local clinical facilities
- Hands-on lab practice before clinical placement
- Structured certification exam preparation
- Affordable pathway into healthcare
This program is designed to meet workforce needs in Erie County and surrounding communities.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the EC3 Nurse Aide Training Program will:
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing skills, including vital signs, personal care, and assistance with activities of daily living.
- Apply infection control principles to maintain a safe healthcare environment.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for patient rights and dignity.
- Apply safety and emergency procedures in healthcare settings.
- Prepare for successful completion of the Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
Program Structure
The NATCEP program includes:
- Classroom Instruction
- Laboratory Skills Training
- 54 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Certification Review and Exam Preparation
Students must achieve:
- Minimum 80% in classroom
- 100% competency in laboratory skills
- Successful completion of clinical requirements
Students may not advance to clinical without meeting academic and skills requirements.
Courses
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credits |
|
NUR 101 |
Nurse Aide Training (Classroom & Lab) |
4 |
|
NUR 102 |
Nurse Aide Clinical Experience |
2 |
|
NUR 103 |
Nurse Aide Certification Preparation |
1 |
Total Credits: 7
Certification
Graduates are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
Fees for NATCEP program will only pay for 1st attempt at NNAAP.
Students have up to 120 days to complete the examination process and may attempt each section (written and skills) up to three times. If unsuccessful after three attempts, the program must be repeated.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide proof of high school diploma, GED, or college transcript
- Provide government-issued photo ID
- Complete a physical examination and TB screening
- Complete PA Criminal Background Check on Complio
- Complete FBI Fingerprinting (if not a PA resident past two consecutive years)
Documentation must be submitted prior to the registration deadline for May 15th.
Career Outlook
Certified Nurse Aides are listed among high-priority occupations in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Employment opportunities include:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living communities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Adult day care centers
Nurse aide certification provides an entry point into healthcare and can serve as a pathway to advanced nursing education.
Ready to Begin?
Take the first step toward a career in healthcare.
Apply today to enroll in the EC3 Nurse Aide Training Program. Please register as a Guest Student. You will be switched to a Nurse Aide student once you have completed all health and safety requirements.
