Attend the online session and learn about our Nursing & Allied Health Programs, and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC

To learn more about other Bellingham Technical College programs you may be interested in, join us for a Virtual Program Info Session. Prior sign up is required. If you do not see an Info Session for the program you are interested in, email outreach@btc.edu for more information.

Nursing Assistants are in high demand by employers in Whatcom County!

Choose BTC’s Nursing Assistant program to train for nursing assistant jobs in a wide variety of medical settings. The knowledge and skills you’ll gain are highly valued by healthcare industry employers such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Nursing Assistant training meets the Healthcare Experience requirement for entry into the BTC Registered Nursing Program. Students who complete the Nursing Assistant program will be eligible to take their WA State certification exams.

The Nursing Assistant Program at Bellingham Technical College is approved by the State of Washington, Department of Health, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. 

Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Nursing Assistant curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.

79% BTC job placement rate within nine months

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Nursing Assistant Program Information Sheet

Students are admitted in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer quarters on a space available basis. 

CPR class (AHA BLS Healthcare Provider) and 7-hour HIV/AIDS Education are now included in the Nursing Assistant Program! Students do NOT need to register for these in addition to NA 101 & NA 102. Email nursing@btc.edu if you have questions.

Nursing Assistant Spring 2021 Course Calendar

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.

• Documentation of a two-step tuberculin skin test (TB) completed within the last year. TB must be current through Nursing Assistant enrollment. This may be completed while starting the program (not an entry requirement, but encouraged to get started before starting the program) Student Tuberculosis (TB) Test Form

•  This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Take the ACCUPLACER/Placement Test
3. Meet with Nursing Student Navigator, Jennifer Tachiyama, for advising. Contact her at
    jennifer.tachiyama@btc.edu or 360.752.8345 to make an appointment.
4. Prepare to Attend

• Demonstrate clinical competencies defined in WAC 246-841
• Identify and apply nursing knowledge necessary in the nursing assistant role

Employment of nursing assistants is expected to increase. Employment of nursing assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in response to an emphasis on rehabilitation and the long-term care needs of a rapidly aging population.

The average annual wage in this field is, $30,969 with an earning potential of about $35,464 per year.*

Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.

Most program graduates work as nursing assistants in extended care facilities, hospitals, clinics and home health agencies. Others work in residential care facilities, such as halfway houses and homes for the elderly or disabled, or in private households. Nationally, about one-half of all nursing assistants work in nursing homes, and about one-fourth work in hospitals.