Nursing Assistant, non-credit training
Why choose the Nursing Assistant non-credit training program at PCC?
Salary
The Oregon Employment Department reports Portland area certified nursing assistants earn from $21 to $32 per hour.
Are you ready to join the healthcare workforce in a role that is in high demand and offers stability? Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) opens the door to a career where you’ll make a difference in patients’ lives every single day. This program is designed to help you succeed and offers a pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or physician assistant.
- Practical in-person training: Develop your skills in both lecture and lab settings, gaining real-world experience during a clinical practicum at hospitals or skilled nursing facilities in the Portland area.
- One-term program: Spend approximately 8 to 24 hours per week for just one term.
- In-demand skills: Grow the skills that will make you a vital member of the healthcare team, from compassion to effective communication and teamwork.
- Career-ready preparation: Complete the program and gain the knowledge and confidence to pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam, which grants you certification and the ability to work as a certified nursing assistant in the state of Oregon.
How much will it cost?
All tuition, fees, and other program costs will be covered by the Future Ready Oregon Grant through June 30, 2026. However, winter and spring courses covered by this grant are full.
Future course offerings will follow the college’s tuition and fees guidelines. Additionally, students can also expect to cover the required program costs below (note: these are approximations and subject to change).
View program costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DISA (formerly CastleBranch) fee (background check, drug testing, immunization records, OSHA, and HIPAA training) | $216 |
| BLS/CPR certification and text | $130 |
| OSBN certification exam – initial attempt | $106 |
| Fingerprinting for OSBN certification | $70.50 |
| Scrubs and equipment | $110 |
| Instructional materials (option to select electronic copy free of charge or hardcopy for $20) |
$0–$20 |
| Total costs | Approx. $650 |
Award information
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-credit Training: Nursing Assistant | Less than 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to Non-credit Training: Nursing Assistant |
Learn more about Nursing and all 2 awards available »
Locations
CLIMB Center
SylvaniaAfter spring term 2026, the lecture and lab portion of the course will be held at the Sylvania Campus. Clinical site locations are subject to change based on availability and resources.
What will you learn?
Approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the Nursing Assistant program teaches hands-on skills that students will use every day to provide patients with exceptional health care. After practicing these skills in a lecture and lab setting, you will put them to use in the real world during a clinical practicum at one of several hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or skilled nursing facilities in the Portland area.
Part I: CPR certification, lecture, and lab – 72.5 hours
- 2 hours Nursing Assistant program orientation
- 38 hours of classroom time
- 28 hours of lab skills training
- 4.5 hours for CPR certification (provided to spring 2026 students funded by the grant)
Learn about the principles of health care, various diseases, and body systems. Work with other students to practice skills like taking vital signs, dressing and undressing clients, and assisting with feeding.
Part II: Clinical practice experience – 40 hours
After successful completion of the lecture and lab practice in the classroom, you will move on to a clinical rotation. You will put your skills to work in the real world at a local healthcare facility. The work experience will give you a preview of your role as part of the healthcare team.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to
- Pass the state board exam, which grants certification as a certified nursing assistant.
- Apply a working knowledge of a variety of human body systems, including the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and more.
- Understand a variety of human disease processes, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, and substance abuse, among many others.
- Understand standard precautions and the importance of keeping a clean and sterile environment, as well as how to prevent and halt the spread of disease by maintaining cleanliness.
- Perform a vast number of skills essential to the role of a CNA, including taking vital signs like pulse and blood pressure; helping with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, or hair and nail care; and assisting clients with walking and range-of-motion exercises.
- Gain insight into the psychological struggles of patients and clients by listening to, empathizing with, and connecting with people.
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of nursing assistants, including which tasks they are prohibited from performing, and how to earn and maintain licensure.
- Network with nurses, doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, and others to provide patient-centered care.
- Use effective time management to maintain a work-life balance.
- Exercise professionalism, appropriate conduct, and other skills that will help in finding, securing, and maintaining long-term employment.
Course schedule
The schedule for future courses is to be determined.
See the program readiness and standards page for more information.
What will you do?
As a nursing assistant, you’ll provide essential care and support to patients under the supervision of licensed nurses. Your responsibilities include helping with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating; monitoring vital signs; assisting with mobility; keeping patients comfortable and clean; and reporting any changes in their condition. You’ll also offer emotional support, helping patients feel safe and cared for – often making a meaningful impact during vulnerable moments. Providing care is both challenging and rewarding.
Who will hire you?
There are many employers of nursing assistants in the Portland area:
- Clinics
- Community hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Extended care facilities
- Health departments
- Home health care agencies
- Medical centers
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
Get in touch
Contact us if you have questions about Nursing Assistant non-credit training.
The job outlook for nursing assistants in Portland, Oregon, is very positive. Lightcast data derived from government sources in 2025 forecasts 17.9% projected growth in jobs for nursing assistants. This growth is attributed to the aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and the growing need for certified nursing assistants in a variety of healthcare settings. Pay ranges for certified nursing assistants range from $21-$32 per hour, depending on experience, shift, and location.
Note that most clinical and care facilities will not hire certified nursing assistants without United States work authorization documentation.
Next steps
See how to get into this program.Get started now
Not quite ready to apply?
We can help you get the information you need.