Nurse Assisting

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nurse Assisting prepares students for employment as a nurse assistant. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical laboratory practice and long-term care and/or acute care experiences. Students who complete the program are eligible to take a written and practical certification examination if desired to meet employment requirements to be a nurse assistant. Certification/licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

The MCCCD Nurse Assisting program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee:
Admission or completion from the MCCCD Nurse Assisting program does not guarantee obtaining a license or certificate to practice as a nurse assistant. Licensure and certification requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college of school requirements for graduation.

Pursuant to A.R.S. §32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is five or more years, the Board cannot process your application.

All nurse assistant applicants for certification will be fingerprinted to permit the Department of Public Safety to obtain state and federal criminal history information. All applicants with a positive history are investigated. If there is any question about eligibility for licensure or certification, contact the nursing education consultant at the Arizona State Board of Nursing (602-899-5150).

Health Declaration:
It is essential that students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients' lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.

Health and Safety Requirements for MCCCD Nurse Assisting Program:
1. Students must meet and maintain health and safety requirements throughout the program.
2. Admission to a Maricopa County Community College District health program requires that students be in compliance with the MCCCD Supplemental Background Check Policy. Evidence of a current Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card is required for program application.
3. Negative urine drug screen.

Grade Requirements:
Student must obtain a C grade or better in all courses.

University Transfer Students:
For students planning a university program:
Students who are planning to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may obtain their prerequisite courses at Maricopa Community Colleges. For information on courses that meet requirements for admission into a baccalaureate program, please contact a program advisor.

THE NURSE ASSISTING PATHWAY
The nurse assisting pathway is designed to prepare students to complete the Nurse Assistant certification/licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing to practice in a health care agency as a nurse assistant. Completion of the Nurse Assistant program of study provides job ready skills as a nurse assistant.

This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).