Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants enjoy rewarding careers under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They are trained to identify and meet basic patient care needs for the safety, comfort and daily activities of patients―including feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming and transporting them.
Once You Complete the Program
Graduates seek employment in a hospital, nursing home, physician's office, clinic, long-term care facility or private home.
Nursing Assistant program graduates may sit for the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) Exam.
Getting Started
The Nursing Assistant program is a selective-admissions program. Students are selected based on criteria outlined in the Nursing Assistant Application Book.
For more information, email:
IRSCCNAinfo@irsc.edu
Professional Certification
Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. If your future plans include achieving licensure or certification, you should know that requirements vary by state.
After completion of the Nursing Assistant program, you are eligible to apply for practical and didactic exams through Prometric and the Florida State Board of Nursing to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state of Florida. IRSC cannot confirm that completion of this program meets the requirement for certification in any other state. If you wish to become a CNA in another state, please contact the board of nursing in the state to determine whether this certificate program will meet their requirements.
The Nursing Assistant program at IRSC meets the educational requirements for certification in the state of Florida. If you are a student who may choose to reside outside of Florida, IRSC cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for certification in your state. Please contact the board of nursing in your state to determine whether this course will meet their certification requirements.
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Table for NursingInformation Sessions
Free information sessions are held periodically throughout the year. Upcoming sessions:
Applying to the Nursing Assistant Program
Students are accepted into the IRSC Nursing Assistant program each semester.
Prior to beginning the application process:
- Read the Nursing Assistant Application Book.
- Complete and submit the IRSC Nursing Application for the Nursing Assistant program ($30 fee; keep a copy of your receipt).
Spring 2025 Schedule
| Location | Instructor | Dates | Times | Days | Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackburn Education Building | Copeland | 01/06/25 – 02/26/25 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | M, Tu, W, Th | HCP0410C-71-001 |
| Blackburn Education Building | Copeland | 03/03/25 - 04/30/25 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | M, Tu, W, Th | HCP0410C-71-002 |
| Blackburn Education Building | Johns | 01/06/25 - 04/16/25 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-71-003 |
| Dixon Hendry Campus | Smith | 01/06/25 – 04/16/25 | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-41-001 |
| Chastain Campus | Brown | 01/06/25 – 04/16/25 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-31-001 |
Additional Program Information
HOSA
This is a national organization which supplements and complements the health occupations education curriculum. HOSA provides students in secondary, postsecondary and collegiate programs with opportunities to develop personal, leadership and career skills needed by healthcare providers. HOSA helps develop the total person, not just job-specific skills. The rapidly changing healthcare system needs workers who are technically skilled, people-oriented and capable of accepting leadership positions as a member of a team. Learn more.
Career Training
Students enrolled in the Nursing Assistant Career Training programs build increasingly sophisticated skills in 165-hour modules. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
