Program Overview
This course offers instruction and hands-on experience in foundational nursing care skills and theoretical concepts. Students are prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings through a curriculum that emphasizes acute and long-term care skills, effective communication in healthcare environments, and compassionate caregiving.
We are affiliated with multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the Seattle area, providing students with valuable exposure and experience through a 40-hour clinical practicum at the end of the quarter.
In addition to clinical training, the course includes instruction in student success and career transition skills, such as résumé building, interview preparation, and guest speakers. Many of our graduates are hired by local hospitals and facilities and are well-prepared to enter the Seattle Colleges Nursing Program.
Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant Certified (NA-C) Short-Term Certificate, students are eligible to take the Washington State NA-C exams to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Degrees & Certificates
Nursing: Nursing Assistant Certified Short-Term Certificate
With fewer than 20 credits, short-term certificate programs generally cover an entry-level or specific skill set needed for that industry. Credits earned in these programs may apply toward a next-level certificate or degree. Typically offered in a condensed time period.
- Credits to complete: 16.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 1
Upcoming Application Cycles for 2025-2026:
- Fall 2025 Application Cycle: 6/16/2025 to 7/18/2025
- Winter 2026 Application Cycle: 10/20/2025 to 11/21/2025
- Admission priority to the program is based on the completeness of required immunizations and will be screened at the mandatory orientation.
Please meet with a Seattle Central College academic advisor to apply for the NA-C program.
We operate a hybrid Nursing Assistant Program through Seattle Central Campus. Theory is offered remotely, with lab operations located at the South Seattle College Campus. Sites in the Seattle area vary for the clinical course component which occurs at the end of the quarter.
Entrance Requirements:
If you wish to obtain a Nursing Assistant Certificate, you must meet the following entrance requirements and complete the application process.
- Eligible for at least ENGL 098 and MATH 087, as demonstrated by the placement testing or unofficial transcripts.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Attend a mandatory NA-C information session
How to Get Started:
Applications are accepted on a first–come, first–served basis for students who meet the entrance requirements. We now accept applications for NA-C on an ongoing basis. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your next steps.
- Complete the 5-Step Enrollment Process for Seattle Central College, which includes placement testing and/or transcript review to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. You can contact an advisor at advisorcentral@seattlecolleges.edu.
- After the advising office has approved you to begin NA-C (See eligibility requirements), a Program Ready Form will be submitted on your behalf from your advisor, and you will receive an email from the NA-C program explaining your next steps.
- Attend NA-C orientation (You will receive an invitation after completing the steps above).
- Immunization Requirements - immunizations required for the program to be completed are after acceptance to the program. Process can take a few weeks so please get started right away.
After Acceptance
Attend the mandatory NA-C orientation, where you will register for class. Bring your receipt from the cashier’s office.
Applicants are invited to attend orientation on a space-available basis.
In order to be placed in a clinical setting, you will need to have a physical examination, vaccinations or titers, TB tests and pass a criminal background check. You will receive more information about this requirement at NA-C orientation.
Program Expectations
This is a full-time program with theory and lab meeting 4 days per week, with mandatory clinical at a healthcare site for 40 hours towards the end of the quarter. Students must commit to a fast-paced schedule for the 8-9 week course duration. If you would like to discuss specifics regarding coursework/scheduling, please contact NAC@seattlecolleges.edu
Current schedule is as follows (subject to change):
- Tuesday and Thursday – Mandatory in person lab at South Seattle College Campus - 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106. (Students may be placed in a morning 0800-1300 or afternoon 1400-1900 group)
- Wednesday and Friday – Mandatory Online Theory via Zoom - 0900-1400
The Seattle Central District Nursing Program at Seattle Central College is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Board of Nursing
111 Israel Road SE
Olympia, WA 98504
The Seattle Central District Nursing Program at Seattle Central College located in Seattle Washington is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Seattle Central District Nursing Program: Associate degree program is under continuing accreditation with conditions for Good Cause for two years with a follow up report with a site visit in Fall 2025.
The board identified these areas:
Evidence of Non-Compliance: Standard 6 outcomes, Criterion 6.1
There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
Areas Needing Development:
Standard 6 Outcome, Criterion 6.3
Review and revise the program completion outcome statement(s) to be congruent with the ACEN definition of program completion by including the first nursing course and on-time completion.
Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.4
Review and revise the job placement outcome statement to be congruent with the ACEN definition of job placement by including ELA with appropriate timeframe and in a role for which they were prepared.
Seattle Central College's Nursing program is intended to meet the educational requirements for licensing/certification in the State of Washington only. Seattle Central College has not determined if the Nursing curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in any other state. Additional information about licensure/certification concerns can be found on the NC-SARA webpage. Please contact eLearning with any questions at eLearning@seattlecolleges.edu.