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College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

Nurse Aide Training Program

At a Glance

Junior and Senior High School students: launch your health care career with UHart's Nurse Aide Training program. Designed for students eager to enter the workforce quickly, this intensive program provides the foundational skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in today’s health care settings. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to sit for the Connecticut Nurse Aide Certification Examination, opening the door to immediate employment opportunities in hospitals, long term care facilities, assisted living, and community health settings.

Overview

Real-World Health care Experience!

Students in UHart's Nurse Aide Training program complete clinical education in collaboration with our partner, Hartford HealthCare.

Why Become a Certified Nurse Aide?

Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) play an essential role on health care teams, providing compassionate, hands-on care and daily support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and other health care professionals.

Becoming a CNA is a great first step for students interested in nursing or other healthcare careers because it offers valuable preparation for future nursing and health profession programs.

You, career ready!

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Aides are in strong demand across the country and here in Connecticut, with 200,000+ job openings each year driven by growing health care needs and workforce turnover. 

  • Strong job demand: 200,000+ annual openings nationwide

  • Competitive pay: about $39,500/year national median (that's about $18.96 per hour), with higher average earnings in Connecticut

  • A launch point: a direct pathway into nursing and other health care careers

This is more than a job. It's a meaningful first step into the health care field.

Program Requirements

Students in UHart's Nurse Aide Training program gain hands-on experience through both classroom instruction and clinical practice (total of 100 program hours). The curriculum emphasizes nurse aide theory and core competencies and is aligned with the regulations and standards set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health for Certified Nurse Aide training programs. 

Note: Upon completion of the program, students may be eligible for tuition reimbursement starting at $1,250. To qualify, students must attend all classes, labs, and clinical sessions, and successfully complete the course with a final grade of 70% or higher.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Junior or Senior high school student in good academic standing

  • One letter of recommendation from a high school advisor or teacher

  • Successful completion of an entrance exam, which includes:

    • Basic reading comprehension

    • Basic mathematics

Additional health and compliance requirements will be reviewed upon acceptance.

Textbook:
Lippincott Textbook for Nursing Assistants:
A Humanistic Approach to Caregiving, 6th Edition

Author: Pamela J. Carter
ISBN: 9781975198909

Additional resources include:

  • Skills checklists and assessments
  • Educational videos and simulations
  • Secure online learning management system (Blackboard)

Admission

Program Cost: $1,700/per student

The program fee includes:

  • Classroom instruction

  • Lab and clinical education

  • Access to the secure platform for:

    • Health document uploads

    • Background check

    • Drug screening

These requirements are mandated by clinical partner facilities to ensure student and patient safety.

Ready to apply or learn more?