RVCC’s Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
This program is a starting point for a rewarding career in healthcare. This is a fast-paced, hands-on program that combines classroom instruction, lab skills, and clinical practice.
LNAs are in great demand today and demand is forecasted to grow between 10 and 25% in the next five years. In addition, many LNAs use the knowledge and experience they have gained working in healthcare to gain entrance into competitive LPN and RN degree programs.
Upon successfully completing the course, students will be prepared to sit for the state certification examination and submit their Board of Nursing LNA license application.
If you are interested in applying to the Dartmouth Health- River Valley paid LNA program, you can learn more here: More information about the process of applying to the paid training program.
RVCC offers two pathways to completing the LNA certificate program. Each has its own application and admission process.
Apply Directly to RVCC
If you apply directly to RVCC, you pay your tuition and fees and you may elect to work for any employer or pursue further education in the field upon completion. Applying to RVCC directly is a multi-step process:
- Complete this application.
Demonstrate English comprehension and Math proficiency
You may do this either by taking a short assessment test on-site at RVCC and pass with a score of 70% or better, by submitting results of the TEAS showing that you achieved a 55% or better on the English Language and Usage portion and 60% or better on the Math portion. The assessment may also be waived if you have a Certificate or Degree from an Institution of Higher Ed, or, if you have achieved a 2.0 GPA or better in a college level Math class (Early College math credit is acceptable).
To make an appointment to take the assessment at any of the RVCC campuses, call 603-443-4200.
- Register with Castle Branch. RVCC has contracted with them to do the required criminal background check, provide information on the required drug screening, and help you coordinate submission of proof that you have completed a physical, have health insurance, and have your necessary immunizations and vaccinations up-to-date. When you register, choose the Nursing Assistant IU68 package. The cost of this package is $167, which you must pay at the time you register. Note: it will take 3-4 weeks for all of this to be completed, so we encourage you to register with Castle Branch just as soon as you have completed step 1 and 2 to ensure that there is no delay in your enrollment.
- Obtain your AHA Basic Life Support CPR Certificate. Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support – American Heart Association BLS is offered at no charge for all RVCC students. The web-based program is through RQI 1 Stop. Students will need to complete the online didactic portion of the program, then come to RVCC to complete the manikin portion of the program.
Other in-state options:
Apply to the Paid Training Program at Dartmouth Health
If you apply to the paid training program at Dartmouth Health, you proceed through their selection process. If selected, you are hired as their employee and you complete the program at no cost to you; upon completion and receipt of your license, you will be offered a full-time Licensed Nurse Assistant position within one of their inpatient units. More information about the process of applying to the paid training program.
We offer the LNA program at each of our campuses — Claremont, Keene, and Lebanon — on a rotating schedule throughout the year. Sessions are added according to student demand and instructor availability, so contact us if you do not see a session that works with your schedule.
Summer 2025
Starts on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Lebanon. Runs 4 times a week. Tues-Friday, then Monday, Tues, Wed & Fri. (19th is off). Then Skills begin on July 7th and end on the 10th. That finishes theory and skills. Clinicals will be follow.
River Valley Community College. 15 Hanover St., Lebanon NH
Theory, Skills, and Review
Orientation: Start: 9:00 am Monday June 10
Theory: 9:00am-2:30pm
Tuesday-Friday 6/10-6/14
Monday-Wed. 6/16-6/18
Friday 6/20/25 (no 6/19)
Skills: 9:00am-3:30pm
Monday – Thursday 7/7-7/10
Clinicals: Sullivan County Nursing Home
Saturday/ Sunday July 12/ 13
Saturday/ Sunday July 26/ 27
Saturday/ Sunday August 2/3
Review
River Valley Community College. 15 Hanover St., Lebanon NH
Monday August 4
9:00am-2:30-pm
NOTE: River Valley retains the right to make changes to the course schedule as needed. Enrolled students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
Workbook: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term & Home Care Workbook, 4th ed, ISBN: 9781604251340
Textbook: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care and Home Care, 4th ed, ISBN: 13: 978-1604251333 or ISBN-10: 1604251336
If you are admitted through our direct enrollment path, then you pay your costs. We have listed the total costs of the program below along with sources of financial aid.
If you are admitted through the paid training program at Dartmouth Health, then you complete the program at no cost to you.
Detailed information about the process of applying to the paid training program.
Costs
Pre-Enrollment:
- Castle Branch Fees: $167-$180 (verify with Castle Branch)
- BPS CPR Certification Course: $70-100 (if needed)
- Physical Exam: variable (if needed)
- Additional Immunizations/Vaccinations: variable (if needed)
Tuition, Books & Supplies:
- Tuition: $1900
- Textbooks: $65-$75
- Workbook: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term & Home Care Workbook, 4th ed, ISBN: 9781604251340
- Textbook: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care and Home Care, 4th ed, ISBN: 13: 978-1604251333 or ISBN-10: 1604251336
- Black Scrubs: $35
- Live Scan Fingerprints – $48.25
- Skills and Written Test (Certification Exam) – $200
- NH Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant License Fee – $35
Sources of Financial Aid
There are opportunities to obtain financial aid to cover the costs of tuition and books for the LNA program. Here are a few to look into:
Through RVCC:
- LNA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program
- SNAP Employment & Training Funds
- Scholarships (you will have to create an Award Spring account to apply for these scholarships)
Other Sources:
Tuition Assistance
Applicants to the RVCC LNA Program may qualify for up to $6,500.00 in tuition assistance through the WIOA program.
Further information about WIOA training funding, eligibility funding and eligibility requirements.
All NH Residents – please be sure to reach out for this WIOA assistance. For information on the enrollment process and to schedule a meeting with an SNHS Career Navigator, please call 603-647-4470 ext. 8047 or email [email protected]
How to Apply:
- To schedule a meeting with a WIOA Employment Counselor, please call your local NH Works office Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. WIOA services are available statewide in all twelve NH Works office.
Vermont Residents – VSCA’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) counselors can help you set up your educational goals, access college and career training services, explore financial aid options and fill out financial aid applications. To schedule an appointment, you can email Ran Wang at [email protected] or call 877-961-4369 to set up a time to talk with an EOC counselor.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Actively participate in theoretical and clinical experiences, under the supervision of a licensed nurse, assisting care-recipients with nursing-related activities in the following areas:
- Personal hygiene including bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Ambulation and movement including range of motion, turning, positioning, and transferring
- Nutrition and elimination including feeding and hydration, toileting, bowel and bladder training
- Environmental and personal safety involving housekeeping concerns, adaptive devices, and special clothing
- Emotional support including appropriate responses and techniques used with the cognitively impaired and demented, the aging process, identification of resources, preservation of dignity, and assuring freedom from fear and reprisal
- Comfort, rest, and activities including privacy, physical and occupational skills
- Emergency situations including appropriateness of action or non-action, fire drills, security of the environment, and resources available
- Describe the role of the nursing assistant within the health care system and the qualities required for successful integration into the work force
- Recognize pathological, physical, psychological, social, cultural and religious influences related to the life cycle and the aging process
- Identify End of Life issues
- Record abnormalities in behavior or bodily functions
- Identify hazardous conditions in the environment
- Apply a holistic approach to care throughout the lifespan
- Explain the legal, ethical and moral issues involved in providing nursing-related activities
- Value a care-recipients’ rights, dignity and confidentiality
- Prepare clients to attain and maintain functional independence in the health care facility or at home
- Demonstrate various communication skills that will enhance relationships with patients and with other health care team members to promote accuracy and to protect confidentiality concerning clients’ health, safety, welfare, physical and mental conditions, and general well-being
- Practice emergency, safety and infection control procedures in the clinical area
- List and identify medical terms and abbreviations necessary for the LNA to communicate effectively verbally and in charting
- Demonstrate understanding of the clients’ emotional, social and physical health needs through skillful, direct nursing related activities
Note: The term “client” is synonymous with patient, resident, or recipient depending on the setting of care.
Job Opportunities
Upon completion of the Licensed Nursing Assistant Program, students are qualified to sit for the Credentialing License Examinations. The program has full approval from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and national accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates may obtain employment in a variety of different settings including (but not limited to):
- Hospitals
- Nursing and Home HealthCare Facilities
- Government Assisted Living Facilities
- Retirement Communities
Career Outlook
Annual Salary: $27,200 – $36,200
Average Hourly: $13 – $16
Job Growth: 10 – 25%
Projected Growth: Much faster than average
The Nursing Lab is made possible by generous donations from the
Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and Mascoma Bank Foundation.
Health Sciences and Services
