LNA – Licensed Nursing Assistant

RVCC’s Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Program is a starting point in the Nursing field.  This is a fast-paced 7 week course that combines classroom, lab, and clinical practice.

The Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) program includes:

• 40 hours of theory
• 24 hours of laboratory
• 60 hours of clinical

for a total of 124 hours of coursework. The theory and laboratory portions will be delivered at RVCC.  Clinical hours are arranged at a variety of settings in the region.

In New Hampshire, Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) are forecast to have the largest number of annual openings among occupations requiring some post-secondary training, at 1,169, between 2016-2026.*

Completing an LNA training program is a great way to get started in the Nursing profession and gain hands-on experience.   Many LNAs use the knowledge and experience they have gained working in healthcare to gain entrance into competitive LPN and RN degree programs.

Student Outcomes

By successfully completing the training program, the student will be prepared for a role as an assistant to nurses.  As an LNA, students will have the skills to:

• perform activities of daily living in a professional manner
• provide direct patient care
• effectively communicate
• understand infection control procedures
• perform safety and body mechanics
• comprehend legal and ethical issues

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.

4 Minute Info Session

RVCC LNA Program Learning Outcomes

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.

A short English comprehension and Math assessment must be taken and passed with a 70% or better prior to enrolling in the LNA course.  If you have taken the TEAS and achieved a minimum score of 60% on the Math portion and 55% on the English and Language Usage portion, this may be submitted in place of taking the assessments. The assessments may be taken at any of our campuses, and an appointment can be made by calling (603) 443-4200.   

A current certification in AHA Basic Life Support CPR is needed to enroll in this LNA training program. RVCC holds a number of BLS CPR courses throughout the year at our Claremont campus.  Click here to check on upcoming classes and to register.  Keene area students can check here for other CPR class options.

Please note, applicants will also need to complete a criminal background check and drug screening; immunizations/vaccinations need to be up-to-date; a physical completed; and must have health insurance in order to register.  RVCC employs Castle Branch to coordinate the paperwork, conduct the background check, and provide the information for the drug screening.  There is a $159 charge for this process.  

RVCC recommends NOT registering for Castle Branch prior to submitting the LNA Application form AND passing the assessment.

Once the above is complete, go here to register for Castle Branch. (Be sure to register for the Nursing Assistant Program – IU68.) 

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs for the Course and Materials*:

• Tuition – $1700
• Textbooks – $61
• Black Scrubs – $35
• CPR Certification – $70-$100, if you don’t already have an AHA BLS CPR certificate (or an equivalent AHA BLS course)
• Castle Branch – $159

*Costs could be more if CPR, immunizations, physical, vaccinations, etc. are needed.

The following approximated fees are associated with the Exam and License:

• Live Scan Fingerprints – $48.25
• Skills and Written Test (Certification Exam) – $200
• NH Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant License Fee – $35

If you are ready to begin an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare, review the Admission Eligibility and Submission Checklist for more information on the tuition, fees, and possible tuition assistance, then complete the Application for Admission and call 603-443-4200 for an appointment for your English/Math Assessments.

Throughout the year we run multiple classes in partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at RVCC’s Lebanon location, and at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene.   Here is the current class list: 2022 Schedule.  It is updated as new dates become available.

The typical daily schedule in Lebanon consists of:

• 8 theory classes (4-9:30 p.m.)
• 4 skills classes (3-9:30 p.m.)
• 6 clinical sessions (6:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. – typically held on 3 consecutive Saturday/Sunday weekends)
• 1 review day (3-9:30 p.m.) 
• Final certification exam (8:00 a.m. – noon)

(Schedule is subject to change.)

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

Employer Partner Programs

Dartmouth Hitchcock Health