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
- 60 hours of clinical
- 24 hours of laboratory
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
At completion, students will be prepared to sit for the state certification examination and submit their Board of Nursing LNA license application.
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 and passed the TEAS, that 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, and immunizations/vaccinations need to be up-to-date 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. Go here to register for Castle Branch. (Be sure to register for the Nursing Assistant Program – IU68.)
If you are ready to begin an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare, review the Admission Eligibility and Submission Checklist, then complete the Application for Admission and call 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 2021 Schedule. It is updated as new dates become available.
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
Do you enjoy helping people? Like learning and working with a team? River Valley Community College has partnered with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, and Dartmouth- Hitchcock/Cheshire Medical Center (DH/CMC) in Keene to offer Nurse Assistant Training Programs in Lebanon at the RVCC Lebanon Academic Center, and in Keene at DH/CMC. You will learn entry-level nursing skills, how to be a valuable and adaptable employee, communication for the healthcare professional, how to care for people and be empathetic, along with teamwork and a diversity of skills for the workplace.
Up to eight (8) individuals will be selected and hired by DHMC Lebanon to become Nursing Assistants working in their Lebanon area inpatient units. Additional cohorts will select up to four (4) individuals to be hired by DH/CMC to become Nursing Assistants working in their Keene area units. The training program is taught using a combination of classroom instruction, skills lab, and clinical training. If selected, there is no cost to participate in the training. Upon completion of the program and obtaining your Nurse Assistant license, you will be offered a full-time Licensed Nurse Assistant position.
Click here for more information on how to get started
in a rewarding career in Healthcare!
The Nursing Lab is made possible by generous donations from the
Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and Mascoma Bank Foundation.
Health Sciences and Services
