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Begin your career as a nursing assistant

Basic Nursing Assistant

Start your health service career.

About the Basic Nursing Assistant Program

This 136-hour training course is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). It consists of 70 hours on-campus classroom and lab and 66 hours of clinical in a long-term care facility. Successful completion qualifies individuals to take the Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation test for state certification as a Nursing Assistant.

The Basic Nursing Assistant course is a non-credit course offered year round on Chemeketa's Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses.

The Salem Campus class is usually offered Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, and can accept up to 10-20 students.  

The Yamhill Valley Campus class is offered Summer each year, and can accept up to 10 students.

Please see below for applications and class schedule/information - 

  • Schedule

    2025-2026 BNA Schedule

    Summer 2025

    Application Window:

    Session 1: May 27th at 8 am - June 5th at 5 pm
    Session 2: July 7th at 8 am - July 11th at 5 pm

    Session Start Date End Date Days Times Location
    1 6/23/25 7/24/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm or 2 pm - 8:30 pm
    Salem Campus
    1 6/23/25 7/24/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 8 - 1:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm
    Yamhill Valley Campus
    2 8/4/25 9/8/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 8 - 1:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm
    Salem Campus
    2 8/4/25 9/8/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  2 pm - 8:30 pm
    Salem Campus

    Note: clinical times are based on number of students and will be determined in class. 

    Fall 2025

    Application Window:

    Session 1: August 25th at 8 am - August 28th at 5 pm
    Session 2: October 6th at 8 am - October 10th at 5 pm

    Session Start Date End Date Days Times Location
    1 9/22/25 10/27/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm or 2 pm - 8:30 pm
    Salem Campus
    2 11/3/25 12/11/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm or 2 pm - 8:30 pm
    Salem Campus

    Note: clinical times are based on number of students and will be determined in class. 

    Winter 2026

    Application Window:

    December 1st at 8 am - December 5th at 5 pm

    Start Date End Date Days Times Location
    1/5/25 2/10/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm or 2 pm - 8:30 pm
    Salem Campus

    Note: clinical times are based on number of students and will be determined in class. 

    Spring 2026

    Application Window:

    Session 1: February 23rd at 8 am - February 27th at 5 pm
    Session 2: April 6 at 8 am - October 10th at 5 pm

    Session Start Date End Date Days Times Location
    1 3/30/25 5/4/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm
    Salem Campus
    2 5/11/25 6/16/25 Monday-Thursday Lecture/Lab: 4 - 9:30 pm
    Clinical:  6 am - 12:30 pm
    Salem Campus

    Note: clinical times are based on number of students and will be determined in class. 

    This schedule may be subject to change.  Additional information regarding schedules will be provided at the first class.

  • Background Check, Drug Screening, and Immunizations

    Background Check:

    Upon entry into the program, you will be required to pass a criminal background check. 

    Failure to complete the background check or a background check revealing a disqualifying criminal history will mean you are ineligible to participate in the BNA course.

    Disqualifying crimes can be found in the Oregon Department of Human Services Aging & People with Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities ORS 443.004/OAR 407.007.0275 Crimes list. For more information and more in-depth list, click here

    For licensure with the Oregon State Board of Nursing, please visit the following links for DHS and OSBN's criminal history requirements. 

    Drug Screening:

    Chemeketa follows Oregon Health Authority Division 30 - Health Profession Student Clinical Training Administrative Requirements.  The drug screen is required and is testing for the following as part of our 10 panel drug screening:

    Amphetamines (including methamphetamines);
    Barbiturates
    Benzodiazepines
    Cocaine
    Marijuana
    Methadone
    Opiates
    Phencyclidine

    Immunization:

    Applicants will be required to submit documentation of several immunizations.  Review the Immunization Flyer (click here) to learn more about the required immunizations. 

  • BNA COSTS

    Course Costs:

    Total cost for the BNA program is $1,466. Costs are subject to change. They include –

    • Tuition and fees
    • Textbook
    • Stethoscope, gait belt, oral care kit

    Non-credit courses are not eligible for financial aid, and fees must be paid in full by the first day of class, or set up a payment plan. 

     

    Additional BNA Program Fees

    Students will be required to pay for –

    • A background check, drug screening, and immunization tracker - approx. $116
    • Immunizations – cost varies
    • CPR training – cost varies
    • Parking pass (Salem Campus only) – approx. $25
    • Scrubs - approx. $50

    Fees after program completion:

    Students will be responsible for testing fees for the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) include –

    • Application to test – $106
    • Fingerprinting – $70.50
  • BNA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

    BNA Entry Requirements:

    • Apply for admission (if not a current student)
      • Student must be an good academic standing
    • Access to Chemeketa Gmail account
    • Submit BNA application (accepted on a first come basis)

    Once your application has been reviewed you have received confirmation of initial acceptance, you will need:

    • Successful completion of CPR Certification - American Heart Association "BLS Provider Level"
    • Successfully pass a criminal background check and required drug screen
    • Submit required immunizations
    • Attend mandatory orientation
    • Commitment to being at every class session and clinical session
    • Reliable transportation

    Instructions on how to complete background check and drug screen will be given to accepted applicants only. 

    For more information call the Health Sciences Dept at 503.399.5058.