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  6. Nurse Aide Fast Track

Nurse Aide Fast Track (NAF5)  Technical Certificate of Credit

Introduces the student to the role and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide. Emphasis is placed on understanding and developing critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the location and function of human body systems and common disease processes; responding to and reporting changes in a resident/patients condition, nutrition, vital signs; nutrition and diet therapy; disease processes; vital signs; observing, reporting and documenting changes in a residents condition; emergency concerns; ethics and legal issues and governmental agencies that influence the care of the elderly in long term care settings; mental health and psychosocial well-being of the elderly; use and care of mechanical devices and equipment; communication and interpersonal skills and skills competency based on federal guidelines. Specific topics include: roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide; communication and interpersonal skills; topography, structure, and function of the body systems; injury

Nurse Aide Program Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find the official Nurse Aide program requirements?

You can find program requirements, course descriptions and curriculum information in the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Course Catalog.

2. What additional courses are required for the Nurse Aide program?

Students must take one medical science course alongside their Nurse Aide (NAST) coursework. Students may choose from two options:

  • ALHS 1040 – Introduction to Health Care: Covers essential healthcare skills, including CPR, first aid, safety procedures, and infection prevention.
  • ALHS 1090 – Medical Terminology: Introduces medical vocabulary and teaches students how to understand terminology related to the human body, diseases, and healthcare procedures.

Both courses provide a foundation for working in healthcare.

3. Do my previous science courses expire?

Yes. Required science courses, including ALHS or AHS courses, must have been completed within the five years before admission to the Nurse Aide program.

4. What will I learn in the Nurse Aide program?

The Nurse Aide program prepares students to provide safe, compassionate, and professional patient care. Students develop skills in:

  • Basic Medical Knowledge: Understanding the human body and common health conditions.
  • Vital Signs: Measuring temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
  • Patient Care: Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, eating and mobility.
  • Safety and Infection Control: Following proper handwashing, using protective equipment, and following infection-prevention procedures.
  • Professional Communication: Communicating effectively with patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

5. Will I be a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) after completing the program?

Not immediately. Graduates must successfully complete the Nurse Aide program and pass the Georgia Nurse Aide Competency Exam to become certified.

The certification process includes two steps:

  • Complete the Program: Successfully finish all required Nurse Aide coursework at GPTC.
  • Pass the State Exam: Pass both the written or oral examination and the hands-on skills examination.

After successfully completing both portions of the state exam and meeting registry requirements, graduates can be listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.

6. How long do I have to take the state certification exam?

Students must take the state competency exam while their Nurse Aide coursework is less than one year old. Students are encouraged to complete the exam as soon as possible after finishing the program.

7. Is a criminal background check required?

Yes. Students must successfully complete a criminal background check to participate in required clinical experiences. Clinical training is required for the Nurse Aide program.

8. How do I apply for the Nurse Aide program?

Getting started at GPTC involves four steps:

  • Apply to GPTC. Complete the online admissions application using a personal email address you check regularly.
  • Apply for Financial Aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GPTC's school code 016582. Eligible students may also qualify for the Georgia HOPE Career Grant.
  • Submit Official Transcripts. Ask your high school or previous colleges to send official transcripts directly to GPTC Admissions.
  • Register for Classes. After acceptance, work with an academic advisor or registrar to register for your Nurse Aide (NAST) course and required medical science (ALHS) course.

9. Are there additional program costs?

Students may have expenses beyond tuition and standard college fees. Depending on financial aid eligibility, some costs may be covered through financial assistance, vouchers or waivers.

Additional expenses may include:

  • Textbooks and Uniforms: Required course materials and clinical scrubs.
  • Criminal Background Check: Screening fees required to participate in clinicals.
  • Student Liability Insurance: Coverage required during clinical training.
  • State Certification Exam: Fees associated with the written or oral and hands-on skills examinations.

Students should plan for these expenses before beginning the program.

10. How long is the Nurse Aide Accelerated program?

Students can complete the Nurse Aide Accelerated program in eight weeks.

The schedule includes:

  • Classroom and Lab Instruction: Seven weeks of instruction, two days per week, with approximately 8.5 hours of class and lab activities each day.
  • Clinical Training: A total of 24 hours of supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility, allowing students to apply their skills in a real patient care environment.

Students should be prepared to attend all required classroom, laboratory, and clinical sessions.

Additional Resources

Curriculum Outline (3 hours)
Occupational Courses: 3
NAST 2105

Introduces student to the role and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide. Emphasis is placed on understanding and developing critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the location and function of human body systems and common disease processes; responding to and reporting changes in a residents /patients condition, nutrition, vital signs; nutrition and diet therapy; disease processes; vital signs; observing, reporting and documenting changes in a residents condition; emergency concerns; ethics and legal issues and governmental agencies that influence the care of the elderly in long term care settings; mental health and psychosocial well-being of the elderly; use and care of mechanical devices and equipment; communication and interpersonal skills and skills competency based on federal guidelines. Specific topics include: roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide; communication and interpersonal skills; topography, structure, and function of the body systems; injury

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