Northern Essex Community College still has openings in its five-week, non-credit, nursing

NECC will offer a new nurse assistant/home health aide program in beginning October 30.

assistant/home health aide program that begins Monday, Oct. 30, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 7. Registration closes Friday, Oct. 20.

This full-time, program will be offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes classroom instruction and skills practice and clinical experience at a local, long-term care facility under the supervision of a registered nurse.

This is an opportunity to enter the in-demand, direct-care field which could serve as a gateway to other health care professions.

The program fee is $1,279 plus $86 fee for books and materials. For more information email Nancy Tariot at ntariot@necc.mass.edu or noncredit@necc.mass.edu.

Classes will be held fall at NECC Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St. in Lawrence, Entry K.

The Department of Public Health has approved this 125-hour program that introduces fundamental nursing assistant skills and information. It prepares participants to take the Massachusetts state examination to become licensed as a Certified Nursing Assistant and be listed in the Nurse Aide Registry. Participants who successfully complete the program will also receive a Home Health Aide certificate.

The program focuses on communication, safety and infection control procedures, and basic personal care skills for patients/residents in sub-acute, long-term care and in an individual’s home. Other topics include vital signs, documentation, and legal and regulatory practices.