The Nurse Aide I program is designed to teach fundamental skills required of health care professionals.

Essential duties—helping patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, feeding, dressing, and recording vital signs. 

State-approved training program in preparation for the state certification exam to be placed on the state registry 

The Nurse Aide I Program

The Nurse Aide I program is designed to teach fundamental skills required of health care professionals. 

Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. 

Nursing assistants often need to complete a state-approved education program and pass their state’s competency exam to become licensed or certified. Orderlies typically have at least a high school diploma. 

The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 in May 2024.

The median annual wage for orderlies was $37,700 in May 2024.

The length of the program is 166.5 hours. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the NC Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide Registry Exam. The registry listing is required to be employed by hospitals, long-term facilities and home health agencies.

Nurse Aide I is a prerequisite for the Nurse Aide II program, Practical Nursing program and Associate Degree Nursing program.

Class attendance is mandatory. Students are allowed to be absent a total of two lecture/lab sessions and two clinical sessions. A tardy greater than 10 minutes is equal to one absence. Classes are taught days, evenings and weekends at Rowan-Cabarrus’ North Campus, South Campus and North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) locations and repeat throughout the year.

What does a nurse aide do? Find out from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As well as a task list from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

NAI clinical is during the same days/times as lecture/lab and will vary throughout Cabarrus/Rowan and surrounding counties.

Tuition & Fees

Everything you need to get started.

  • Course Tuition: $XXXX.00
  • Drug Screen & Background Check: $90.75
  • Full payment is due at the time of registration.
  • Additional screening instructions are provided on the first day of class.

Required Supplies

Bring the right materials for success.

  • Nurse Aide I Course Pack
  • Official Nurse Aide I Uniform Patch
  • Wristwatch with a second hand
  • Uniform and patch are not required on the first day.

Required Documentation

Please bring these documents on your first day.

  • Completed Nurse Aide I Application
  • Physical, Emotional & Technical Standards Form
  • Government-issued Photo ID
  • High School Diploma, GED, or College Degree (Copy of diploma or transcript)

Clinical Requirements

Requirements for clinical participation.

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Series (Highly Recommended)
  • One-Step PPD (TB Test) with documented reading
  • Tetanus Vaccine (within the last 10 years)
  • Approved Drug Screen & Criminal Background Check

Additional Requirements

Don’t have proof of education?

If educational documentation is unavailable, students must successfully complete the Bronze Career Readiness Certification (CRC) before entering the program.

Because certification may take time, we encourage students to begin this process as early as possible.

What Our Clients Are Saying:

From the first meeting with the owner of Purple Heart, we knew this was the place for us. My stepmom was an English teacher for 40 years. She has read libraries of books. Bright, articulate, and not afraid to correct your English, she also has a mean sarcastic side to her which only got worse with dementia. After struggling with 3 organizations and several caregivers, Purple Heart found us the perfect match right away. My stepmom now showers on schedule, takes her medications, goes bowling twice a week, and is in better health. Purple Heart uses great technology for billing and communication. Every day I feel grateful to these people. You cannot go wrong choosing Purple Heart!

Bill J.

We have been with Purple Heart for over a year now, and we have been very pleased with their service. My husband can be a difficult patient and the health aids have been very helpful and kind. When I leave the house I feel confident in that he is in good hands. I would definitely recommend.

Candace H.

Purple Heart has provided great care for my mom. I would recommend their care for your loved one's assistance for at home living.

Arthur S.

Purple Heart did a fantastic job helping my dad arrive at the airport and get onto his plane. We will definitely be using their services again!

Rebecca H.

Very professional caregivers who are well trained and well supervised. Purple Heart responds quickly and positively to any question or concern.

Richard N.

Very kind

Detra w.

Our caregiver shows up on time and treats my mom with kindness and patience. There was one mix-up with scheduling early on, but they fixed it right away.

Claire M.

Very friendly and helpful.

Bill W.

Registration Option

North Carolina: 704-754-8878
Florida: 407-554-1341
In-Person : 507 W Innes St, Suite 105, Salisbury, NC 28144

Contact Us

Contact Information

North Carolina:

704-754-8878

Home Health Location

507 W Innes St, Suite 105,

Salisbury, NC 28144

Contact Information

Florida:

407-554-1341

CPR Classes Offsite Only

990 Ruhlman Loop

The Villages, FL 34762

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