ASHLAND, Ky. — The State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) course at Ashland Community and Technical College can help people start on a career in health care.

This 80-hour course provides knowledge and skills for nurse aides to assume the role and responsibility required in a long-term care setting. The focus is communication, infection control, safety, resident/patient rights and basic nursing skills.

The SRNA course can be a stepping stone to other health care positions, such as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a health care administrator.

The summer session begins on July 15 and runs through Aug. 2. Class times are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Roberts Drive Campus.

There are four available classes starting in August for the first fall bi-term:

• Aug. 19-Oct. 13 — 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Technology Drive Campus.

• Aug. 19-Oct. 13 — 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays (class is partially online) at the Roberts Drive Campus.

• Aug. 20-Oct. 13 — 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Roberts Drive Campus.

• Aug. 20-Oct. 13 — 3-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Technology Drive Campus.

Additional classes will be offered in October during the second fall bi-term.

Tuition for the class is $531 plus $11 liability insurance and the cost of required text book. Scrubs in ceil blue and tennis shoes (vinyl or leather) or nursing shoes are required. Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff are recommended.

A two-step tuberculosis test or proof you have had one in the last 12 months, or chest x-ray if you cannot be tested, is required and should be completed no later than the first week of classes. Hepatitis and flu vaccines are recommended but not required.

Each class has a required 16 hours of clinicals that will be scheduled by the instructor.

Placement testing is not required to take the SRNA class. However, if you are taking other classes in addition to this class, you will need to speak with the advising office to learn the requirements for those classes.

If you do not have a high school diploma or GED prior to enrolling, contact Chrisha Spears at 606-326-2072 or Chrisha.Spears@kctcs.edu to get information about ACTC’s GED Plus program.

Once students have completed the nurse aide class successfully with a grade of “C” or better, to be registered with the Commonwealth of Kentucky they are required to successfully pass the KY Nurse Aide Exam. The cost of the exam is $75 for the first attempt.

For more information, contact Robin Harris, coordinator of short-term health programs, at 606-326-2252 robin.harris@kctcs.edu.