Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate

Applications still open.

This program will provide students with the necessary knowledge and confidence to successfully work as a nursing unit assistant (NUA) in a vast array of nursing units and clinical settings. NUAS strongly contribute to overall patient care in many settings and must possess a keen eye for detail and excellent communication skills to help facilitate the successful functioning of a nursing unit. This fast-paced,pivotal role is rewarding and challenging. Through both lecture and a supported practicum placement, students will learn different types of physician's orders, policies, ethical standards and duties that encompass the NUA role. Nursing unit assistants work in many areas in healthcare such as outpatient settings, inpatient units and clinics. With focused learning outcomes in technology, customer service, and employment skills, the graduating students will be prepared to meet and exceed expectations.

Overview

Are you interested in obtaining a rewarding introductory career in the health care sector? Become a Nursing Unit Assistant in just one year by enrolling in the Nursing Unit Assistant (NUA) Certificate program.

As a Nursing Unit Assistant, you will strongly contribute to overall patient care in many settings. Successful Nursing Unit Assistants possess a keen eye for detail and excellent communication skills to help facilitate the successful functioning of a nursing unit. This fast-paced, pivotal role is both rewarding and challenging.

Careers

This program will provide you with all the necessary knowledge and confidence to successfully work as an NUA in a vast array of nursing units and clinical settings:

• Medical Clinics
• Care Homes
• Hospitals (Surgical)
• Hospitals (Medical)
• Hospitals (Maternity)

Median Salary  $47,447

Annual provincial median salary in related positions according to Work BC

Forecasted average employment growth rate in this field by 2029 according to Work BC

18,330 Job Openings

Total expected job openings in this field by 2032 according to Work BC

What you will learn

Through both lecture and a supported practicum placement, you will learn different types of physician's orders, policies, ethical standards and duties that encompass the NUA role. With focused learning outcomes in technology, customer service, and employment skills, you will be prepared to exceed expectations. 

Example of salaries for Nursing Unit Assistants.

• Information Package

The School of Access and Continuing Education reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient enrollment.  When a program is cancelled, students will receive a full refund. Please refer to our Refund Policy.

Entry Requirements

1. High school graduation or equivalent,
2. English 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 051(minimum "C") or equivalent 
3. 35 NWPM Typing Assessment

Note: The typing test must be invigilated by an approved testing centre.

Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.

Limited admission

A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.

Program requirements

Completed acceptance package must be submitted by date indicated in the package. Once accepted into the Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate program, students are required to:

• Complete the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) checklist
• Criminal Record Check (RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted)

Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum. To graduate from the Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate program, each practicum must be successfully completed.

Proof of immunization status as per the Practice Education Guidelines for BC and as required by provincial health authorities. Failure to comply with immunization guidelines may prevent students from completing all components of the program and therefore prevent them from graduating from the program

All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.

Note 1: A student is permitted to take MEDT 100 or equivalent outside the NUA program schedule if it has been successfully completed within one year prior to the program start date.

Note 2: In the case that a student does not achieve a “B” grade in a NRUA course but has a minimum achieved “C+”, they may request a make-up assessment to allow them to attempt to achieve a “B” or greater. Students are not eligible to request a make-up assessment for MEDT 100, NRUA 162, NRUA 164, or NRUA 179. A student will only be permitted to request one make-up assessment throughout the duration of the program. A make-up assessment will be charged a cost according to CNC policy.

 

Program recommendations

To ensure success in the program and as a Nursing Unit Assistant, it is recommended that applicants:

• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Attend a Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate information session prior to the start of the program.

Invest in your future  

Estimated over 12 months $6,657. Additional student fees and textbook costs will also apply. Prices are subject to change. Check the fee schedule for more information.

A $720 seat deposit will be required upon acceptance to the program.

Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.

Paying for college 

Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.

To find more information on applying, refunds, or the registration timetable please see the Office of the Registrar's website.

Locations & Dates

CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.