The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (WABON) has approved a new Nursing Assistant Certified (NA-C) Skills Practice Lab at Grays Harbor College’s Riverview Education Center, located at 600 Washington Ave. in Raymond. The new lab creates more healthcare training opportunities in Pacific County and was made possible through support from the Grays Harbor College Foundation.
“Providing healthcare training in Raymond creates pathways to rewarding careers while helping meet the workforce needs of local healthcare providers,” said GHC President Dr. Carli Schiffner. “We are thankful to the Grays Harbor College Foundation, our healthcare faculty and staff, and the Riverview Education Center and Campus Operations teams for making this opportunity possible.”
Following a successful second summer of NA-C clinical experiences at Willapa Harbor Care in Raymond, NA-C students and faculty were able to use the new skills lab to practice the 23 essential skills required for state licensure. The lab complements GHC’s partnership with Willapa Harbor Care, giving students a dedicated space closer to home to build confidence and refine their skills as they prepare for certification testing and careers as nursing assistants.
“We are grateful for the partnership and support of the Riverview campus team,” said Associate Dean of Nursing Carol O’Neal. “Their warm welcome and commitment to student success made this opportunity especially meaningful for our students and faculty.”
About GHC’s Nursing Assistant Certified Course
GHC’s Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) course introduces basic nursing care, resident rights, safety, and emergency procedures. Principles of therapeutic relationships and client care are presented as well as the legal and ethical issues related to nursing assistant practice. The NA-C program includes classroom lectures, lab, and hands-on work in a nursing home under the guidance of an instructor. Successful completion of GHC’s Nursing Assistant Training Course qualifies a student to take the Washington State licensure exam for NA-C.
The next NA-C course will run January through March 2027, with enrollment opening in early October. NA-C students may be eligible for WorkForce Funding, and students residing in Grays Harbor or Pacific counties may also qualify for scholarships through the Grays Harbor College Foundation to help cover program costs. For more information about the NA-C program and available funding opportunities, contact Nursing Program Coordinator Karen Carriker at (360) 538-4244 or karen.carriker@ghc.edu.