How to Register
For information about the next cohort, submit this Workforce Development Interest Form and you will be notified by email when the next program is scheduled to begin.
Nursing Assistant Training Program
The Workforce Development Nursing Assistant Program features a series of free, educational training and support services, now offered through the Brown University Health Nursing Assistant School, for those ages 18 and older. The program was designed by and for Rhode Island’s growing healthcare industry and will meet health care industry needs by transforming, in an accelerated manner, a group of unemployed and underemployed entry-level Rhode Islanders into a prepared, well-qualified nursing assistant (NA) workforce to help care for patients.
Advantages of the Brown University Health Nursing Assistant School
Enrolled students will receive:
- Free tuition and classroom supplies
- Wrap around support at no cost (i.e., books, childcare support, transportation assistance)
- Convenient virtual classroom instruction
- Employment transition coordinator services to bridge internships to future employment
- Opportunity for employment at Brown University Health for qualified candidates upon successful completion of the program
Nursing Assistant Training Program Information Sessions
Upcoming Information Sessions
Recruitment is now open for our May 2025 Nursing Assistant Training class! Please attend a virtual info session to learn more.
- Tuesday, May 6, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 8, from 1 to 2 p.m.
All information sessions are held via Zoom. Use the link and password below to attend:
Meeting ID: 739 9596 2002
Passcode: 23egv2
More about the Nursing Assistant Training Program
Each cohort of students complete a free program consisting of:
- Classroom trainings through the Brown University Health Nursing Assistant School, clinical rotations, and a four-week unpaid internship (subject to change).
- Hands on experience at a Brown University Health hospital.
- AHA Basic Life Support certification.
- Structured work-readiness training and workshops to build employability skills.
- The possibility of employment upon successful completion of the program.
Hear from a Nursing Assistant
“The Brown University Health Nursing Assistant Workforce Development Program granted me the opportunity to obtain my CNA license over the course of several months. After graduating, this program enabled me to acquire a nursing assistant position at Newport Hospital, where I have been working with an astounding group of individuals, providing exceptional care to all patients. Not only did this program provide me with a secure job, but working as a nursing assistant has confirmed my passion for working in the healthcare industry. I will forever be grateful for the countless opportunities this program has gifted me, and I cannot wait to continue to serve this community. It is only the beginning, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Job Responsibilities
The program will train students to:
- Take vital signs.
- Perform EKGs.
- Perform blood sugar readings.
- Perform denture care/mouth care.
- Bathe patients.
- Feed patients.
- Provide incontinence care/bathroom assistance.
- Make occupied/unoccupied beds.
- Perform phlebotomy (depending on floor assignment.)
Program Completion Requirements
Students should note that:
- Attendance is mandatory. Any missed clinical time will need to be made up before certificate is awarded.
- A certificate will be awarded to those candidates who have successfully completed the program.