Steps for Nurse Aide Training Program Approval

Purpose: This procedure outlines the steps for facilities, such as nursing homes or hospitals, to offer state-approved Nurse Aide I training. Federal training and competency requirements are contained in 42 U.S.C. 1395i-3(e) and 42 U.S.C. 1396(r)(e). State requirements can be found in the N.C. General Statute § 131E-255 (PDF, 11 KB) and in the N.C. Administrative Code at 10A NCAC 13D .2304 (PDF, 11 KB).

Contacts: For questions regarding any part of this process, please contact the Health Care Personnel Registry (HCPR) Section’s Center for Aide Regulation and Education Branch in the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation or the N.C. Community College System Office.

Health Care Personnel Registry Section 919-855-3968
Center for Aide Regulation and Education (Staff available 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., EST, Weekdays) 919-715-0562 or 919-855-3969
CARE Branch - Nurse Aide I Training Program Office 919-855-3970
N.C. Community College System Office (Proprietary School Office) 919-807-7100

Additional information can also be obtained at the HCPR Section Education Department page.

Procedure to offer a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program:

  1. Applicants who wish to offer a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program leading to nurse aides who are qualified to be included on the N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry must first contact the Health Care Personnel Registry Section's Nurse Aide I Training Program office to obtain an application packet (PDF, 409 KB). The packet outlines requirements for securing state-approval and contains application forms and materials for submitting proposals. A state-approved curriculum is available for use.
  2. If the applicant is a proprietary agency that wants to offer training, the applicant must also contact the N.C. Community College System office to secure licensure through that agency. The N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation acts as a consultant to that agency in determining federal and state program compliance. Prior to final approval of a proprietary nurse aide training program, the agency must supply evidence of such licensure to the Division of Health Service Regulation.
  3. Once the requested program proposal and application material is returned, the branch reviews the material to determine state and federal compliance.
  4. Programs that meet minimum standards are approved and the nurse aide training program is notified in writing. Programs that do not meet minimum standards are notified of the areas that do not meet requirements and offered the opportunity to submit additional material for review.
  5. Approved training programs are provided program numbers for tracking purposes.