Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

No new students may be enrolled in this program starting 2026-27. The last year to report any enrollment is 2027-28. This program was replaced by Nursing Assistant H700400 (0351390206).

Program Title: 	Nursing Assistant (Articulated)
Program Type: 	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H170690	
CIP Number	0351390203	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	165 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	
Basic Skills Level	N/A	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as nursing assistants. 

The content includes but is not limited to interpersonal skills, medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, safe and efficient work, gerontology, nutrition, pet-facilitated therapy, health and safety including Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – heart saver level, and employability skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 2 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3) (b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	REG NURSE 7 G
LPN 7 G*
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	90 hours	
B	HCP0121	Nurse Aide and Orderly (Articulated)		75 hours	
* The LPN 7 G district issued certification is a practical nurse. A practical nurse can only be utilized as an instructor of the CNA training program when they are supervised by the program coordinator which must be a registered nurse. Please refer to 64B9-15.005, F.A.C., for requirements.

Regulated Programs

Successful completion of this program from an approved school prepares the student for certification for employment as a Nursing Assistant, in accordance with Chapter 464.203, Florida Statutes (F.S.).  To be approved, this program must be supervised by a registered nurse and follow the faculty qualifications set forth in 64B9-15.005(3)(a), F.A.C. 

New programs must be approved by the Board of Nursing, Department of Health prior to enrolling students.

Those students who satisfactorily complete an approved course are eligible to apply to take the national nursing assistant examination being utilized in Florida, in accordance with Chapter 464.203, F.S.  This program includes both Acute and Long Term Care.

In accordance with 64B9-15.005(4)(c), F.A.C., students will perform nursing skills in the clinical and simulated laboratory settings under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The clinical instruction ratio for program instructor to student is 1 to 15 for students caring directly for residents or clients.

In accordance with 64B9-15.006(2), F.A.C., The standardized curriculum shall require a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and 40 hours clinical instruction. The clinical instruction shall include at least 20 hours of long term care clinical instruction in a licensed nursing home

In accordance with 64B9-15.006(3), F.A.C., Prior to any direct contact with a resident, a training program shall require that a student receive a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction in communication and interpersonal skills; infection control; safety/emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver; promoting residents’ independence; and respecting residents’ rights.

According to Section 400.211, F.S., persons who are enrolled in, or have completed, a state approved nursing assistant training program may be employed by a licensed nursing facility for a period of four months. However, the certification requirements must be met within four months of such initial employment. 

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs  

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills.
12.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to nurse assisting.
13.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to nurse assisting.
14.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to nurse assisting.
15.0	Provide personal patient care.
16.0	Perform patient care procedures.
17.0	Apply principles of nutrition.
18.0	Provide care for geriatric patients.
19.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to nursing assisting.
20.0	Provide biological, psychological, and social support.
21.0	Perform supervised organizational functions, following the patient care plan.
22.0	Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.
23.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Nursing Assistant (Articulated)
Career Certificate Program Number: 	H170690 

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the Career Certificate Program health science programs. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.

Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours	
 
To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/file/20894/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2627.rtf

Course Number:  HCP0121
Occupational Completion Point:  B
Nurse Aide and Orderly (Articulated) – 75 Hours	
12.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to nurse assisting.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Obtain specified data from patient and family.	
12.02	Utilize verbal and written information to assist with the patient's plan of care. 	
12.03	Demonstrate use of the communication system.	
13.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to nurse assisting.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Discuss and demonstrate legal and ethical behavior within the nursing assistant scope of practice including role limitations in Florida.	
13.02	Describe the purpose of the chain of communication to resolve conflict.	
13.03	Follow policies and procedures affecting the health, safety, and well-being of patients.	
13.04	Demonstrate safe standards of patient care including prevention and quality of care 	
13.05	Exhibit behavior supporting and promoting patients’ and/or residents' rights.  	
13.06	Recognize potential for and prevention of medical errors.	
13.07	Practice the proper procedures to follow regarding medical errors.	
13.08	Follow policies and procedures affecting the health, safety, and well-being of patients.	
13.09	Recognize and report signs of substance abuse.	
13.10	Demonstrate the understanding of vulnerable population abuse and reporting procedures per agency.	
13.11	Recognize that a C.N.A. must self-report any crimes they’ve been involved in within 30 days of the offense in accordance with 456.0727(1)(w), F.S.	
13.12	Define Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA).	
13.13	Define Minimum Data Set (MDS).	
14.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to nurse assisting.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Implement appropriate regulatory and accrediting agency patient safety guidelines.  	
14.02	Maintain safe patient units, equipment, and a comfortable environment.	
14.03	Maintain service areas on the units including supplies and equipment. 	
14.04	Observe, report, and record changes in the patient's behavior as needed, including mental awareness. 	
14.05	Demonstrate adjustment of bed and side-rails according to facility policy.	
14.06	Demonstrate and assist patient to dangle.	
14.07	Demonstrate lifting, supporting and transferring patients from bed to chair, bed to bed, and bed to stretcher, including the use of the various assistive devices and equipment while utilizing proper body mechanics and patient safety measures	
14.08	Demonstrate the proper use of a gait/transfer belt in both transfer and ambulation.	
14.09	Assist patient in ambulation, including the use of crutch, cane, or walker.	
14.10	Demonstrate the proper wheelchair safety techniques and assist patient as needed with use.	
14.11	Apply supportive devices as directed (e.g., footboard, over-bed cradle, alternating pressure mattress).	
14.12	Assist patient with care and use of prosthetic/orthotic devices.	
14.13	Describe emergency procedures utilized in the clinical area(s) and the role of the nursing assistant in these procedures.	
15.0	Provide personal patient care.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Perform bed bath; observe and report changes in a patient including skin and level of consciousness.	
15.02	Assist with shower or tub bath, including the use of specialty tubs or prepackaged disposable-bagged bath.	
15.03	Administer back rub with bath and as needed.	
15.04	Assist patient with hair care utilizing sink, tub, shower, bed or shower cap.	
15.05	Demonstrate the use of a safety and/or electric razor to shave the patient.	
15.06	Demonstrate how to groom patient, including hair, skin, foot, hand and nail care.	
15.07	Assist with and/or administer oral hygiene including denture care.	
15.08	Assist patient to dress.	
15.09	Assist patient with toileting using various types of restorative and rehabilitative equipment.	
15.10	Assist patient with use of bedpan (standard and fracture)	
15.11	Assist with bowel and bladder training.	
15.12	Assist and/ or provide perineal care.	
15.13	Empty, measure and record urinary output and/or drainage.	
15.14	Demonstrate application and use of a leg bag, leg strap and dignity bag.	
15.15	Monitor and assist with the drainage of urostomy bags and colostomy bags.	
15.16	Assist patient with both donning and doffing prosthesis and brace.	
15.17	Assist patient with meals.	
15.18	Describe the relationships of body systems when providing patient care.	
15.19	Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms of common diseases and conditions when providing patient care.	
16.0	Perform patient care procedures.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Demonstrate ability to accurately measure, record and report vital signs. 	
16.02	Assist with the admission of a patient and/or resident.	
16.03	Assist with the admission, transfer, and discharge of a patient and/or resident.	
16.04	Maintain patient-belongings list.	
16.05	Make unoccupied/occupied bed.	
16.06	Provide passive range-of-motion exercises.	
16.07	Apply anti-embolic hose and sequential compression devices.	
16.08	Understand and demonstrate proper collection of routine, timed urine and clean catch urine specimens.	
16.09	Record fluid intake and output (I&O).	
16.10	Observe, record, and report patient's emesis.	
16.11	Monitor and provide urinary catheter care and drainage systems.	
16.12	Assist with ostomy care including emptying or changing ostomy bags that do not adhere to the skin.	
16.13	Collect stool specimen.	
16.14	Assist with the collection of a sputum specimen.	
16.15	Assist the nurse with care of the patient with complex medical needs.  	
16.16	Assist patient to apply binders.	
16.17	Care for patient in skin and skeletal traction.	
16.18	Assist with pre-operative and post-operative patient care.	
16.19	 Reinforce dressings under the supervision of the RN/LPN.	
16.20	Obtain and record an apical pulse.	
16.21	Provide cast care and/or pin care.	
16.22	Provide care for eyeglasses, artificial eyes, and contact lens.	
17.0	Apply principles of nutrition. – The student will be able to:	
17.01	Identify nutrients and food groups. 	
17.02	Develop a basic food plan.	
17.03	Describe special diets.	
17.04	Check patient's diet tray for accuracy.	
17.05	Monitor and document Nutritional Intake.	
17.06	Identify and implement regional, cultural and religious food guidelines/preferences.	
17.07	Demonstrate knowledge of the need for thickened liquids and fluid consistency.	
17.08	Identify methods of maintaining fluid balance including encouraging and restricting fluids.	
18.0	Provide care for geriatric patients.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify and assist with methods and procedures to prevent pressure ulcers. 	
18.02	Identify and assist with methods to prevent falls in the elderly. 	
18.03	Identify and assist with safety principles as related to the elderly.	
18.04	Describe general characteristics, particular needs, and age related changes of the elderly.	
18.05	Identify attitudes and living habits that promote positive mental and physical health for the elderly.	
18.06	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the aging process.	
18.07	Apply reality orientation techniques and validation therapy unless it is contraindicated by the patient diagnosis.	
18.08	Recognize and respond appropriately to symptoms of common diseases, including dementia, depression/suicide and Alzheimers.	
18.09	Provide and involve patients in diversional activities.	
18.10	Identify common alterations in elderly patient behavior.	
18.11	Provide care for patients with special needs (e.g., impaired hearing, impaired vision, immobility, impaired body functions, cognitively impaired (dementia)).	
18.12	Demonstrate awareness of common behaviors in drug use and abuse in the elderly.	
18.13	Report concerns to the nurse and appropriate authorities related to drug use and abuse in the elderly patient.  	
18.14	Identify the need for community resources and services available to the elderly and their caregiver.	
18.15	Identify components of the grief process. 	
18.16	Demonstrate an understanding of end of life care, hospice and palliative care.	
19.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to nursing assisting.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Discuss transmission-based precautions.	
19.02	Identify the chain of infection.	
19.03	Provide care for patients with infectious diseases applying the principles of "Standard Precautions" utilized with all patients as well as special procedures required.	
19.04	Apply the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all types of isolation including donning and removing PPE appropriately.	
19.05	Follow isolation procedure with food tray, PPE, and other supplies/equipment.	
19.06	Collect specimen from patient in isolation.	
20.0	Provide biological, psychological, and social support.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Discuss family roles and their significance to health.	
20.02	Respond to patient and family emotional needs.	
21.0	Perform supervised organizational functions, following the patient care plan.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Organize and prioritize patient-care assignments.	
21.02	Complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner.	
22.0	Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.  The student will be able to:	
22.01	List the purposes of restorative (rehabilitation) program.	
22.02	Assist patient with specified restorative (rehabilitation) needs.	
22.03	Assist patients/residents to reach the optimum level of independence.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

The program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The length of this program is 165 hours. Completion of this program should enable the postsecondary student to be given advanced standing in the Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Assistant programs.  

The Core should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.