Nurse Aide – Age of Student Statement

Although there is not a regulation that specifies an age requirement or restriction regarding nurse aide training or testing, it is the longstanding recommendation of DHSR and the NC Board of Nursing to Nurse Aide I Training Program Coordinators that students be no younger than 16½ when enrolling in nurse aide I training programs.

This recommendation is based on several considerations.

First, federal regulation requires nurse aides to renew their registration every 24 consecutive months. In order to renew his/her registration, the Nurse Aide I must have performed at least eight (8) hours of nursing or nursing-related services for pay within their current registration/listing period that were delegated and supervised by a Registered Nurse, who is responsible for verifying the Nurse Aide I’s employment.

Second, it is our understanding that many licensed health care facilities do not hire individuals under the age of 18 based on applicable labor laws and insurance coverage requirements.

Thus, a student who enrolls in a nurse aide training program prior to age 16½ may lack required work experience to renew their registration.

DHSR cannot provide guidance on the requirements established by the Department of Public Instruction or the NC Community College System.