Certified Nurse Assistant

General Information:

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) course prepares the student to provide services to those who need health care.  The student will learn the role of the caregiver, the healthcare environment, healthcare safety; adult needs in health and illness and basic care giving skills.  Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant course, the student is eligible to take the competency exam as a Certified Nursing Assistant by the Department of Health Services.  Students with a misdemeanor and/or felony record may not receive certification or licensure from the State or County - clarification can be provided by the Certified Nurse Assistant Coordinator.

Fee Information:

Students are responsible for enrollment fees, physical examinations, immunizations and/or vaccines, drug and alcohol screen and uniform attire.  The estimated cost of fees, examinations, textbooks and uniforms for the program is approximately $1,000.00.  Financial Aid may be available.

Program Requirements:

• A physical examination completed by a physician of the student's choice will be required after enrollment into the program, to demonstrate that the student meets the technical medical standards necessary to meet the course objectives.  Appropriate immunizations are also required and are performed at the student's expense.
• As a condition of enrollment to any Allied Health Program with a clinical laboratory component, all students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screen.  Background Screening/Drug/alcohol testing may be required at anytime during the semester.
• Student must submit fingerprints.
• Student will need to provide a social security card.
• Student will need to purchase the required uniforms, shoes and sweater or lab coat and equipment.
• Student will need to provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites.

Certified Nurse Assistant Curriculum:.

MEDS B67L – Fall/Spring Laboratory hours will be 12 hours Friday.  Summer laboratory hours will be 12 hours Thursday & Friday.

Technical Standards:

• Standing and/or walking most of a shift.
• Bending or crouching several times per hour.
• Lifting and carrying a minimum of 30 pounds several times an hour.
• Lifting and moving up to 300 lbs. in a 2-3 person transfer.
• Reaching overhead above the shoulder 90 degrees.
• Utilizing eyesight to observe clients and manipulate equipment under various illumination  levels.
• Hearing to communicate with the patient and healthcare team.
• Manipulating medical equipment and accessories, including, but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, keyboards, patient lines, and tubes, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
• Performing the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Utilizing sufficient verbal and written skills to efficiently communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.
• Utilizing the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patient's need and/or emergency situations.

The following courses are highly recommended:

MEDS B60 - Medical Terminology, 3.0 units.

ACDV B66 - Student Success Strategies, 1.0 unit.

Licensure/Certification Eligibility:

Students with a misdemeanor and/or felony record may not receive certification or licensure from the State or County.  Anyone who wishes clarification may contact the Coordinator, Jan Lewis, in the Allied Health Office.