Certified Nurse Aide
Certified nursing assistants are valuable members of the health care team and provide basic care for residents in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, as well as adult foster care. Home Health Aides provide basic nursing care to patients in their own homes. Employment in these health care areas is growing fast because of the growing elderly population. This program provides students with the opportunity to take the state CNA examination for certification.
Program Description
The first semester of this program focus on providing nursing and nursing-related services to residents in long-term care facilities, adult foster care, and assisted living facilities. The second semester focuses on home health care curriculum. Ethics and responsibilities of the health care provider are covered during the course. Students will have the opportunity to become certified in first aid and CPR. Eligible students will have the opportunity to participate in HOSA conferences and competitions. HOSA is the Health Occupations Students of America – a student organization for future healthcare professionals.
To Be Successful
Students must have the ability to perform the duties of a nursing assistant which includes standing for long periods of time and the ability to lift at least 30 pounds. In addition, students must have transportation available to attend clinical rotations and an excellent attendance record. Students must pass a criminal background check and are required to complete required TB testing and seasonal flu vaccines prior to clinical experiences.
Student Organization
HOSA
Program Success Indicators
Academic
- Interest in science/general biology, anatomy & physiology
- Basic computer/keyboarding skills
- Read and comprehend written text
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
- Calculate percentages
- Convert fractions to decimals
- Communicate both verbally and in writing
Interpersonal
- Interest in program with a desire to help others
- Positive attitude
- Enjoy working with people
- Work independently or as a team member
- Follow directions and good communication skills
- Open-minded and patient with a sense of empathy
- Dependable attendance
- Role play as a healthcare provider and/or patient in order to master patient care skills, understanding that facial expressions, body language, and verbalizations are part of the indirect care skills
- Persevere until skill is attained
- Critical thinker
Program Specific
- Work with all age-level clients with various illnesses and/or disabilities
- Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements (HIPAA)
- Provide physical support to assist patients in performing daily living activities
- Follow health and safety rules
- Breakdown word structure for medical terminology
- Environment: tolerate blood, vomit, feces, urine, and stressful situations which may include life threatening situations
- Comply with clinical site requirements for:
- TB testing
- Immunizations
- Drug screens
- Physicals
- Appropriate attire
- State ID/driver's license
- Social security number
- Fingerprinting
- Transportation to site
- Background check verification*
*Background check cannot reveal any felony or certain misdemeanor convictions, nor a history of violent behavior.
Related Careers
Note: Additional education may be required.
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Home Health Care Aide
- Nursing
- Medical Technician
High School Credit*
*Only your local high school can award academic credit. See your counselor for more information.
- 1.0 2nd Science (Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Agriscience)
- 1.0 World Languages (in lieu of)
- 1.0 4th Math
- 1.0 3rd Science (in lieu of)
- 1.0 Visual, Performing, & Applied Arts
- 1.0 Online Learning Experience
College Credit Opportunities*
*College credit can only be awarded by the college or university. Certain requirements must be met outside of completing the program.
- Siena Heights University
Certification Opportunities
- CNA License
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
Instructor
Debbie Blaker is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in long-term care. She received her Associate's degree in Nursing from Jackson College, her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing through Siena Heights University, and the Standard CTE Teaching certificate from Wayne State University. She has worn many hats over the course of her nursing career, starting as a nursing assistant. Then as a nurse became a team leader, wound care coordinator, rehab nurse, risk manager, and staff development coordinator. She continues to provide nursing care as part of a local hospice/home care team.
