Nursing Assistant

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - NURSING ASSISTANT

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The Certified Nursing Assistant program is a two-year course that will provide classroom and practical experience for  students interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant or pursuing a career in other health care professions. 

Students enrolled in this program will be trained in basic bedside nursing skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid appropriate for use in a Long Term Care facility. They will learn the technical skills needed to provide safe and effective care in a variety of medical settings in a holistic and compassionate manner. This is a comprehensive program that will also serve to develop behavioral, communication and critical thinking skills needed by students interested in becoming Certified Nurse Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses.

Certified Nursing Assistants carry out tasks delegated by licensed nurses as part of a multidisciplinary team. They assist patients with the activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, eating and toileting. Hands-on experiences are provided in both the lab and in affiliated healthcare facilities. Those students who demonstrate competency in essential skills, and have successfully completed the Nurse Assistant course with 75% or higher will be eligible to take the Certified Nurse Assistant exam.

Course available: Grades 11 - 12

Course length: 2 years

Credits: 6 CTE elective credit; 1.0 English; 1.0 Science

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PROGRAM CONTENT

UNITS of STUDY

Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

  • An overview of the Healthcare system and the Healthcare Team
  • Introduction to Healthcare job market
  • Work ethics, conflict resolution and communication skills
  • Client and Resident Right
  • Medical terminology
  • Human growth and development, changes in the elderly
  • Anatomy and physiology and common disorders
  • Infection control
  • Work place and Resident safety
  • Job related skills such as hand hygiene, obtaining vital signs, assisting with ambulation and transfers, bed baths, oral care, range of motion exercises, etc.

COLLEGE CREDITS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Upon successful completion of this program, students may receive college credits pending established procedures.  Students may also receive an industry certification pending successful completion of an industry certification exam.  All students completing this program and passing the appropriate industry certification exam will receive an endorsed high school diploma.  Please see below for college credits and industry certifications available.

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION:

  • Certified Nurse Assistant

 ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:

  • The College of Westchester: 9 credits
  • Westchester Community College: 3 credits

CAREER PATH AND OPPORTUNITIES

Students who complete the program my continue their studies in any of the following areas:

  • *Certified Nurse Assistant
  • LPN
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Hospice Nurse
  • School Nurse

*Students may seek employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant upon passing the Prometric Exam.