Health Sciences Program

Program Manager: Neal Gallagher 
Phone: (505) 287-6654 
Email: ngallagh@nmsu.edu
Certificates & Degrees


Gainful Employment Disclosure:

Health Sciences Program Manager Neal Gallagher
About the Program

Specializing in training Nursing Assistants. All students interested in the program need to understand that nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions. This involves patient care, C.P.R., working under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or physician. In general, nursing assistants attend to matters related to personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, exercise, and elimination. Maintaining patient comfort is a priority.

Upon successfully completing the C.N.A certificate, the student is eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Exam to become certified. The certified nursing assistant 16 credit program may be completed in one or more semesters. Dual/concurrent high school students are encouraged to enroll as well as the non-traditional working adults. Many of our C.N.A graduates continue on to completing the baccalaureate registered nurse program available on our campus. Other graduates have pursued many other allied health careers. Such as physical therapy, X/ray technician, ultrasound tech, pharmacy tech, dental assisting and hygienist. Also, respiratory therapy, hemodialysis technician, phlebotomist, medication aids, emergency medical tech,and basic & intermediate operating room tech.
Career Opportunities

Nursing assistants enjoy solid job security and frequently work a flexible schedule. Typical work environments include long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics and in the home.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to assist and care for elderly patients. *

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020. The median annual wage for orderlies was $30,030 in May 2020.
Required Courses Certified Nursing Assistant

  • NA 104  Nursing Assistant Fundamentals 
  • NA 105 Nursing Assistant Clinicals 
  • NA 115 Phlebotomy Tech 
  • AHS 120  Medical Terminology 
  • AHS 153 Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I 
Nursing Student working in the lab
Nursing Student administering CPR