Health Science Program
Program Highlights
- EMS Intermediate
- 60 total credits
- EMS Basic Certificate
- 30 total credits
- Health Careers Certificate
- 30 total credits
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- 16 Total Credits
- Phlebotomy Technician
- 17 Total Credits
- Program Contacts
- Neal Gallagher - Program Manager
About the Program
Specializing in training Nursing Assistants, all students interested in the program need to understand that nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions involving 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, respiratory therapy, hemodialysis technician, phlebotomist, medication aids, emergency medical tech; and basic & intermediate operating room tech.
Specializing in training Nursing Assistants, all students interested in the program need to understand that nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions involving 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, 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, overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, 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.
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
* 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.*