Nursing Assistant, Certificate of Achievement

School of Nursing & Patient Support (NPS)

Students are provided instruction in the roles and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant. Body structure and function, infection prevention, nutrition, principles of growth and development, safety in healthcare, home health care, and care of the older person are some of the topics emphasized. Instruction and practice of basic patient care skills required for Nursing Assistants is provided. Skills practiced include patient assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, transfer and positioning, vital sign measurement, intake and output measurement, restorative care, and communication. Students will practice supervised basic patient care in a clinical setting prior to completion of the program. At the completion of this certificate, students are eligible to take the New Mexico State certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

NPS Criminal Background  

NPS Other Compliance Requirements   

Physical Requirements

Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the NPS Office at (505) 224- 4111 for more information.

NPS Program Fees  

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This program is NOT  financial aid eligible.
  • FA Ineligible Programs at CNM
  • Although the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, there are some possible outside funding options (i.e. VA, DVR, institutional funding, etc.). For more information go to http://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid.

Career Opportunities

Jobs are available in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and private homes. 

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.