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).
Most of the health programs in NPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions through the New Mexico Department of Health. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in NPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
Physical Requirements
Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through Accessibility Services. Reasonable accommodations allow students to achieve learning without modifying course objectives and outcomes. All accommodation requests are evaluated on a case by case basis.
Program Fees
Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, educational resources, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)
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.
May be eligible for funding from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Career Opportunities
Jobs are available in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and private homes.
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