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, behavorial health and care of the older person are some of the topics emphasized. 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. The curriculum also includes a strong emphasis on behavioral health, preparing students to take care of individuals with mental health needs across various settings. 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

Educational Option Information: 

• This educational option is a: Certificate of Achievement
• The educational option can be completed: Part-time
• The educational option is designed for: Immediate employment
• This educational option can be started: Any term 
• Primary course location: Main or Rio Rancho campuses 

Special Requirements

Criminal Background

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.

Transportation

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

Licensing 

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, most states require state issued certification after completion of a state approved education program. In New Mexico, nursing assistants must pass a state competency exam, which allows them to use the state specific title “Certified Nursing Assistant”. 

Program Fees  

Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, educational resources, 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.
  • May be eligible for funding from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Educational Opportunities

Certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), HIPAA and Bloodborne pathogens are included in this educational opportunity. These industry recognized certifications are transferable to other programs of study within the healthcare field. 

Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment is projected to grow for nursing assistants. An average of over 200,000 job openings per year is expected over the next decade to replace nursing assistants who exit the workforce due to retirement, transferring to a different occupation or educational and career advancement. 

Jobs for Certified Nursing Assistants are available in nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics including dialysis, psychiatric, or substance abuse facilities, long-term care facilities, home health settings, correctional facilities, and more. Opportunities include the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) role and other supportive healthcare positions. 

Gainful Employment information is available from Career and Job Placement.

Course Expiration Rule

Nursing Assistant (NUAS) coursework must be completed within two consecutive terms, or all courses in the program must be repeated.