NCTC Offers CNA Program
Those who have a passion for caring for others will have the opportunity to receive training to achieve a career in that field. North Central Texas College Graham Campus will offer a Certified Nurse Aid (CAN) Program starting Jan. 28.
A CNA is responsible for providing basic care to patients and assisting patients in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own. CNAs may serve as a liaison between the patient and LVN or RN.
The program, offered at NCTC through the Health Sciences Division, is a noncredit Allied Health program. CNA students gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential as a caregiver to provide basic hands-on care to residents of long-term care facilities.
Students will learn about the residents’ rights, effective communication, assisting residents in maintaining essential comfort and safety, plus accurate reporting techniques.
Requirements for admission to the program include valid identification forms, immunizations and registration for CPR. Upon successful completion of the program, CNA students take and pass the state board certification exam to receive their license to work in Texas.
Those interested in the course must complete CASAS Testing which is a reading and math assessment, bring a Social Security card and driver’s license, complete a criminal background check, and have the following immunizations: measles (two), mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B (three), varicella (two), diphtheria/ tetanus, Tuberculosis (TB) skin test, and the seasonal flu shot good from September 2018-March 2019.
The program includes mandatory 100 hours comprised of 60 classroom contact hours, and 40 clinical hours, which will be arranged by the instructor following classroom training. Tuition is $699 and includes textbooks, scrubs, lab supplies, state testing fee and CPR certification. Scholarships for the program will be available.
Students are responsible for purchasing their stethoscopes, shoes and gait belts.
The program will run from 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Monday through Thursday. The registration deadline is Jan. 23.
For more information, call NCTC at 940-521-0720, or email klbirdwell@nctc.edu.