Nurse Assistant
Program Description
ALLH-63 Nurse Assistant (CNA)
The Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) is offered during the Spring and Fall semesters for 18 weeks and the Summer semester for 9 weeks in Merced and Los Banos.
The course provides clinical instruction and practice of basic nursing skills required of nursing assistants employed in skilled nursing facilities and extended care facilities. The course emphasizes care of the older adult client which includes assistance with the activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, exercise, movement, eating, eliminating safety measures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rehabilitation techniques). Students will practice skills in lab, then be assigned to assist clients in a skilled nursing facility.
This training meets the California Department of Public Health requirements for eligibility to take the Nurse Assistant certification examination.
Upon successful completion of the NATP, the student must pass the Certification Exam in order to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. The exam has been developed to meet the evaluation requirements of the federal and state Nurse Assistant competency evaluation legislation. The test is offered throughout the state. The test consists of two parts: written and skills exam.
Note: You must be at least 16 years old and a junior in high school in order to take this course.
Degrees/Certificates
Merced College offers the following degrees/certificates in Nursing, Assistant:
Nurse, Assistant (CNA)
Highlights
The Allied Health Center (AHC) houses two complete nursing skills labs, large computer lab, conference room, study rooms as well as multiple large and small classrooms. The nursing skills labs have state-of-the art equipment and software that assist students with learning current procedures.
Certification Examination (CNA)
Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP), the student must pass the Certification Exam in order to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. The exam has been developed to meet the evaluation requirements of the federal and state Nurse Assistant competency evaluation legislation. The test is offered throughout the state. The test may be offered at Merced college upon completion of each training course. The test consists of two parts: written and skills exam.
The training in this program meets the California Department of Public Health requirements for eligibility to take the Nurse Assistant certification examination. For more information, see the California Department of Public Health’s page on licensing and certification.
Career Opportunities
The Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) is a course leading to an entry level career in the health care industry. Upon completion of the program and certification, Certified Nursing Assistants can expect better than average job opportunities. Most Certified Nursing Assistants work in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities.
Accreditation
The Nurse Assistant Program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Nurse Assistant Faculty
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Xochitl Tilley
Professor