Beginning in May of this year the Health Care Center entered into a working relationship with an organization called Med Star Academy. The programs they offer are Certified Nursing Assistant Program and a Caregiver Program. The curriculum requires classroom learning hours and also clinical or “hands on” learning hours. The program consists of the following:
- Classroom Education and Skills Lab – 80 Hours
- Clinical Requirements – 40 Hours
- Clinical training and orientation to a licensed healthcare facility.
The clinical training in a licensed facility is where we come in. The students are paired with one of our trained and certified nursing assistants who mentor and assist in training the students in the hands on application of the skills learned in the classroom.
The Certified Nursing Assistant training program streamlines curriculum by basing training off the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam. The exam consists of a multiple choice knowledge test and a skills test. All subjects featured in classroom, clinical, or lab requirements of the Certified Nursing Assistant program are featured in the competency exam.
- Safety
- Infection Control
- Personal Care
- Mental Health
- Care Impaired
- Resident Rights
- Communication
- Data Collection
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Role and Responsibility
- Disease Process
- Older Adult Growth & Development
Prior to the students coming to the Health Care Center certain standards are required. Safety of those in our community is of utmost importance. We have a contractual agreement in place that states the mandatory requirements. Students must meet the following requirements prior to entering the off-site externship:
- TB test or chest x-ray within 6 months
- DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card or Application
- AZBN Fingerprint Card
- Pass a 5 panel drug test
- CPR Pro Certification
Upon the completion of the classroom instruction and the 40 hours required of clinical skills performance the CNA student can schedule a time to test with the Arizona State Board of Nursing. In order for a Certified Nursing Assistant student to gain the license and work in the State of Arizona they must successfully pass the board exam and be issued a Certified Nursing Assistant License.
If anyone is interested in pursuing the Certified Nursing Assistant program here are the requirements.
Certified Nursing Assistant students must meet the following requirements to enter the program:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Pass an Admissions Test
- Proof of Citizenship
- Social Security card
- Medical Clearance from doctor
- No felony convictions within the last five years
Contact information for Med Star Academy is (623) 773-9000 or http://westerncareertraining.com/cna-training-program/
It brings back memories of when they were back in school beginning their careers in the healthcare field. In turn we have the opportunity to observe work skills, personalities, and qualities that we could possibly have join our team here in the HCC. The students and the instructors are informed that once they graduate and receive their license that we would encourage them to apply for any opportunities that we might have on campus.
We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Med Star Academy and we are also looking forward to starting a similar program with the Grand Canyon Nursing Program this fall.
