Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant Certificate
Program Overview:
The Nursing Assistant curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in health care under the supervision of the licensed nurse. The student will learn the basic entry-level nursing skills to work in health care. A Nursing Assistant may be involved in direct patient/resident care or assist with care of the patient/resident unit and/or equipment, charting, and record keeping. This advanced certificate is designed for the student interested in a fast paced, acute care, hospital environment.
This program of study may be completed in one (1) semester. Classes may be taken on campus with some course options offered online.
Any student completing the sixteen credit Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant Certificate is eligible to apply for graduation. Graduation applications are available online or at Admissions and Records.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate the infection control practices of standard precautions and isolation procedures.
- Perform personal care and technical care skills within the NA scope of practice and within safe standards of care.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills related to patient care.
- Demonstrate confidentiality and knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
Career Opportunities:
According to Minnesota State career information, employment of nursing assistants is expected to grow. The strongest demand for nursing assistants will be in long-term care and residential care homes. Students are eligible for employment as a Nursing Assistant after completing the NA 1500: Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical course and passing the Nursing Assistant Registry Exam offered by Headmaster LLP. The Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical may provide a career ladder. Successful completion of Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical curriculum is a required component of Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, Associate Degree Nursing and Surgical Technology programs.
Additional Information:
Program Entrance Requirements:
- ENGL 1117: College level reading and writing; appropriate placement skills.
- PSYC 1611/PSYC 2618: College level reading and writing.
- HCOP 1610: D2L online tutorial if taking online.
- NA 1500: College level reading and writing.
- NA 1602*: NA 1500 or equivalent college course.
*ALL STUDENTS taking NA 1602 are required to take a National Criminal Background check for a fee during the first week of class. This fee is not included in your tuition. You will need to pay for it by credit card, debit card, or cashier's check.
Notice of Minnesota Background Check Requirement
Minnesota Statute 245C requires that students who have contact with individuals in licensed institutions complete an annual background study with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Individuals who do not pass the background check will not be allowed to participate in clinical activities. A list of disqualifying offenses is available in Minnesota Statute 245C.15. Students in the program will also be required to complete a National Criminal background Study. Information about completing the background study will be available from program faculty.
ADVANCED HOSPITAL NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (16 TOTAL CREDITS)
- HCOP 1610 – Medical Terminology: Body Systems and Diseases (2 cr)
- ENGL 1117 – Reading and Writing Critically I (4 cr)
- HLTH 1110 – CPR for the Health Care Professional (1 cr)
- NA 1500 – Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical (4 cr)
(Approved State of Minnesota Department of Health Curriculum) - NA 1602 – Hospital Nursing Assistant (2 cr)
- PSYC 1611 – Psychology of Adjustment (3 cr) OR PSYC 2618 – General Psychology (4 cr)
ADDITIONAL NURSING ASSISTANT OPTIONAL COMPONENTS:
- NA 1500 – Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical (4 cr)
Students who successfully complete the Long Term Care Nursing Assistant Theory & Clinical (NA 1500) are eligible to take the State Nursing Assistant Competency Examination.
RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES
FULL-TIME
- Semester (16 CREDITS): ENGL 1117, HCOP 1610, HLTH 1110, NA 1500, NA 1602, PSYC 1611 OR PSYC 2618