The Certified Nursing Assistant program is ideal for students who would like to explore nursing as a possible career and for those who would like to work as a CNA. This course will provide training for students to obtain the skills necessary to take the state of Michigan’s competency evaluation exam to become a CNA. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will have their name placed on the state registry and will be eligible to work as a CNA in hospitals, nursing homes and with health care agencies.
This course is a combination of theory, lab practicum (where students practice skills), and clinical instruction (students do direct patient care under the guidance of their instructor). Students enhance their verbal and written communication skills in a health care environment and learn the professional, legal and ethical issues related to health care. Students explore employment opportunities in this fast-growing field through field trips and guest speakers.
Course Content
- Introduction to Health Care
- Body Systems and Diseases
- Medical Math
- Infection Control
- Emergency Situations
- Acute/Sub-Acute/Long-Term Care
- Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid Certifications
- Restorative and Rehab Care
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Patient Care Skills
- Positioning, Moving and Ambulation
- Medical Terminology
- Environmental Safety
- Vital Signs
- Death and Dying
Click here to view the Certified Nursing Assistant Course Curriculum (PDF Format)
Helpful Background Experience and Aptitudes
It is strongly recommended that a student entering the Certified Nursing Assistant program be able to:
- Enjoy working and talking with people
- High School classes in Math, Biology or Life Science
- A positive attitude and congenial disposition
- Ability to problem solve
- Computer literacy
- Willing to participate in team activities
Career Entry Opportunities
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Recreational Therapy Aide
- With one to two years of post-secondary education a student may become:
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Surgical Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician
Articulation Agreements
Articulation is the process where Career and Technical Education students who have successfully completed the Nurse Aide program and demonstrated specific skills by an assessment process are granted college credit for those skills when they enroll at an educational institution that has an Articulation Agreement with the CCISD. There is no charge for the college credit after the student has successfully demonstrated that the specific skills have been learned. The following institutions currently have Articulation Agreements with the CCISD:
- Michigan Technological University
- Northern Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- Gogebic Community College
- Bay College
Program Impact
Certified Nurse Aide alumnus talks about how the class impacted her future and helped save a life.
Advisory Committee
An advisory committee is a group of citizens selected to collectively provide advice to the public schools in regard to career and technical education. The members are mostly from outside the field of education representing labor, management, and the general public. The members are selected because of specialized expertise and knowledge. They serve only as advisors without administrative authority and without pay or compensation.
The following are members of the Nurse Aide/Health Careers Advisory Committee:
| Representative | Company |
|---|---|
| Catherine Manderfield | UP Health System-Portage |
| Jennifer Jenich-Laplander | Aspirus Keweenaw |
| Maggie Seppala | Gardenview Assisted Living |
| Christiann Rosemurgy | Aspirus Keweenaw |
| Angel Bates | HCMCF |
| Glen Guilbault | Gogebic Community College |
| Cam Williams | Finlandia University |
| Krystel Vater | HCMCF |
| Jeff Baril | Aspirus Keweenaw |
| Karen Hernandez | Northland Vet |
| Jason Carter | Michigan Tech |
CTE Data Reports
You can view data reports about CNA and all our other programs by clicking this link.