The Nursing Assistant Program focuses on preparing students to provide hands-on care to patients and residents who require assistance with activities of daily living. The purpose is to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills that can be used in a variety of health care settings and age groups. The program is a blend of classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. The content includes but is not limited to: interpersonal skills, medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, vital signs, safe and efficient work, first aid, personal care, gerontology, rehabilitation and restorative care, nutrition, end-of-life care, effective time management and employability skills.

Training is aligned with competencies that have been identified as necessary for gainful employment in health care settings. In addition to being trained in basic nursing, students enhance employability by learning about professional conduct, record keeping, finances, labor issues, technology in health care, resume writing, personal learning styles, interview skills, community health issues and the development of strategies to acquire and maintain employment.

Lab activities are designed to provide safe practice with materials, equipment and procedures related to basic health care. In addition, students will learn by using simulated scenarios that challenge them to solve realistic client problems and situations that occur in the workplace.

For nursing assistant certification, a minimum of 40 hours of clinical learning experiences occurs in a licensed nursing home.

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements. Training specific to Alzheimer’s Dementia is offered during the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a certificate for Nursing Assistant and will be eligible to apply for and take the Florida State Nursing Assistant Certification Exam.

► 165 clock hours

► The following table illustrates the program structure:

Course #	OCP	Course Name	Hours
HSC 0003	A	Basic Healthcare Worker	90
HCP 0121	B	Nursing Aide and Orderly (Articulated)	75

► Class schedule varies.
► Check with Student Services.
Clinical hours may vary, depending on clinical site availability.

Students who have successfully completed the Articulated CNA program have the opportunity for advance standing in the iTech Patient Care Technician Program. If all other eligibilities have been met and the student is accepted into the Patient Care Technician Program, the student will be given credit for Basic Healthcare Worker (OCP A) and Articulated Nursing Assistant (OCP B) and will not be required to repeat them.

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Click on the link below to open a PDF document with the pre-requisites for the CNA program.

CNA PREREQUISITES

Coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why do I need to have background screening done prior to admission?
A. The Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations mandates that students applying for entrance into any health science program which includes clinical experience in a health care facility must undergo a Level 2 criminal background check and drug screening. The results of these screenings may prevent the applicant from entering the program.

Q. Why do I need to have a Social Security Number to take Nursing Assistant/HHA or Practical Nursing Program?
A. If you do not have a valid SSN, you will encounter difficulties with State Licensing agencies and Registries.

Q. If I have already completed an approved Nursing Assistant Program, can I get credit for it?
A. Yes! As long as you have proof of having completed an approved 165 hour Nursing Assistant program, in the past 2 years. If the CNA certificate was obtained more than 2 years ago, validation of CNA 165 hr certification plus proof of current full time employment as a CNA will be required.

Q. Once I complete the CNA part of the Program, do I have to obtain a Certified CNA license in order to be employed as a CNA?
A. Your job opportunities will be much better if you go for the licensing exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. According to State Guidelines, Nursing Assistants do not need to be licensed except to work in nursing homes, unless it is a condition for employment in other institutions.

Q. If I have a CNA license or LPN License, do I have to get a Home Health Aide Certificate to get a job with a Home Health agency?
A. Many Home Health Agencies will hire personnel without the HHA training as long as they have a license and can prove that their training was received by a program that is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Q. Do you have attendance and grade requirements?
A. The student must maintain attendance at 90% or better and maintain a grade of 80% or better or they will be dismissed from the program. There are no excused absences in these programs. In addition, chronic attendance issues, including absences, tardiness and leaving early may result in dismissal from the program.

Q. Once I am accepted, when do I have to submit completed paperwork for the Health Screenings, CPR and Criminal Records/drug screening requirements of the PCT and Practical Nursing Programs?
A. All required paperwork for health screenings, CPR and Criminal records/Drug screening must be submitted prior to your first day of class.