Certified Nursing Assistant
Description
Trinity’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the only program in the District of Columbia that offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while preparing to enter the healthcare workforce as a CNA. Nursing Assistants, also called Nursing Aides, provide essential support, form meaningful connections with patients, and enjoy consistent job demand that will only increase as the population ages and requires more care. Becoming certified to work as a Nursing Assistant opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare and can serve as an excellent foundation for future studies in other health professions. This program is offered in conjunction with the School of Professional and Graduate Studies at THEARC.
As a result of successfully completing CNA coursework, students will be able to do the following:
- Sit for the certification exam (this is a national certification exam),
- Continue on and complete the AA in Health Services, CNA Track.
- Complete the Nursing prerequisites or complete another Health Professions program
If students complete all Nursing prerequisites meeting all criteria, they are guaranteed acceptance into the BSN program
Program Requirements (6 credits)
NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide Lecture
This lecture course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Topics will include the Nursing Assistant role; legal, ethical, professional and safety standards; an overview of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the clinical component (below) will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant.
Prerequisites: Successful background check, 5th grade reading level or above, acceptance into the CNA program.
NURS 102 Certified Nursing Aide Lab/Clinical
This course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing Aide exam. The focus will be hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining the legal, ethical and professional standard appropriate to the Nursing Assistant. Students who successfully complete both this course and the classroom component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant.
Pre- or Co-Requisite: CNA Classroom course (NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide Lecture)
Program Policies
Transfer Credit Policy: Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.
Stackable Credentials: Trinity CNA courses may be applied to degree programs. Students enrolled in degree programs at Trinity may simultaneously pursue the CNA and these courses will count toward both credentials.
Academic Standing: Students must earn a C or better in all college level courses in order for the courses to count toward the CNA program. Courses in the CNA program are repeatable. Satisfactory academic progress is a criterion for the award of financial aid. Students not making academic progress will be referred to their academic advisor for academic counseling. All other Trinity academic policies and procedures apply to CNA courses.
Course Descriptions
NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide Lecture
NURS 102 Certified Nursing Aide Lab/Clinical