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Certified Nurse Aides work under the supervision of a licensed nurse to gather vital signs, patient data, and provide care for basic physical and emotional needs of patients. Certified Nurse Aides are an important asset in nursing homes, assisted living centers, long-term care facilities, independent living facilities, adult day care centers, home health agencies, hospice agencies, clinics, and acute care settings. The Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate course includes theory, hands-on instruction, and 32 hours of clinical training during the program. Students will learn body systems, disease and infection control, legal and ethical issues, nutrition, and personal care skills. Students will also learn how to assist with admissions, transfers, discharges, assessments and care planning, mental health and sub-acute care, and resident safety. Hands-on training in basic nursing skills, wound care, restorative care, body mechanics, and measuring vital signs are also performed. Individuals interested in starting a career in the medical field, nursing or physician assistant school applicants, prospective patient care technicians, or those looking to develop skills may benefit from this program.

This certificate program will assist students in preparing for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination conducted by the Credentia Nurse Aide Credentialing Services. Exam fees are included in tuition. Textbooks are required and are available at the KSU Bookstore. Call (470) 578-6261 or visit their website for pricing and availability. When contacting the bookstore, please identify yourself as a CPE student.

Prerequisites

• PLEASE READ: To be eligible for registration in the CNA Program, you must earn a score of 70 or higher on the Skills Assessment and submit a completed CNA Program Application Packet, including all required documents (immunizations, identification, etc.). Incomplete application packets will not be accepted.
• Equipment Required: Stethoscope, Blood Pressure Kit, and ceil blue scrubs must be purchased by the student and are required for clinical training. Equipment specifications provided during the first day of class.
• Additional Course Requirements: Pass a national online background check and drug test. Cost not included in program fee. Working knowledge of computers and access to a laptop or desktop computer and Internet are required.

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CNA Program Application Packet (PDF)

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Clinical Training

Each student will participate in off-site clinical training.

What CNAs Do

• Work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Record weight, height and patient symptoms for physicians before a physical exam
• Dress, bathe and feed patients
• Help patients with range-of-motion exercises and walking
• Transport patients
• Monitor and report changes in a patient vital signs, behaviors or personality to nurses

Daytime and Evening Classes

We offer daytime and evening classes, so you can decide which best suits your schedule. Both programs will assist you in preparing for the State of Georgia Nurse Aide Competency Examination.

Evening CNA Class

• 3-month, 108-hour certificate program
• 30 hours offsite clinical training
• Classes meet M/W from 6 PM – 10 PM
• 1 Saturday class from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Daytime CNA Class (Offered during summer only)

• 6-week, 108-hour certificate program
• 32 hours offsite clinical training
• Classes meet W/Th/F 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• 4 clinical dates from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (times may vary)

Testimonial

“It’s never too late to go back to school to fulfill your dream. The sky is the limit.” – Rocio Colon

Passing a background check and drug screen are requirements of the Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate program. You will be externing in clinical facilities that have strict protocols in place to protect their patients, staff, and students. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the background check and drug screen and receive passing results before the first day of clinical assignments. Failure to do so will prevent you from proceeding to clinicals and will result in a failing grade for the course. No retakes are allowed, and no refund will be issued. The background check and drug screen must be completed through Advantage Students. You will be provided with instructions and when to set up a profile and order the correct student package in Advantage Students.

Those interested in obtaining a Patient Care Technician (CPCT) national certification may be eligible to take the national exam upon successful completion of the following certificate programs offered by KSU: Certified Nursing Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician. Experience may be substituted in lieu of a KSU Certificate and will be evaluated by the testing organization on an individual basis as criteria for meeting the exam eligibility requirements.