Instructor: Julie Huffman, R.N.

Course Description: This semester long course available to juniors and seniors. It will provide an introduction to the health care field and the role of a nurse assistant. Students will learn the skills needed to work as a nurse assistant and will prepare to become certified through the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry.

Course Objectives: Students will become certified as nursing assistants upon successful completion of the state exam, offered at the end of the program. They will also be certified in CPR and First Aid.

Course Expectations: Students are expected to have excellent attendance. They will complete a clinical externship in a nursing home that will require a commitment of 6 hours a week, either after school or on Saturdays. Textbooks are college level reading.

High School Credit: Two (2) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit: MA 1100 – 2 credits, HLTH 1200 – 3 credits

Educational Opportunities: This class is an excellent introduction to any career in the health care field. A CNA certificate is also a required prerequisite for most nursing programs in the state of Utah.

Possible Careers: Students will be able to work as a CNA in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, or in the patient’s home. Students may also continue their education to become a RN (Registered Nurse).

Misconceptions: This program focuses on the physical care of patients who are unable to take care of themselves. It is challenging emotionally and physically. Students will not learn how to give injections or draw blood.

Classes required for entrance: None

Recommended Classes: Human Biology, Medical Anatomy, and Health Occupations

Program Length: Semester

Eligibility: Junior and Seniors (at least 16 years old) based upon entrance testing, GPA, and attendance

Costs/Fees: Textbooks $115

Blood pressure kit $25

State Certification Test $70

SLCC concurrent enrollment $40

HOSA membership (optional) $25

Scrubs required

Immunizations required