Kodiak College, UAA

Certified Nurse Aide Course

Thank you for your interest in the Kodiak College Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) course.

Completion of the admission requirements does not guarantee selection into this program. Due to accreditation requirements stipulating faculty to student ratios and the limited availability of clinical practicum sites, class size is limited to ten (10) students. Consequently, some fully qualified applicants may not be accepted into the program. Please note that only completed applications will be considered for registration into the course.

Summary of the CNA program

The Kodiak College CNA course is taught in a supportive, professional university environment. Classroom learning is then developed through practical skill building within community health care facilities. The CNA program prepares the student to function in an entry-level position in the basic patient care arena in various health care settings. The program meets the educational requirements and prepares students for the Certified Nurse Aide examination required by the State of Alaska. Minimum of 140 hours are required for course completion. The required hours are divided as followed: 80 hours of supervised clinical experience and 60 hours of classroom instruction. The 80 hours of clinical experience will be a combination of weekdays, weekends and some additional evenings. A completed curriculum and breakdown of hours will be available to students once registration for the CNA course has been approved.

The State CNA Examination will be scheduled at the end of the course and students who have completed course requirements are encouraged to participate. The examination involves two components, a practical exam in which the student performs skills appropriately demonstrating competence and a written examination. Students must pass both portions to become certified. The student is required to pay fees (determined by the State of Alaska Board of Nursing) for the state examination, complete Nurse Aide Registry application form, obtain fingerprints and a passport photo for application. The instructor will provide information and coordinate paperwork processing when candidacy for the examination has been determined.

Becoming a CNA requires good interpersonal communication skills, caring and nurturing qualities, a high standard of personal ethics and professionalism. Students will be immediately dismissed from the program if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This behavior compromises the safety of the patient and the integrity of the profession and will not be tolerated.

Eligibility Requirements

Students who want to apply for the CNA program must meet the following minimum standards. Exceptions to these standards will only be approved by course instructors after the admission interview. Students must be 18 years old or possess a GED/High School Diploma. High school students may be admitted on a space available basis, after other students are registered. Students must also document one of the following: (1) current (not more than two years old) approved placement test scores showing appropriate skill level, (2) an official transcript showing a passing grade for equivalent course taken (Kodiak College transcript can be an unofficial copy). Placement test scores are necessary to determine if students possess the necessary skills to be successful in the program. Approved placement tests are offered at the Kodiak College Testing Center for a nominal fee.

Minimum scores required on approved placement test

Placement at PRPE A86 Writing Strategies level or higher

Placement at MATH A055 Elementary Algebra level or higher

Application Requirements:

Completion of the Kodiak College CNA Application Packet
Submission of approved, current placement test scores or college transcript showing a passing grade for equivalent course
Submit proof of current First Aid card and current CPR card (which includes Adult, Child, Infant, and Automatic External Defibrillator) must be completed prior to submitting application - if you do not have a current card classes are regularly offered in most communities. In Kodiak, please call Darla Merit, Education Coordinator at Providence at 486-9569 for more information about courses.

Two letters of recommendation

Immunizations

In addition, proof of immunizations and tuberculosis testing is required upon acceptance to the program (form provided in application packet) and must be completed before practical experience. Students must show proof that the Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A series has been started. If students have had a past positive PPD, they must present proof of clearance.

Admission and Registration Timeline

Due to the highly structured and individualized focus of this program, class size is limited to ten (10) students. Therefore, to be considered as a possible candidate for this program, it is imperative to have all information included in this packet completed and submitted prior to the 5 pm October 31, 2007 deadline.

Qualified applicants will have an interview the week of November 5 or November 12, 2007. The instructor(s) will contact students accepted into the program during the week of November 19, 2007 and sign the students’ registration forms. Students will register at Kodiak College Student Services in person with their signed forms.

NO students will be allowed to register for the CNA program without instructor signature. Students must also register in person at Kodiak College Student Services and will not be permitted to register online.

Course and Exam Requirements

Upon approval for graduation from the CNA course the following are required:

1. The student must successfully complete all required course work.

2. Complete 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 clinical hours as required by the State of Alaska. The supervised clinical experience will be a combination of weekdays, weekends and some additional evenings.

3. Hold current and approved First Aid and CPR cards, (adult, child, infant, Automatic External Defibrillator).

Eligibility for the Alaska State Certified Nurse Aide Exam:

1. The student must successfully complete all required course work, (classroom and clinical hours as required by the State of Alaska) and hold current and approved First Aid and CPR cards, (adult, child, infant, Automatic External Defibrillator).

2. Complete application process including a criminal background check, fingerprints and photo required by the State of Alaska Board of Nursing.

3. Exam/process fees as required by the State of Alaska.

Expenses related to this course (all costs are approximate):

Approved placement test at Kodiak College Testing Center ($10.00)
HCA A105 Certified Nurse Aide, 7 credits ($784.00 resident tuition only)
White uniforms pants ($15.00) and top ($20.00) or approved scrubs and white shoes ($40.00) (see practicum syllabus)
A wristwatch with a second hand ($15.00)
Text, workbook, and supplies ($100.00)
CPR / First Aid certification ($50.00)
Fingerprint services ($35.00)
Passport photo ($15.00)
State examination ($269.00 - includes fingerprint processing cost). This fee may change according to the State professional regulations.
Stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs are available to students for use. Students may purchase their own equipment at any time.
Approximate total cost for program - $1350.00

Click here to download the application which is due on Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

Before enrolling in degree or certificate programs, contact Academic Counselor Barbara Brown, (907) 486-1211 or at bbrown@kodiak.alaska.edu for specifics.