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.

The program is offered each spring semester and applications are available the first day of the fall semester. The application deadline is at the end of October. Applications can be picked up at Student Services or downloaded off the Kodiak College website. If you have questions about the program after reading the following information, please contact Student Services at (907) 486-1214.

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
Current First Aid and CPR card (which includes Adult, Child, Infant, and AED) with application.

Two letters of recommendation

Requirements upon acceptance to this program:

- Proof of the following immunizations (or titers if applicable):
- Two MMR’s, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, (or history of disease), Tdap, and Influenza.
- PPD (Tuberculosis Testing) within past 3 months
- Two sets of fingerprints
- 2”x 2” passport photo

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 ($826.00 resident tuition only)
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 ($339.00 - 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 - $1465.00

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