Nursing Assistant - Certificate of Completion

Nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions and procedures involving patient care. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or physician. Nursing assistants tend to matters relating to personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, exercise, and elimination where maintaining patient comfort is a priority. Nursing assistants may be called upon to lift, move, or observe patients, as well as measure temperatures, pulses, respirations, and blood pressures. They may assist with patient admissions and discharges as well. The scope of their responsibilities, however, varies considerably depending upon the type of organization in which they are employed.  

NOTE: Admission to the Nursing Assistant program requires Placement scores.  Speak with an adviser regarding English and Math requirements and refer to course descriptions.

16 credits

Nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions and procedures involving patient care. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or physician. Nursing assistants tend to matters relating to personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, exercise, and elimination where maintaining patient comfort is a priority. Nursing assistants may be called upon to lift, move, or observe patients, as well as measure temperatures, pulses, respirations, and blood pressures. They may assist with patient admissions and discharges as well. The scope of their responsibilities, however, varies considerably depending upon the type of organization in which they are employed.

NOTE: Admission to the Nursing Assistant program requires Placement scores.  Speak with an adviser regarding English and Math requirements and refer to course descriptions.

A Suggested Plan of Study: One Semester

A Suggested Plan of Study: Two Semesters

The C.N.A program may be completed with dual/concurrent enrollment by high school students completing it over multiple semesters. There is no mandatory sequence when completing the required courses, but a strong recommendation that the NA 105 Clinical and OEEM 101 C.P.R be completed in the students LAST semester.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will identify and understand the roles, functions, and responsibilities of the nursing assistant as a member of the health care team.
2. Students will apply the knowledge and skills needed to give safe client care as a beginning nursing assistant in healthcare facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
3. Students will demonstrate professional communication skills, including recording, reporting, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
4. Students will demonstrate safety and infection control practices correctly performing the required 22 clinical skills that comply with standards of practice for nursing assistants.

Program Manager: Neal Gallagher 
Phone: (505) 287-6654 
Email: ngallagh@nmsu.edu
Office: Lucy Belle Ma Hall