Nurse Aide Program

The Nurse Aide program prepares students for employment as a nurse aide in hospitals, skilled care facilities, home health and hospice facilities. Coursework focuses on personal care skills, legal and ethical issues, restorative services, end-of-life care, and the recognition of the emotional, social, cultural, and individual rights of patients. Students practice their skills in the college lab and at an assigned clinical setting. Participants receive knowledge of safety and emergency care, as well as principles of asepsis, and OSHA and HIPAA regulations.

Emphasis/Degree Options

• Technical Certificate: This certificate is designed to provide the student with entry-level skills required for employment as a nurse aide in a long-term care facility, an acute care facility, or a home health care agency.
• Career Pathways Certificate: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 6 weeks (5 credits)

Career Opportunities

• Assisted living facilities
• Home care and hospice
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities

Program Details

About the Program

The program is offered throughout the year, both days and nights, and can be completed in five weeks. The class size for the student to instructor ratio, mandated by the state, is 10:1. Classroom instruction combined with supervised clinical experience exceeds the state mandate, which provides a greater understanding of the compassion and skills it takes to care for this vulnerable population. Students can earn college credits while taking classes days or evenings.

Academic Requirements

A minimum of 92 contact hours of training are required for the Technical Certificate in Nurse Aide.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the nurse aide program requires an application in addition to the CMU Tech admission application. Students must be at least 16 years old the day class begins to be registered. Enrollment in this clinical course is contingent upon the student passing a criminal background check.

Program Schedule

The program is offered in various sessions throughout the year, including summer and fall classes, with both evening and day classes available.

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including Cindy Thomas, Technical Instructor of Nurse Aide.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.