Course Outline

I) CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Instruction

WEEK 1: 13 Hours of Lecture Plus 3 Hours of Clinical

  1.  Introduction to the Concept of LTC
  2.  Responsibilities of the Nurse Aide
  3.  Self-Assessment for the Nurse Aide
  4.  Residents Rights and Responsibilities
  5.  Prevention of Resident Abuse
  6.  Resident grievances and disputes
  7.  Effect of Institutionalization
  8.  Care and security of personal possessions
  9.  Confidentiality
  10. 10.  Resident Plan of Care (MDS)
  11. 11.  Communication and Interpersonal skills
  12. 12.  Resident/Staff Infection Control
  13. 13.  Importance of cleanliness and sanitation
  14. 14.  Care of resident items/equipment
  15. 15.  Resident Environment

WEEK 2: 7 Hours of Lecture Plus 3 Hours of Clinical (off site)

  1.  Making an unoccupied bed
  2.  Accident prevention
  3.  Fire and disaster
  4.  Emergency Health Care
  5.  Psycho-social characteristics of resident living in LTCF (Long Term Care Facility)
  6.  Responses to the aging process
  7.  Emotional needs and support for the resident
  8.  Characteristics of the resident with abnormal behavior or cognitive impairment
  9.  Residents with dementia (Alzheimer’s)
  10. 10.  Concept of reality orientation
  11. 11.  Lifting and moving techniques
  12. 12.  Exercise techniques
  13. 13.  Procedure for bathing
  14. 14.  Procedure for backrubs

WEEK 3: 30 Hours Lecture Plus 26 Hours Clinical (off site)

  1.  Observing and reporting Physical changes
  2.  Skills:
    1. Dressing and undressing
    2. Hands and feet care
    3. Mouth
    4. Personal Grooming
    5. ROM
    6. Feeding
    7. Vital Signs
    8. Weight
    9. Toileting
    10. Bathing
  3.  Anatomy and Physiology
  4.  Pressure sores and ulcers

WEEK 4: 4 Hours of Lecture Plus 4 Hours of Clinical

  1.  Activity and recreation
  2.  Spirituality
  3.  Sexuality
  4.  End of Life Care

WEEK 5: Testing

  1.  Skills Testing
  2.  State written testing off site

II) HHA (Home Health Aide) Instruction

Home Health Aide training classes will be offered as an addendum to the CNA training at a cost of $150 for the twelve hour class. This class will bring in a potential additional $13,500 per year in income. Home Health Aides provide care to people for a variety of reasons, ranging from short-term illness an accident recovery to long-term issues such as geriatric care and chronic illness.  Caregiver jobs in this field are numerous, with many sub-specialties available for those with HHA classes on their resume.  Homecare services are in demand, and home health aide training can help prospective students to gain certification through specific programs.

Home Health Aide training will be provided at an additional cost of $150 per twelve hour session as an addendum to the CNA course. There will be 6 training sessions per year. Financial projections are based on an average of 15 students in each session.

Unlike CNA’s, HHA’s are specifically trained to work in the patient’s home.  Certified HHA’s provide many of the services CNA’s provide, but home caregivers may also provide light housekeeping, meal preparation and serving, errand-running and more to home-bound patients.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health aide demand is expected to increase by 50% through the year 2018, making an HHA career a stable opportunity.

Programs cover the following:

  • Personal hygiene
  • Safe transfer and lifting techniques
  • Vital sign reading and recording procedures
  • Basic nutrition
  • Infection protection and control

The 12 hours of clinical training involves supervision by a nurse before the student is able to physically touch patients.  Once the student has completed the required hours in the HHA class, he/she can take the state Home Health Aide (HHA) exam.  Once they pass the HHA exam, they will be fully certificated and qualified to work as a caregiver.

The following prerequisites must be satisfied before the student can take the course:

  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • Criminal background check
  • Physical clearance
  • Negative TB test