Nursing Assistant (Articulated), O.C.

(165 clock hours) (5.5 occupational credits)

The Nursing Assistant (Articulated) certificate program prepares the student with the knowledge, competencies, and requisites to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a variety of acute and long-term healthcare facilities.  The program is composed of two (2) courses designed to provide rigor and challenging academic standards that will prepare students for employability.  Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to sit for the State of Florida’s certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The program is a combination of classroom instruction (didactic and skills/simulation laboratory) and clinical practice in long-term and other healthcare facilities.  Students who successfully complete the 90 hours Basic Health Care Worker section as a part of this program, will not have to repeat that required course in any other Health Science Career Cluster.

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Provide basic nursing care to the patient/residents that is respectful and based on individual needs, preferences, and values, inclusive of family (Patient/Resident-Centered Care).
2. Demonstrate caring and empathy for and understanding of patient/resident and family situation (Compassion).
3. Demonstrate knowledge of safety principles when providing basic nursing care to patients/residents (Safety).
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and report potential and actual problems when providing basic nursing care to patients/residents (Critical-Thinking).
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate (verbally and non-verbally) respectfully and clearly with patients/residents, family, and healthcare team members (Communication).
6. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with other healthcare team members to provide safe and effective care to patients/residents (Teamwork).
7. Demonstrate clear understanding of basic nursing care information and skills to provide safe and effective care to patients/residents (Knowledge).
8. Demonstrate proper use of various technology to provide safe, effective, and efficient basic nursing care to patients/residents (Technology).
9. Demonstrate knowledge of state laws that govern CNA practice and show honesty, respect, and loyalty to self and others (Legal/Ethical).
10. Demonstrate readiness to enter the workforce by being competent in basic nursing skills and other behavioral skills such as reliability, commitment, accountability and responsibility (Employable).

Admission Process

1. Complete the Florida Gateway College (FGC) application process.
2. Complete the Nursing Assistant (Articulated) application packet available on the FGC website and return it to the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences in Building 103 on the FGC main campus.

Prior to starting the Nursing Assistant (Articulated) program:

1. Prospective students must meet clinical eligibility requirements outlined in the Nursing Assistant (Articulated) program application packet.
2. Prospective students must meet all requirements to participate in clinical experience in various healthcare facilities including state and federal regulations as described by Florida Statue S.4000.211: A Level II Background check and 10-panel drug/alcohol screening.  Information regarding the required vendor to conduct the level II background check and 10-panel drug/alcohol screening is found in the Application packet on the FGC website.  NOTE: A random drug/alcohol screening may be required while in the program and the student is responsible for the cost of all admission and random screening while in the program.
3. There are additional costs incurred by student required when admitted to the program.  These include costs for uniform, liability and health insurance, medical exam, textbooks and supplies, immunizations, level II background check, 10-panel drug/alcohol screening and state certification exam cost.

NOTE: Graduates of this program are eligible to take the state Certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Nursing Assistant (Articulated) Total: 165 clock hours, 5.5 occupational credits