Nurse Assistant (NA) Certificate Program Description:

The six-week NA Certificate Program is a 16-unit module course that consists of theory and principles supplemented with clinical instruction and bedside patient care application under the guidelines of the federal and state requirements. NA students will learn how to perform nursing roles and responsibilities, handle legal and ethical nursing issues, comprehend the healthcare delivery system, communicate effectively, be prepared for emergency situations, and build fundamental nursing skills. Successful completion will allow the student to meet eligibility requirements for the State of California Health and Human Services Agency to take the California Certification Examination.

Nurse Assistant (NA) Certificate Program Video

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Understand basic human anatomy and physiology and nutrition needs.
• Identify needs of the ill, report condition changes, and take vital signs.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of common diseases.
• Provide meaningful communication and establish cooperative relationships.

Employment Prospects:

Employment for nursing assistants is expected to increase by 19 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This emerging profession serves as an ideal transition into the medical field. The Nurse Assist Certificate Program will equip you for entry-level work as a nursing assistant, psychiatric aide, orderly, or nursing attendant.

Job Responsibilities:

As a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), doctors and RNs will depend on you to handle routine, yet crucial tasks. Nurse assistants serve as a communication liaison between patients and supervising practitioners, providing valuable face time with patients and relaying important patient information to doctors and RNs. Nursing assistants work closely with healthcare practitioners in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing facilities, healthcare agencies, private homes, medical offices, ambulatory care providers, clinics, or urgent care centers.

Advancement Opportunities:

• Complete continuing education classes designed to increase skills and responsibilities.
• Transition to other entry-level healthcare occupations, such as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or medical assistant (MA), through WestMed College's certificate programs.
• Become an RN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from National University.

For more information:

• View a PDF of the WestMed General Catalog: click on the link under "Related Downloads" at the bottom of this page.
• Request more information

WestMed College offers financial assistance for those who qualify.

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Program Locations

• San Jose Campus
• Merced Campus