Certified Nursing Assistant FAQ
Certified Nursing Assistant FAQ
What is the Certified Nursing/Geriatric Assisting Program?
The certified nursing or geriatric assistant program provides the pathway to students desiring to become a critical part of a healthcare team within a hospital or long-term care facility. Students will focus on the foundational skills including medical terminology, healthcare systems, documentation, infection control, and hands-on patient care assistance. A focus will be placed on preparing students for successful completion of the Maryland State Nursing Assistant Certification.
What does a certified nursing assistant do?
- Basic patient care
- Bathing
- Feeding
- Assist with movement
Where do certified nursing assistants work?
- Nursing homes
- Assisted-living care facilities
- Hospitals
Why should I choose HCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program?
- The certified nursing assistant instructors have real-world experience and are well-versed in the subject matter.
- Students receive hands-on experience in a well-equipped HCC nursing lab where they gain pre-clinical education.
How long is the program?
The Certified Nursing Assisting program consists of six to nine weeks of on-campus instruction and skills learning, followed by a 45-hour clinical externship component.
CNA day section is approximately six weeks of theory and skills practice with an additional 45 hours for a clinical externship.
CNA evening section is approximately nine weeks of theory and skills practice with an additional 45 hours for a clinical externship.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission to HCC certified nursing assistant pre-requisite course does not guarantee admission to the certified nursing assisting program. The Foundations of Healthcare Career course must be completed with a satisfactory score to proceed within the program.
What are the courses that are required?
- Foundations of Healthcare Career (HCE-108)
- Certified Nursing Assistant Module I (HCE-105)
- Certified Nursing Assistant Module II (HCE-106)
- Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical (HCE-107)
Are there any additional fees?
- Additional fees include books, physical exam, immunization/records, drug screen, background checks, scrubs, closed toe shoes, etc.
- Students MUST take the WorkKeys assessment at a cost of $60.
What is the WorkKeys Assessment and do I have to take it?
- Assesses your work readiness in math, literacy, and writing skills.
- Must be taken on campus at Hagerstown Community College’s Testing Center.
What documents do I need to upload for the application?
Applicants need to upload a driver’s license and proof of legal residency in the U.S. (birth certificate or passport, visa, etc.)
What happens after I complete the application process?
- Once all documents are received, you will receive the WorkKeys Assessment link sent by WSCE staff.
- Follow the link to register for a date and time to take the assessment at the HCC Campus Testing Center.
- There is a fee of $60 due at the time of registration for the WorkKeys Assessment.
- Submit your scores to WSCE, Courtney Anderson, via email at cdanderson@hagerstowncc.edu.
- You are NOT able to sign up for classes until you have completed and submitted the WorkKeys Assessment results.
- WSCE staff will register you for the Foundations of Healthcare Careers and other classes within the CNA/GNA pathway.