Diana Folk, Program Coordinator
CE 33
301-784-5529
https://allegany.edu/nursing-assistant-certificate/index.html

The Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide Certificate Program is designed for students to obtain technical skills in the health field and enter the job market quickly, or for students waiting to gain entry into another allied health program at Allegany College of Maryland. The student will learn basic nursing skills appropriate for unlicensed assistive personnel working under the supervision of licensed nurses. Successful students will be able to apply for MD CNA certification and to sit for the state GNA certification examination upon completion of this program. Graduates will qualify for positions in long-term care, as well as acute care facilities, and in a variety of other job opportunities available due to the healthcare shortages.

The Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide program at Allegany College of Maryland has been designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of- county tuition rate. However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding availability for this program is based on funding from the State of Maryland and is thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. More information can be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office. Unlike other health programs at Allegany College of Maryland, the Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide Certificate Program is not a selective or competitive admissions program.

A satisfactory health record must be on file prior to clinical experience. In order to participate in clinical experiences, students will also be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check upon entrance into the program, and should be aware that results could affect clinical experiences. All clinical experiences are completed in Maryland. During enrollment, any official change or the initiation of any governmental proceeding affecting the information revealed by the required criminal background check must be reported immediately by the student to the coordinator of the program. Students need to be aware that Criminal Record Check results may have an effect on their employment opportunities and their ability to become certified.

To graduate from the Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide Program, students must not only meet the academic standards of the college, but in addition, must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide course and the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/First Aid course. For students to proceed to the clinical component of the Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide course, the student must have a grade of "C" or better in the classroom portion of the course, and a current certification in American Heart Association BLS/CPR.

This is a career program and is designed to enable students to seek employment at the program's completion. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college/university, please check with your advisor and the Advising Center staff as soon as possible.

Successful completion of this program qualifies a student to apply for a College certificate in Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide. This program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Required Nursing Courses

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AHLT-119	Disaster Preparedness
AHLT-128	Health Care Professionalism
NAGA-101	Introduction to Health and Wellness
NAGA-102	Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide
PHED-153	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid

 

NURSING ASSISTANT/GERIATRIC AIDE
ONE-SEMESTER CAREER PROGRAM
PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

	Credit Hours
Allied Health 119 (Disaster Preparedness)	2
Allied Health 128 (Health Care Professionalism)	2
Nursing Assistant 101 (Introduction to Health and Wellness)	3
Nursing Assistant 102 (Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide)	7
Physical Education 153 (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid)	2
Total:	16
Total Credit Hours:	16