Start your career as a certified nursing assistant at San Juan College in two months. Learn to provide basic nursing care with our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate program. Study with our expert professors and gain firsthand experience in healthcare clinics.
By completing the CNA certificate program, you can take the state examination to become certified. Begin a career helping patients recover and live comfortable lives.
Why Should You Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
As a certified nursing assistant, you will help patients and medical staff in hospitals, homes, and long-term care facilities. You'll work under the supervision of registered nurses and other health professionals to provide basic care. Your duties include:
- Taking vital signs
- Moving and transporting patients
- Assisting with feeding and bathing patients
One of the benefits of a CNA certificate program is that it takes just a few months to complete. This timeline also makes it an affordable option for students who want to enter the healthcare field. Nurse assistants are in demand as the US population ages and needs more care. You'll be able to quickly find a career after you graduate.
By completing a CNA certificate program, you'll meet New Mexico's requirements to take the State Certification Examination. You must pass the exam to become a nursing assistant in long-term care facilities.
Prepare for Your Future
Being a nurse assistant can also help you learn about other healthcare fields. During your shifts, you'll interact with other members of the healthcare field, such as registered nurses, occupational therapists, and respiratory assistants. You can observe what they do to see if it interests you. You'll also be able to rely on your current healthcare experience to pursue a new career.
Why Complete the Certified Nursing Assistant Program at San Juan College?
Eight-Week Program
Our CNA certificate program will prepare you for your new career in just two months. You'll take classes three days per week and complete simulation lab and clinical hours on the other days. After you complete the program, you'll be ready to pass the state certification exam.
Real-World Experience
Gain practical experience through work in our simulation lab and clinical settings. Build your skills at the CNA lab on our SJC West Campus in Kirtland. You'll practice on mannequins and work with patients to apply your classroom learning. With the guidance of your instructors, you'll become a caring nursing assistant who can help patients with confidence.
Year-Round Program Options
Want to get started right away? We offer our CNA program in fall, spring, and summer semesters. You'll be able to start training for your new career at the time that works for you.
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the CNA program is a great investment for you. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for the rest of your educational and career journey. Find out if you can get free tuition through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the CNA Certificate Program
As a certified nursing assistant, you will provide compassionate care to patients in medical settings under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Through San Juan College's CNA program, you will learn and practice patient care skills. You will master medical and bedside best practices through training in our classrooms, simulation lab, and local healthcare facilities.
Careers and Outcomes
As a graduate of San Juan College's CNA program, you will be ready to work in many healthcare settings. You will need to pass New Mexico's state certification examination to become certified and find a job.
Our graduates have gone on to work for:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Long-term care agencies
- Other medical practices
Next Steps
Take the next step toward becoming a certified nursing assistant by applying to San Juan College's CNA certificate program. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our CNA certificate program.
