Nursing Assistant

The Nursing Assistant Program focuses on preparing students to provide hands-on care to patients and residents who require assistance with activities of daily living. The purpose is to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills that can be used in a variety of health care settings and age groups. The program is a blend of classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. The content includes but is not limited to: interpersonal skills, medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, vital signs, safe and efficient work, first aid, personal care, gerontology, rehabilitation and restorative care, nutrition, end-of-life care, effective time management and employability skills.

Program content includes, but is not limited to, interpersonal skills, medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, gerontology, nutrition, health and safety, basic nursing skills in facilities and in homes and employability skills. Students will perform nursing skills in the clinical and/or simulated laboratory settings under the supervision of a qualified Registered Nurse instructor.

AREA OF FOCUS

• Role of the Nursing Assistant
• Nursing Assistant Skills
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology
• Illness and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease
• Health Promotion and Wellness
• Basic Nutrition
• Care of the Client in Facilities

PORTFOLIO AND COURSE PROJECTS

There are a variety of projects within the one Occupational Completion Points. Students will need to complete all of the projects in order to satisfy the curriculum requirements for this course.

PROGRAM EXPERIENCES

Florida Board of Nursing requires 40 hours of clinical experience, with not less than 20 of those hours spent in a long-term care facility.

Lab Activities
Lab activities are designed to provide safe practice with materials, equipment and procedures related to basic health care. In addition, students will learn by using simulated scenarios that challenge them to solve realistic client problems and situations that occur in the workplace.

Clinical Practicum
For nursing assistant certification, the Florida Board of Nursing requires a minimum of 40 hours of clinical learning experiences occurs in a licensed nursing home, with not less than 20 of those hours spent in a long-term care facility. 

Continuing Education

Students who have successfully completed the Nursing Assistant program have the opportunity for advance standing in the iTech Patient Care Technician Program. If all other eligibilities have been met and the student is accepted into the Patient Care Technician Program, the student will be given credit for Basic Healthcare Worker (OCP A) and Nursing Aide and Orderly (Articulated) (OCP B) and will not be required to repeat them.

Graduate with Career- Ready Skills!

ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS

• Specific Admissions Requirements:
  • 18 years old or accredited high school diploma/ GED
  • Proof of current Immunizations and Tuberculosis Screening
  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) – Level 2 Background Check and Drug Screen per iTECH policy. This policy is available upon request
  • Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross affiliated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card with Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers. The course must be hands-on – no online courses accepted
  • TEAS (Nursing Entrance) Test
  • Students must maintain an 80% academic grade average and attend at least 90% of scheduled class.
     
• DOE Basic Skills Exit Requirements: None. Students with Math scores below 9 will be required to complete the iTECH Medical Math Practice Packet and be tested.

PREP FOR EMPLOYMENT

Training is aligned with competencies that have been identified as necessary for gainful employment in health care settings. In addition to being trained in basic nursing, students enhance employability by learning about professional conduct, record keeping, finances, labor issues, technology in health care, resume writing, personal learning styles, interview skills, community health issues and the development of strategies to acquire and maintain employment.

• Internships
  There are potential internship opportunities for students who qualify.
   
• Workforce Education Internship Program
  Students participate in work-based learning experiences in their field of study outside of the classroom. ITECH has a Workforce Internship Program for those students who need work experience, but do not have an out-of-school job.
   
• Job Placement
  Our competent counseling staff provides job postings on a daily basis, with help in resume writing and the interviewing process.

CERTIFICATE

A certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete the program’s competencies. Successful completion of this program prepares students for certification for employment as a Nursing Assistant in a nursing home, in accordance with Chapter 464.203, Florida Statutes. Students who satisfactorily complete this program are eligible to apply to take the national nursing assistant examination being utilized in Florida, in accordance with Chapter 464.203, F.S. This program includes both Acute and Long Term Care.