Health Care Assistant
Course-completion Certificates:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Disabilities Support Services
- Electrocardiogram Technician
- Phlebotomy
Certificates of Completion (for entire program)
(575) 527-7674
Information based on the 2009-10 DACC Catalog
This versatile program has been designed to allow graduates to take advantage of expanding career opportunities available throughout the healthcare system. This program consists of options which can be taken separately for individual certifications, or together as part of the complete program. Individual options include: Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant, Electrocardiogram Technician, and Disability Support Staff. Course admission is contingent upon results of criminal background check which will be completed during the first week of class.
Categories of Essential Functions
In order to participate in the Health Care Assistant Program, the student
must capable of performing the following:
Observation
- Visually discriminate incremental readings on various medical equipment
- Visually discriminate between different colored objects
- Discriminate between various auditory stimuli
Communication
- Communicate effectively in English, using verbal, nonverbal and written formats
- Read and interpret the English language without assistance
Motor
- Stand for long periods of time
- Lift 35 pounds
- Perform patient care procedures with finger and manual dexterity
Intellectual
- Collect, interpret, and integrate information
Course-Completion Certificates
Certified Nursing Assistant (one semester – 8 credit hours)
Certified nursing assistants perform basic nursing functions involving patient care, working under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or physician. In general, CNAs attend to matters related to personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, exercise, and elimination. Maintaining patient comfort is a priority. Lab fee: $150.
Disabilities Support Services (one semester – 4 credit hours)
Disabilities Support Staff provide direct support for persons with developmental disabilities and other disabilities including older adults and to provide skills for job enhancement for those already in the field of support services. Upon completion of this certificated class, graduates are prepared for employment in residential, day habilitation, or vocational program of a community based provider agency.
| OENA 108OENA 108: Disabilities Support Services - 4 cr. (3+3P) Beginning level preservice preparation for providing in-home care for individuals with disabilities. – Disabilities Support Services |
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Electrocardiogram Technician (one semester – 2 credit hours)
ECG Techs assist physicians in the diagnosing and treating of cardiac
disorders. ECG Techs are trained with 12 lead ECG’s, which
are tracings of the electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. The
technician attaches electrodes to the patient and then operates the
ECG machine to obtain a reading. The ECG is printed out for interpretation
by the physician.
Phlebotomist Option (one semester — 4 credit hours)
A Phlebotomist is a Healthcare Professional that specializes in extracting blood for analysis from patients. Phlebotomists work hand in hand with other Laboratory Clinicians in assisting physicians in the diagnosing of diseases and/or disorders. Students are required to complete 30 clinical hours separate from class time on their own. Upon successfully completing the course, the student is eligible to take the NHA national exam to become certified as a phlebotomist.
Health Care Assistant Certificate Program
Graduates of the healthcare assistant program may work in a variety of settings, including long-term and acute-care facilities, private homes, clinics, and home care agencies. In most cases, the work involves providing hands-on care for patients and support services such as drawing blood, operating specialized equipment, and furnishing the results of diagnostic procedures.
Employment opportunities are numerous in Doña Ana County and the surrounding areas. Salaries for those who have completed diverse competencies within the program average well above minimum wage. Once employed, many graduates will find opportunities for on-the-job training and advancement.
Students may use the program as a base from which to branch out into other healthcare programs, such as nursing, respiratory care, and radiologic technology. The program includes classroom theory, laboratory experience, and applied learning in hands-on situations. Because some of the learning takes place off campus, students will need to arrange for their own transportation.
State and/or national certification is available in certain areas.
- State certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant
- National Phlebotomy Certification
Special Admission Requirements
On the first day of class, each student must submit the following:
- Documentation of current tuberculin, rubella, tetanus, and varicella immunizations, or titers
- Proof of current training in basic life support CPR
Course admission is contingent upon results of a criminal background check, which will be completed during the first week of class.
NOTE: Hepatitis B vaccine immunization is strongly recommended for phlebotomy students.
Certificate (32-33 credits)
NOTE: Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.
