Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program

In cooperation with Sitka Pioneers Home, SEARHC / Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital Sitka Community Hospital, and Sitka Home Health Care Agency

CNA PROGRAM PURPOSE:

This course is designed to train health care assistants in basic skills necessary to assist nurses in a variety of health care settings and to be efficient health care team members.

CNA PROGRAM DESIGN:

This program will lead to a Certificate of Completion from:
University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus
State of Alaska Nurse Aide Certification from the Division of Occupational Licensing, Board of Nursing.

Program completion requires 80 hours of clinical experience. Students demonstrate specific knowledge and basic skills competencies in a real-life setting. The classroom portion of the program involves lecture/lab sessions with specific clinical applications. Classes are held at the University. Students rotate through clinical assignments at SEARHC Hospital, Sitka's Pioneer Home, and Sitka Community Hospital and its Home Health Agency. Clinical experience must be successfully completed under the supervision of instructors in order to graduate from the program and receive certification from the State of Alaska. Clinical schedules will vary, beginning at 6:00 or 7:00am.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM:

Class enrollment is limited to 14 students. To be eligible, you must have completed the 10th grade (or have equivalent life skills as assessed by the instructor.) You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the program. Additionally, you must complete the following steps: Pass a reading test administered by the UAS Adult Education Department. Note the days and times when the test may be taken. An interview with the program director is required. To schedule an appointment, call 747-9473. Once accepted into the program, you must complete a physical exam with your doctor and submit a completed Health Screening Form, demonstrating physical capability, to the program director. Forms are available at the front counter in the UAS lobby.

Learning Center Test Hours: Call 747-7785 for days/times.
Interview Dates: Announced with each new cohort.
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is essential to succeed in the CNA program.

REQUIRED PROGRAM SUPPLIES
You will need to acquire the following personal items, which may be purchased locally or ordered from a catalog:

• An approved uniform (slacks and shirt or blouse).
• One pair of clinic-type shoes. Athletic shoes are acceptable if they are clean and very white.
• Wristwatch with a second hand

GRADING
Course grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
A = 92 - 100%
B = 82 - 91%
C = 72 - 81%

In order to qualify for certification by the State of Alaska, minimum passing requirements are: 85% on the final exam and an overall average of 80% on both the final exam and all written exams.
To be considered for certification with the State Board of Nursing, you must also demonstrate competency in the 13 Basic Skills. Scores on the final written exam and the skill demonstrations in lab and clinical settings will indicate competence.

Note: Health care facilities in Sitka do not always provide enough opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency during the clinical rotations. Lab sessions supplement clinical training and provide actual sign-off on students' individual Demonstration Checklist forms. Skills that fall into this category include giving bed baths and shampoos to classmates. Proper procedures for protecting modesty are rigorously followed.

Contact Information

Faculty: Diane Mille

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Diane Mille
University of Alaska Southeast - Sitka Campus
1-907-747-9476 or 1-800-478-6653 ext. 9476
e-mail: Diane.Mille@uas.alaska.edu

Cheryl Stromme
Project Assistant
907-747-9473 or 1-800-478-6653, ext. 9473
e-mail: Cheryl.Stromme@uas.alaska.edu