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The Nurse Assistant job skills certificate prepares the student to provide services to those who need health care. The student will learn the role of the caregiver, the healthcare environment, health care safety, adult needs in health and illness, and basic caregiving skills. The mission of the Modesto Junior College (MJC) Nurse Assistant Program is to provide vocational education that will prepare the student to provide basic services to those who need healthcare. The program is committed to improving and advancing the health and welfare of our community by preparing competent, safe, health care professionals. MJC also offers Nurse 53 - Home Health Aide (HHA) course for state-certified nursing assistants to offer in-home support services to clients under supervision of Medical Professionals.

More Information about the Nurse Assistant Skills Recognition Award

The Nurse Assisting (CNA) Program at MJC

Interested in a career in the medical field? MJC has one of the best Nurse Assisting (CNA) programs in California!

How to sign-up for the Nurse Assistant Program

  1. Apply to admission to Modesto Junior College
  2. Sign-up for the Mandatory orientation
  3. Attend the Mandatory orientation
  4. Complete and submit ALL required documents discussed during the Nurse Assistant Program orientation.

All four steps must be completed. Those who complete all four steps will have priority for entry into the program.

NURSE 52: Nurse Assistant - (Both face-to-face & hybrid will be offered)

Spring 2025 Orientation

Date and Time: Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 9:00AM

Location: MJC West Campus, Glacier Hall Room TBD.

RSVP Deadline: Friday, December 13th, 2024 at noon or until fill – limited seats.

Sign Up Here for the Mandatory Orientation

 

Requirements for the Nurse Assistant (MJC) program

Conditional Enrollment: As a condition of enrollment in any Nursing Assistant Program students are required to submit to and pass a designated a background screening, and physical examination clearance (at the student’s expense). Please note the following:

  • A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
  • If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program. If a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited. Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
  • A physical examination completed by a physician of the student’s choice is required after acceptance to the Program to demonstrate that a student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the Program objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations and mask fit testing are also required and are performed at the student’s expense.
  • Admission to Modesto Junior College
  • High School graduation or equivalent (GED or college degree)
    • High School graduation is not required, it is recommended for success.
  • Program prerequisites
    • None required
  • Program application
    • None required
  • Physical and Health History Form:
    • The History and Physical must be completed within 6 months prior to program start date.
    • The Provider’s NPI number and signature must be included on the form.

AND

  • Influenza Vaccine
    • Documentation of a current flu vaccination is required during flu season (October-April).

AND

  • TB Screening-Two-step TST:
    • The first TST is placed and then a reading is obtained within 48-72 hours. If negative, a second TST is placed 7 days after the first TST was READ. The second TST reading is obtained within 48-72 hours after placement.
    • The last TST must be completed within 6 months prior to program start date.

OR

  • Chest X-Ray
    • If you have a history of positive TST you will need to obtain a chest x-ray for your TB clearance.
    • Your chest x-ray must be dated within 6 months prior to your clearance due date and must include a written report indicating no active disease is present.

OR

  • Quantiferon TB Gold or TSpot:
    • In some cases, you may also provide TB clearance through use of positive reactor screenings such as the Quantiferon TB Gold or T-Spot screenings.
    • Quantiferon TB Gold or T-spot screenings must be negative for the disease and be dated within 6 months prior to program start date.

Criminal Record Review

The purpose of the criminal record review process is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the elderly, and/or individuals with disabilities cared for by certified nurse assistants (CNA), home health aide (HHA), and/or direct care staff.  The criminal record review process includes the review of convictions substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a CNA, HHA, and direct care staff. 

More Information

 

Program Costs

An estimated cost for the program (fees, textbooks, uniforms, and examination) is approximately $750.00 The California Department of Public Health approves the Modesto Junior College Nurse Assistant. A Social Security number and fingerprinting are required by State certification/licensure agencies.

Licensure/Certification Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant course, the student is eligible to take the competency exam for a Certified Nurse Assistant administered by the Northern Regional Testing Center. Students must complete the required courses with at least a ‘C’ grade.

  • Enrollment fee - $46.00 per unit (5.5 units for Nurse 52 class) $253.00
  • Health Fee - This fee goes directly to health services and is paid each semester $20.00
  • Student Center Fee - This fee is $1.00 per unit not to exceed $10.00per semester $5.50
  • Student Activity Fee - This is optional. It is an activities fee $5.00
  • State Certification Exam - This covers the cost of the certification examination $120.00
  • Clinical Uniform - Top, pants and pair of shoes $75.00
  • Textbook - Required textbook(price reflects MJC Bookstore) $80.00
  • Health Clearance Process - TB, and Flu Vaccine Free of Charge (when completed at Health Services) Physical $117.00
  • Watch - With second hand is required for this class $15.00
  • Misc. Supplies binders, calculator, paper, etc $30.00

Estimated Total $750.50

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Additional Information

 

NURSE 53: Home Health Aide (HHA)

The Home Health Aide (HHA) course is for state-certified nursing assistants to offer in-home support services to clients under supervision of Medical Professionals. It is a short term course for 2 units and requires a nurse assistant certificate by the orientation date. No books are required and the approximate fees are $90.00.

Upon successfully completing the HHA program, 54 hours, the state-certified nurse assistant will receive a HHA certificate of completion linked to their CNA license via the state.

The Home Health Aide Program is being offered at MJC during Fall 2024

Program dates: 10/07/2024 – 10/16/2024
(Theory): Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 7:00AM – 4:30 PM
(Clinical): Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 6:00AM – 3:35 PM

  • Must be a current MJC Student
  • Students must have an active CNA certification.
  • Student will obtain 26 CEUs after successfully completing this course.
  • Attend the mandatory orientation for the HHA program via zoom on 9/03/2024 at 9:00AM

Sign Up Here for the Mandatory Orientation