Mesa Community College in Phoenix, Ariz., has approximately 27,000 students annually. The certified nursing assistant program is a six-course program with 60 hours of classroom work and 90 hours in a lab setting. The lab work may include simulated practical activities as well as direct experience through work in a long-term care facility.
Atlantic Cape Community College was established as the second community college in New Jersey and currently serves Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college enrolls approximately 6,500 students in credit courses annually. The Atlantic Cape Community College certified nurse aide program is a 90-hour course, and is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Students devote 50 hours to classroom study, with an additional 40 hours of clinical experience. The program prepares students for the New Jersey Department of Health certification examination and skills evaluation.
Established in 1965 as Arapahoe Junior College, Arapahoe Community College was the first two-year college in Denver, Colo. Arapahoe serves approximately 18,000 students in over 100 degree programs, as well as certification programs such as the certified nurse assistant program. In addition to classroom work, the program requires an additional 72 hours of clinical assignments in acute, long-term and hospice care. Prior to being given clinical assignments, students are required to undergo a criminal background check, hold a cardiopulmonary resuscitation card, and have required immunizations.
St. Clair Community College, located in Port Huron, Mich., provides higher education for the Blue Water area. The college offers a 96-hour course to prepare students to take the state of Michigan certified nurse assistant exam. In order to be accepted into the St. Clair program, applicants must take an assessment exam covering math and reading. Applicants must also complete a criminal background check and undergo a physical exam.