Healthcare Specialist - CNA | Area Career Center

Healthcare Specialist - CNA Overview

The Healthcare Specialist program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.

Year 1:
First-year students gain a strong foundation in general medical practices through coursework in Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and an introduction to healthcare systems. This year focuses on building the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in a variety of healthcare careers. Students will study dementia care and beginning content necessary to receive their CNA certification.

Year 2:
Second-year students focus on preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification including completing clinical hours. In addition, they explore advanced topics such as Medical Law & Ethics and Behavioral Health.

Hands-on experiences and clinical practice provide students with the confidence and competence needed to enter the workforce or continue postsecondary healthcare education.

Next Level Programs of Study Course #5274

Healthcare Fundamentals prepares students with language skills necessary for effective, independent use of health and medical reference materials. It includes the study of health and medical abbreviations, symbols, and Greek and Latin word part meanings, all taught within the context of body systems. Introduces cells, tissues, and human anatomy highlighting essential physiological principles through a systemic approach. Additionally, the course provides a general overview of basic concepts and terminology used in anatomy and physiology as applicable to health sciences and healthcare occupations. This course builds skills in pronouncing, spelling, and defining new words encountered in verbal and written information in the healthcare industry. Students have the opportunity to acquire essential skills for accurate and logical communication, and interpretation of medical records. Emphasis is on forming a foundation of a medical vocabulary including appropriate and accurate meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of medical terms, abbreviations, signs, and symbols.

Next Level Programs of Study Course #7166

The Healthcare Specialist: CNA course prepares individuals desiring to work as nursing assistants with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for providing basic care in extended care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies under the direction of licensed nurses. The course will introduce students to the disease process and aspects of caring for a long-term care resident with dementia. Individuals who successfully complete this course are eligible to apply to sit for the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) certification exam for nursing assistants. This course meets the minimum standards set forth by the ISDH for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and for health care workers in long-term care facilities.

Next Level Programs of Study Course #7255

The Healthcare Specialist Capstone course will facilitate healthcare students’ acquisition of additional knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare settings beyond a long term care facility including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics. Students can accomplish this goal by completing coursework that will cover topics such as Medical Law and Ethics, Electronic Health Records, and/or Behavioral Health. Schools may offer additional healthcare certifications.

This course may be offered to Juniors who complete curriculum in an exemplary fashion. It is NOT guaranteed.

Healthcare Specialist - CNA students are eligible for the following free dual credits with Ivy Tech:

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
HLHS100	Introduction to Health Careers	3
HLHS104	CPR/Basic Life Support	.5
HLHS101	Medical Terminology	3
HLHS102	Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology	3
HLHS113	Dementia Care	3
HLHS105	Medical Law & Ethics	3
HLHS125	Behavioral Health	3
HLHS107	CNA Prep	5

All information stated herein is subject to change based on instructor, institution and/or program changes.

Work-Based Learning Requirement

As part of the Indiana Certified Nursing Assistant licensing, students are required to complete a minimum of 75 clinical hours. The Area Career Center has partnered with Hartsfield Village (Munster, IN) to provide the hands-on training. Students are required to be available and attend all clinical hours.

Work-Based Learning is a critical component of the student's career preparation, helping them build professional skills and gain real-world experience in their chosen field.

It is the policy of the Area Career Center (ACC) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its career and technical education programs, services, and activities, including employment policies and practices. The ACC will take steps to assure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the ACC's career and technical education programs. For information regarding nondiscrimination policies, please contact: LaTerra Smith, TitleIX/Section 504 Coordinator, lrsmith@hammond.k12.in.us