Explore the role of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in healthcare and prepare to take the CNA course offered at Tompkins Cortland Community College in June 2024. In this program, you will learn about the clinical skills performed within the scope of CNA practice to gain a better understanding of whether this career is a strong fit for you. As part of this course, we will also cover “soft skills” that are vital to the job, including professionalism, interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication with coworkers and patients, as well as interpersonal skills. Basic hands-on technical skills will be taught in the TC3 Nursing Program Skills Laboratory, with a strong focus on safety and patient care. To support you in your career development, you will also use the College’s online Career Connections Modules to research the CNA occupation and potential career pathways within the healthcare industry, how to effectively search for related job opportunities. Further, you will be introduced to the apprenticeship model and funding opportunities available to support your education. This class is a pre-apprenticeship program. Pre-apprenticeship provides potential apprentices with necessary skills to thrive in and complete their apprenticeship. Through a new SUNY initiative these programs are free to attend, and upon successfully completing a program, students are eligible for a $500 stipend from SUNY.

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Gain the important skills required to offer clinical hands-on support in today's busy medical office setting. Topics include vital signs, EKGs, aseptic techniques, infection control, rooming patients, confidentiality, communication, professionalism, medical documentation, law and ethics of health care, point of care (POC) patient testing, introduction to medical office management, and insurance and billing basics. You will:
    • Apply principles of anatomy and physiology and explain how they relate to clinical medical assistant procedures
    • Describe the legal and ethical boundaries of the medical assistant’s scope of practice according to New York State
    • Learn to prepare patients for physical examinations and procedures, including surgical and diagnostic procedures and assist other healthcare professionals
    • Demonstrate effective communication techniques and behaviors in the clinical setting that are therapeutic, respectful, proficient, and culturally sensitive with providers, staff, and patients
    • Understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across diverse cultures using culturally competent medical assistant skills

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