Meridian Community College Health Care Assistant Program

Meridian Community College’s Health Care Assistant program offers a streamlined path to a rewarding healthcare career in Meridian, Mississippi. This one-semester certificate program prepares students to provide essential care across various healthcare settings while working under supervision of licensed professionals. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the healthcare field quickly or someone seeking a career change with purpose, this certified nursing assistant training program in Meridian, MS equips you with practical skills needed to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences, giving students a solid foundation in basic healthcare skills. After successfully completing the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination administered by Credentia to become certified in Mississippi as a Nurse Assistant. This opens doors to employment opportunities as a Health Care Assistant, Long-Term Care Aide, Homemaker, or Home Health Aide.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (16 credit hours)
• Cost of Program: Please contact the program directly for current tuition information
• Accreditation: Mississippi State Approved Nurse Aide Training Program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Full-time program offered during both fall and spring semesters
• Employment Opportunities: Health Care Assistant, Long-Term Care Aide, Homemaker, Home Health Aide

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Health Care Assistant program at Meridian Community College includes comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential topics for healthcare professionals. The curriculum includes:

• Basic Health-Care Assisting (5 credit hours)
• Body Structure and Function (4 credit hours)
• Special Care Procedures (5 credit hours)
• Home Health Aide and Homemaker Services (2 credit hours)

Students learn fundamental healthcare skills, body structure and function, special care procedures, first aid emergency procedures, and specialized training for home health and homemaker services.

Clinical Experience

Clinical training is a vital component of the Health Care Assistant program. Students participate in supervised clinical experiences that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. Prior to beginning clinical rotations, students must receive CPR certification and complete all required health screenings.

These hands-on experiences are carefully designed to prepare students for the realities of patient care and give them confidence in performing essential healthcare tasks.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination administered by Credentia. Upon successful completion of both the course and certification exam, graduates become certified in the State of Mississippi to practice as a Nurse Assistant. This certification is recognized throughout the state and qualifies graduates for various healthcare positions.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Health Care Assistant program at Meridian Community College, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements:

• Meet all general MCC admission requirements
• Submit an application for admission

Program-Specific Requirements: Must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

• Attain a 15 composite score on the ACT, or
• Score a 210 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Reading Section and the ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Section

Health Requirements:

• Receive CPR certification prior to clinical experiences
• Provide proof of immunization for MMR, Varicella, and HBV (or sign a declination)
• Complete a Two-Step TB Skin Test (scheduled after enrollment)
• Complete a Drug Screening Test (scheduled after enrollment)

Background Check Requirements:

• All students admitted to the program will be fingerprinted for a background check
• This background check is performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories
• Background check fees are attached as registration fees

Important Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent eligibility to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences due to background check results, they will be dismissed from the program.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Health Care Assistant program at Meridian Community College is a full-time, one-semester certificate program. The program is offered during both the fall and spring semesters, giving students flexibility in when they begin their studies.

• Fall Term: Classes start August 18 and end December 10
• Spring Term: Please contact the program directly for specific dates

The program requires a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Students should be prepared for a comprehensive schedule that includes all aspects of nurse assistant training.

Please contact the program directly for specific class times and clinical scheduling information.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Please refer to Meridian Community College’s current tuition and fees schedule for the most accurate cost information. Students should be aware of the following:

• Tuition and fees are subject to change
• Additional costs include CPR certification, immunizations, and background check fees
• Certification exam fees are separate from program costs

Meridian Community College offers various financial aid options that may be available to Health Care Assistant students:

• Federal and state financial aid programs
• Scholarships through the MCC Foundation
• Special scholarships for first-time freshmen, returning students, and non-traditional students

Financial aid priority deadlines:

• Freshman Scholarships: April 1
• MCC Foundation Scholarships: May 1
• Tuition Guarantee & State Aid: September 15

For detailed financial aid information, students should contact:

• Financial Aid Office: 601.484.8898
• Email: [email protected]

How to Apply

To apply for the Health Care Assistant program at Meridian Community College:

1. Complete an Application for Admission on the MCC website
2. Submit official, final high school transcript OR high school equivalency documentation (GED, HiSET, TASC)
3. Meet the program’s admission requirements (ACT score of 15+ or qualifying ACCUPLACER scores)
4. Complete all health requirements and background check process

Official transcripts can be submitted in two ways:

• Mailed or sent through a secure electronic server to [email protected]
• Delivered in person in a sealed envelope to: Meridian Community College ATTN: Office of Admissions 910 HWY 19 N Meridian, MS 39307

For assistance with the application process, contact MCC Admissions at 601.483.8241 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Meridian Community College
• Address: 910 Highway 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
• Program Contacts:
  • Kristy Ethridge, Coordinator: 601.484.8734, [email protected]
  • Jimmyia Smith, Advisor: 601.484.8629, [email protected]
• Admissions Phone: 601.483.8241
• Financial Aid Phone: 601.484.8898
• Website: https://meridiancc.edu

Additional Resources

Meridian Community College provides several resources for prospective and current Health Care Assistant students:

• Academic Catalog: Contains comprehensive program information and policies
• Professional Licensure Disclosures: Information about whether the program meets requirements in different states
• Financial Aid Resources: Details about scholarships, federal aid, and state aid options
• Support Services: Academic and personal support for students
• Campus Tour: Schedule a visit to see facilities and meet with program representatives

Students can also request additional information through the MCC website or by contacting the program directly.

Summary and Next Steps

Meridian Community College’s Health Care Assistant program offers a direct path to becoming a certified nurse assistant in Mississippi. This one-semester program prepares you with the essential skills needed for entry-level healthcare positions or serves as a solid foundation for further healthcare education.

With a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference in patients’ lives. Upon program completion, you’ll be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination to become certified in Mississippi.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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