Northern New Mexico College CNA Program

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program at Northern New Mexico College in Española, New Mexico offers an intensive training experience designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the healthcare field. This comprehensive program equips students with essential patient care skills needed to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to start your healthcare career, or someone seeking a career change with stable employment opportunities, the nurse aide training at NNMC provides a solid foundation. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the New Mexico Nurse Aide certification exam, opening doors to fulfilling work in patient care.

NNMC’s certified nursing assistant training combines both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, giving students the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide quality care. The program’s short duration makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly while gaining valuable experience that can serve as a stepping stone to further healthcare education.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (includes lecture and lab components)
• Cost of Program: $211 per credit hour for New Mexico residents (total tuition varies based on total credit hours); $597 per credit hour for non-residents
• Accreditation: Northern New Mexico College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters; classroom and lab sessions with scheduled clinical experience

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Northern New Mexico College Nurse Aide program consists of two primary courses:

• NURS 1100: Nurse Aide (4 credits) – This course focuses on the acquisition of knowledge necessary to serve in the capacity of nurse aide
• NURS 1100L: Nurse Aide Lab (1.5 credits) – The laboratory component where students practice hands-on skills

The program also requires:

• HLED 1115: First Aid (co-requisite)

Students learn fundamental nursing assistant skills and gain knowledge needed to provide basic patient care in various healthcare settings. The curriculum prepares students to meet federal certification standards for nurse aides.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is incorporated into the NURS 1100L lab component. Students gain hands-on practice in healthcare settings under supervision, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical training is essential for developing patient care skills and building confidence in clinical procedures.

Nurse aide students are required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check and submit proof of required vaccinations to meet clinical site requirements.

Exam Preparation

The program is designed to prepare students for the New Mexico Certification Exam for Nurse Aide. Successful completion of NURS 1100 (Nurse Aide) and NURS 1100L (Nurse Aide Lab) courses prepares students to take this certification exam. The curriculum covers all necessary competencies and skills required by state certification standards.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Nurse Aide program at Northern New Mexico College, students must meet the following requirements:

• Complete ENGL 108N (prerequisite)
• Complete PD 108N (prerequisite)
• Apply and be admitted to Northern New Mexico College
• Register for required courses: NURS 1100, NURS 1100L, and HLED 1115 (corequisites)

Additional requirements for clinical participation include:

• Fingerprinting and criminal background check
• Proof of required vaccinations to meet clinical site requirements

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements and specific documentation needed for clinical placement.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nurse Aide program at Northern New Mexico College offers courses during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. While specific scheduling details are not provided, the program includes both classroom lecture components and hands-on laboratory sessions.

The NURS 1100 (Nurse Aide) lecture course and NURS 1100L (Nurse Aide Lab) must be taken concurrently along with HLED 1115 (First Aid). Clinical experiences are arranged as part of the laboratory component.

For current class schedule options, including specific days and times for course offerings, please contact the program directly or check the NNMC Schedule of Classes on their website.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Tuition Rates

Northern New Mexico College offers the following tuition rates:

New Mexico Residents:

• $211.00 per credit hour (part-time, 1-11 hours)
• $2,532.00 block rate for full-time enrollment (12-18 hours)

Non-Residents (including international students):

• $597.00 per credit hour (part-time, 1-11 hours)
• $7,164.00 block rate for full-time enrollment (12-18 hours)

New Mexico Senior Residents (Age 65+):

• $5.00 per credit hour (9 hours or less)
• Regular rates apply for more than 9 hours

Military:

• 90% of the applicable category above

Financial Aid Options

Northern New Mexico College offers various financial aid opportunities:

• Federal Grants: Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• State Grants: New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG)
• Scholarships: New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship, Northern Foundation Scholarships, and other institutional scholarships
• Work-Study Programs: Federal College Work Study Program and New Mexico Work Study Program
• Loans: Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, and New Mexico Teaching and Health Professions Student Loan-for-Service Programs

To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). NNMC’s federal school code is 004743.

Payment Options

• Full payment (cash, check, credit cards)
• Deferred payment plans (administered by TouchNet Information Solutions)
• Third-party sponsorships

How to Apply

To apply to the Nurse Aide program at Northern New Mexico College, follow these steps:

1. Apply to Northern New Mexico College:
   • Complete the online application at www.nnmc.edu/admissions/apply.html
   • Submit required documentation, including transcripts
2. Meet Prerequisites:
   • Complete ENGL 108N and PD 108N before enrolling in the program
3. Register for Required Courses:
   • NURS 1100: Nurse Aide (4 credits)
   • NURS 1100L: Nurse Aide Lab (1.5 credits)
   • HLED 1115: First Aid (corequisite)
4. Complete Background Check and Vaccination Requirements:
   • Undergo fingerprinting and criminal background check
   • Submit proof of required vaccinations for clinical site requirements
5. Arrange for Payment:
   • Pay tuition and fees by the payment deadline
   • Apply for financial aid if needed by completing the FAFSA
   • Explore scholarship opportunities

For specific application deadlines and more detailed information about the application process, please contact the Admissions Office or visit the Northern New Mexico College website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Northern New Mexico College
• Main Address: 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532
• Phone Number: (505) 747-2100
• El Rito Campus Address: P.O. Box 160, El Rito, NM 87530, (575) 581-4100
• Email: For advisement: [email protected]
• Website: https://nnmc.edu/academics/nursing-and-health-sciences/nurse-aide-training.html

Additional Resources

Northern New Mexico College provides several resources to help students navigate the Nurse Aide program:

• Academic Catalog: https://catalog.nnmc.edu/ – Contains detailed program information, course descriptions, and academic policies
• Schedule of Classes: https://nnmc.edu/academics/schedule-of-classes.html – Provides current course offerings and schedules
• Academic Calendar: https://nnmc.edu/academics/Academic-Calendar.html – Important dates for registration, drop/add periods, and semester timelines
• Certified Nurse Aide Catalog Page: https://catalog.nnmc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=109&returnto=73 – Specific information about the CNA program requirements
• Allied Health, AAS Degree Information: For students interested in continuing their education beyond the CNA certification

Summary and Next Steps

Northern New Mexico College’s Nurse Aide program in Española, New Mexico offers a direct pathway to starting a rewarding career in healthcare. This one-semester program equips you with essential patient care skills and prepares you for the New Mexico Nurse Aide certification exam. The training combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, giving you both the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly or planning to use this as a stepping stone toward further healthcare education, the CNA program at NNMC provides a solid foundation. The high demand for nurse aides across various healthcare settings makes this a practical choice for those seeking stable employment with meaningful work.

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