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San Juan College CNA Program

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The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico offers a comprehensive training experience designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the healthcare field. This focused program builds fundamental healthcare skills and provides hands-on clinical training necessary to begin a rewarding career in patient care. Perfect for recent high school graduates, career changers, or those looking to enter the medical field quickly, the CNA program at San Juan College equips students with essential skills while preparing them to sit for the state certification examination.

Students enrolled in this nurse aide training program will learn to provide compassionate, basic care to patients in various healthcare settings. The program combines classroom instruction with practical experience in San Juan College’s simulation lab and local healthcare facilities. Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared to take the state certification exam and begin work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments throughout Farmington and beyond.

CNA Program Quick Facts

  • Program Length: 8 weeks (one 6-credit course, completed in one semester)
  • Cost of Program: $366 for New Mexico residents ($61 per credit hour × 6 credits); $1,170 for non-residents ($195 per credit hour × 6 credits), plus applicable fees
  • Accreditation: San Juan College is regionally accredited; the program prepares students to sit for state certification
  • State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
  • CNA Program Schedule: Classes offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters; students attend three days per week with additional simulation lab and clinical days

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The San Juan College CNA program centers around PNUR-110 Nurse Aide Certification, a 6-credit course that provides comprehensive training in the skills needed to serve as a nursing assistant. Students learn fundamental healthcare competencies including:

  • Basic nursing care skills
  • Taking vital signs
  • Moving and transporting patients
  • Assisting with feeding and bathing patients
  • Medical terminology
  • Communication skills for healthcare settings

The program builds upon the basic workplace competencies taught in the Health Care Certificate, including skills, values, interprofessional communication, and cooperation necessary to perform effectively in entry-level healthcare positions.

Clinical Experience

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through:

  • Practice in San Juan College’s simulation lab at the SJC West Campus in Kirtland
  • Hands-on training with mannequins to develop practical skills
  • Clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities
  • Direct patient care experience under instructor supervision

This practical training allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and develop the confidence needed to provide quality patient care.

Exam Preparation

The CNA program at San Juan College is specifically designed to prepare students for the written and practical examinations required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The curriculum covers all competencies and skills tested on the state certification exam. Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to take the state certification examination, which is required to work as a nurse assistant in long-term care facilities.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the CNA program at San Juan College, students must:

  • Apply and be admitted to San Juan College
  • Complete prerequisite courses including:
    • HLSC-110 Basic Health Care Skills I (3 credits)
    • HLSC-111 Basic Health Care Skills II (3 credits)
    • HLSC-112 Basic Medical Terminology (2 credits) OR HITP-110 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
    • HLSC-113 Drugs and Diseases (2 credits)
    • Additional general education courses as outlined in the Health Care Certificate program

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements, including any health screening, immunization, or background check requirements for clinical placements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The CNA program at San Juan College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different student needs:

  • Courses are offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters
  • Classes meet three days per week with additional simulation lab and clinical days
  • The program can be completed in just eight weeks, making it ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly
  • Both full-time and part-time study options may be available

For specific class schedules, days, and times for the current or upcoming semester, please contact the admissions office at (505) 566-3320 or visit the San Juan College website.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Tuition Rates

New Mexico Residents:

  • $61 per credit hour × 6 credits = $366 for the PNUR-110 course
  • General fee of $215.25 (for students taking 4.1 credit hours or more)
  • $1.50 student activity fee per credit hour ($9 total, not to exceed $27 per semester)
  • Total estimated cost: $590.25 plus any additional program fees

Non-Residents:

  • $195 per credit hour × 6 credits = $1,170 for the PNUR-110 course
  • General fee of $355.50 (for students taking 4.1 credit hours or more)
  • $1.50 student activity fee per credit hour ($9 total, not to exceed $27 per semester)
  • Total estimated cost: $1,534.50 plus any additional program fees

Financial Aid Options

San Juan College offers various financial aid opportunities:

  • Federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
  • State grants and scholarships
  • Work-study programs
  • Federal student loans
  • San Juan College Foundation scholarships

91% of San Juan College first-time freshmen receive financial aid. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible (San Juan College’s Federal School Code is 002660).

New Mexico residents may also be eligible for free tuition through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

How to Apply

To apply to the CNA program at San Juan College, follow these steps:

  1. Apply to San Juan College:
  2. Meet with an Academic Advisor:
    • Discuss program requirements and course planning
    • Create a schedule that fits your needs
  3. Complete Prerequisite Courses:
    • Register for and complete the required prerequisite courses before enrolling in PNUR-110
  4. Register for PNUR-110 Nurse Aide Certification:
    • Enroll in the 6-credit CNA course when prerequisites are completed
  5. Apply for Financial Aid (Optional):
    • Complete the FAFSA (School Code: 002660)
    • Explore scholarship opportunities

For assistance with the application process, contact the Admissions Office at (505) 566-3320 or email [email protected].

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CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: West Classroom Complex, Room 1911

Additional Resources

San Juan College provides several resources to help students navigate the CNA program:

Summary and Next Steps

San Juan College’s CNA program in Farmington, New Mexico offers a quick and affordable pathway to start your healthcare career. In just eight weeks, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in simulation labs and clinical environments, preparing you to pass the state certification exam with confidence.

Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly or use this as a stepping stone to further healthcare education, the CNA program at San Juan College provides a solid foundation. Graduates go on to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities, making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives every day.

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