Nursing Assistant (NA) & Home Health Aide (HHA)

8/17/20 - 9/17/20 - M/T/W/Th and some F - 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

Location: On-Line

$1,880.00

OverviewFAQs

Work with people and make a difference! Start your healthcare career with GCC!

This combined 100-hour training prepares you for two certificates! Learn all the skills required to succeed as a direct care worker in a friendly, adult-centered environment. Also provides a clinical experience to support your healthcare career.

Nursing Assistant Training: Massachusetts law requires that anyone planning to work as a nursing assistant in a long term care facility (formerly called nursing homes) complete this required training and pass a state competency exam. The Red Cross testing fee is included in tuition. All students who successfully pass this course are qualified to take the American Red Cross MA Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.

Home Health Aide Training: In Massachusetts, anyone planning to work for a state approved Home Health Agency must have their HHA certificate. All students who successfully pass this course will receive their HHA certificate, which never expires. You will always be able to work as a Home Health Aide.

Why would I want to consider a career as a CNA?

The demand for well-trained health care paraprofessionals is growing as the baby boom generation rapidly approaches elderhood. Many health care providers employ paraprofessionals for additional job support. Long term care facilities (nursing homes), home health agencies, hospice, assisted living centers, adult day health programs, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals and others offer secure employment options with good benefits, flexible hours and career advancement opportunities.

As a CNA/HHA you will have the additional satisfaction of making a positive difference in the lives of the individuals for whom you provide care. Beyond career options, the direct care skills and body of knowledge you will gain through this program will greatly enhance your ability to care for yourself and your loved ones with more comfort and confidence.

Will I need CEUs or re-certification?

Officially, you will need 12 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) per year, but they are tracked through your employer. Re-certification is every two years. This will be covered the first day of class, since it is a little complicated.

Where do Nurse Assistants work?

NA/HHAs work primarily in long-term care facilities otherwise known as nursing homes. Other common areas are physician’s offices and health centers. Occasionally, graduates find jobs in prisons, schools and hospitals.

How do I apply?

To apply, request an interview for the NA/HHA Program by calling our office at (413) 775-1661 or completing the pre-registration form below. Online registration and payment for NA/HHA classes is not available at this time.

Are there pre-requisites?

No pre-requisites or GED is necessary. However, applicants are required to participate in a preliminary phone or in-person meeting with the program coordinator.

Will I earn college credit for this program?

This is a non-credit program. Students will not earn college credit, nor will completion of the program guarantee the award of a certificate.

Is there a waiting list?

There is sometimes a waiting list, but GCC makes every attempt to accept all eligible students into a timely class. For current status, please call the program office at (413) 775-1661.

How much does the program cost?

The fee listed above includes the $25 text book and $120 for certification testing.

Is financial aid available?

Pell grants (federal financial aid) are not available for this program but students may qualify for tuition assistance through the Franklin/Hampshire Career Center. For more information visit masshirefhcareers.com or call (413) 774-4361. GCC has limited funds for partial scholarships for some students depending on town of residence. Please ask about eligibility for scholarships at your first contact with the program.

How long is the program?

Classes prepare you for both a HHA and NA certificate. Most sessions are 5 weeks long (100 hours total, 80 classroom and 20 clinical). You are required to attend all scheduled classes to stay in the program. Most sessions are Monday through Thursday 9am-2:30pm and usually an evening program is offered each year.

How many hours of class are there every day?

Most classes begin at 9am as do most clinical days. Most clinical days are about 4-5 hours. Class days run until approximately 2:30pm.

Where are classes located?

Classes are held at the Greenfield Community College Downtown Center (270 Main Street in Greenfield). Clinical experiences are held at local long-term care facilities, usually in Greenfield.

Is childcare available?

Unfortunately, not at this time. Students will need to make their own arrangements for this. Since attendance at all classes, labs and clinicals is mandatory, back-up plans for reliable childcare are essential.

Do I need a TB test or a CORI check done?

Yes, all students need to be TB tested and CORI checked.

Do I need to wear scrubs?

Scrubs are required, but you will receive information about how/where to find/purchase reduced-cost scrubs when the class meets. Your employer will have their own scrubs that they will require you to wear, so we recommend not spending a lot for them at this point.

Attend an info session to learn more about allied health at GCC—including home care aide, dementia and Alzheimer's care and more.

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