Nursing Assistant (NURA) Program - One-Semester Certificate

Introduction

The program is designed to prepare students from various cultural and academic backgrounds with the entry level skills required to function effectively as a Nursing Assistant in community agencies such as nursing homes, hospitals, physician's offices, the health department and/or public school systems. To accomplish this objective, instruction is provided on technical vocabulary development, communication skills, clerical practices, computation methods, basic sanitation measures, and nursing procedures. Instruction includes lectures, group discussions, and clinical lab practices. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Department of Aging and Disability Services Certification Examination. This program is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Applying for Admission into the Institution

1. If not presently enrolled at Laredo College, submit the following forms to the Enrollment & Registration Services Center at the Lerma Peña Center, Room 116:

   1. LC Admissions Application and Information Form

   2. Official high school transcript or GED certificate

   3. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities

2. If presently enrolled at Laredo College, submit the following forms to the Nursing Assistant Program Office or email: [e-mail] for an application.

   1. Completed Nursing Program Application

Program Admission Criteria

The applicant seeking admission into the Nursing Assistant Program must meet all requirements prior to enrolling in any NURA courses.

1. Meet general college admission criteria as stated in the Laredo College Catalog.

2. Score a minimum reading level to enter INRW 0376. Students must follow Nursing Assistant program curriculum plan valid for the cohort entrance year.

3. LC Institutional and Overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher. The student on Scholastic Probation will not be considered for admission.

4. Submit a clear/negative Nurse Aide Registry from Department of Aging and Disability Services www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/NF/credentialing/sanctions/. Criminal History Record from the Texas Department of Public Safety www.records.txdps.state.tx.us is required prior to admission in the clinical course.

5. In addition to having all requirements completed, the Nursing Program Application requires that the recommendation form and the Technical Performance Standards form be completed upon submission of the application.

6. Immunization status must be verified and documentation submitted prior to registration of clinical course and includes the following:

   1. Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap): one dose required within the last ten years.

   2. Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR). Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968.

   3. Complete series of Hepatitis B Vaccines. Serology confirmation of immunity to the Hepatitis B virus acceptable.

   4. Two doses of Varicella (chickenpox). Also acceptable (include dates):

      • Student received first dose prior to 13 years of age

      • Laboratory report indicating Varicella immunity, or

      • Parent/physician validated history of Varicella disease (Chickenpox)

   5. TB skin test (annually) or a Negative Chest X-ray at the provider's discretion or based on adherence to facility requirements.

   6. Bacterial Meningitis.

      Texas State Law Senate Bill 62, requires students who meet the criteria below, to provide proper documentation that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last five years and at least 10 calendar days before the beginning of the semester:

      • All new or transfer students under age 22.

      • All returning students under the age of 22, who have experienced a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring term.

      • Students enrolled in online courses that physically attend classes or come to campus within the semester.

   7. Most current Influenza vaccination (annually)

   8. RECOMMENDED: Hepatitis A

Admission Process

The Applicant who is not selected for admission must submit a new application during the next application period and complete all admission requirements as described in the Admission Criteria.

The student accepted into the Nursing Assistant Program must:

1. Submit verification of physical examination by a U.S. physician or a nurse practitioner of choice.

2. Submit evidence of negative 10 panel drug screen if Adult Population and 5 panel drug screen for Dual Enrollment students.

3. Submit evidence of current American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider CPR Certification.

4. Purchase student liability insurance (premium rates applicable to current academic year and paid through tuition).

5. Purchase nursing uniforms and necessary accessories (rates applicable to current academic year).

6. Pay additional fees for the Certification Examination as required by the state of Texas ($95.00 - Subject to change).

7. Computer Access & Equipment: Students admitted to the program will be notified by letter on computer compatibility and specs requirement.

Progression

A student progresses through the Nursing Assistant Program curriculum by meeting all of the following criteria:

1. Abide by the Rules, Regulations, and Procedures outlined in the Nursing Assistant Student Handbook.

2. Complete all nursing assistant courses in the required semester sequence as outlined in the Nursing Assistant Program's degree plan with a grade of C = 70% or better and meet all clinical objectives.

3. The student must maintain an institutional and overall grade point average of 2.0 or greater to progress to the next nursing course.

4. Complete all college support courses with a grade of C or better.

5. Declare a major with the office of admissions by completing the Declaration of Major Field of Study Form.

Attendance

The Nursing Assistant Program for lecture, lab, and clinical rotation courses require specific attendance hours in order to be in compliance with the accrediting agencies. Students who do not meet the requirements will not complete the program.

For additional information call: [phone] or visit the Nursing Assistant Department in the Lopez Nursing Building, Room 124

Laredo College

West End Washington Street

Laredo, Texas 78040

The Nursing Assistant Program is approved by:

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Nurse Aide Training

Mail Code Y-979

P.O. Box 149030

Austin, Texas 78714-9030

[phone]

www.dads.state.tx.us

NOTE: Information regarding the Nursing Assistant Program is current at time of publication and is subject to change without notice.

Nursing Assistant - One-Semester Certificate

Required Courses

NURA 1401	Nurse Aide for Health Care	4
NURA 1407	Body Systems	4
NURA 1460	Clinical - Nursing Assistant	4
MDCA 1313	Medical Terminology	3
VNSG 1111	Nutrition	1

NURA 1407, NURA 1460: Capstone Experience: The learning experiences in these courses results in a consolidation of a student’s educational experience which prepares the students for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Certification Examination.

Total Credit Hours: 16

Criteria for Admission

Adult Population:

Entry into INRW 0376

High School Graduate or GED

The students LC Institutional Grade Point Average at a 2.0 or higher.

Adult Population:

NURA 1401, NURA 1407, and NURA 1460 must be taken concurrently in the program. MDCA 1313 and VNSG 1111 may be taken concurrently or prior to admission into the nursing assistant program.

A minimum theory grade of C (70%) or better and a clinical grade of 70% are required to complete the courses satisfactorily. 

Dual Enrollment Population:

Must meet admission requirements of LC and High School.

Courses are to be taken in the required sequence over one year. 

In order to receive High School credit a minimum theory & clinical grade of 80% or higher is required.

Completing successfully the Nursing Assistant courses allows students to apply for the certification exam after successful completion of courses. However, students who do not test within two years of the program must repeat the Nursing Assistant Program in order to be eligible for the certification exam.

NOTE: Information regarding the Nursing Assistant Program is current at time of publication and is subject to change without notice.