Patient Care Academy begins on Jan. 23

Applications are being accepted for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Patient Care Academy, which begins January 23, 2012. The program runs for 10 weeks and provides comprehensive training in several different patient-care skill areas. Students are trained in basic terminology and body systems, workplace ethics and behavior, communications, diversity, legal issues, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and standards of care required of a certified nurse assistant in the state of Michigan. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the state of Michigan examination to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. Training is appropriate for students who want to gain experience in the health care industry while waiting to get into a nursing program and those interested in beginning a new health care career. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training and clinical experiences, the Academy teaches job skills that prepare students for employment as certified nurse assistants, patient-care assistants, or other entry-level health care roles. Graduates who successfully complete the program are able to seek jobs in long-term care, rehabilitation, hospice, and acute care. Among the spectrum of duties and tasks are providing basic patient care to those who require minimal assistance to those who are totally dependent. This may include assisting with feeding, dressing and grooming, monitoring a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration. Patient care professionals may administer basic tests, assist in physical therapy, collect samples, and provide assistance in medical procedures. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or G.E.D., and be willing to submit to criminal background screening and drug screening. Applicants must have the ability to handle 50 pound loads, write, read and interpret instructions, have an energetic and positive attitude, and meet the background and immunization requirements for work in a health care environment. For more information or to apply to the Patient Care Academy, contact the Career Academies Office at (269) 353-1282 or careeracademies@kvcc.edu or visit the website at www.kvcc.edu/training.