Nursing Assistant (Academic Level)
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Interested in helping others? Learn essential healthcare skills, practice patient care techniques, and gain hands-on experience using professional medical equipment.
(6 credits)
Prepare for a career in healthcare by learning patient care skills, earning your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certifications, and gaining hands-on experience through a community internship. Students practice real nursing skills and develop the confidence needed to begin working in healthcare after graduation.
Major Topics
- Human Body Systems & Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Foundations
- Communication & Professional Skills
- CPR, First Aid & Emergency Procedures
- Infection Control & Patient Safety
- Legal and Ethical Practices in Healthcare
- Medical Math & Documentation
- Patient Care Skills
- Vital Signs & Health Assessments
- Mobility, Transfers & Equipment Use
- Healthcare Internship Experience


Past Student: "“This program gave me the confidence to work with patients and know that healthcare was the right path for me. I learned real skills, practiced in a hands-on setting, and gained experience that prepared me for the future.”
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Is this your future?
- Are You Ready?
- Do you see yourself in this career (vidoes)
- More Videos to help you decide
- Where this program can take you
Are You Ready?
Important Notes:
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Students are required to complete a Health Evaluation, including tuberculosis screening, immunity titers, and a drug screening to participate in clinical placements.
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Students must have reliable transportation to and from CCCTC and clinical/internship sites. (during the second semester of the program)
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Students must have medical insurance coverage while in the program.
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Students must obtain a government photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID) to participate in clinical internships and the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification process.
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This program is physically demanding, requiring the ability to safely support and assist real patients.
Students who enjoy this program are able to.....
Academic & Technical Skills
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Follow Instructions from Instructors and Medical Staff – Take and execute directions carefully and accurately.
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Learn & Apply Medical Knowledge – Memorize procedures, terminology, and basic patient care protocols.
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Use Computer & Technical Skills – Record patient information, operate clinical equipment, and follow electronic charting procedures.
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Apply Math & Reading Skills – Measure vital signs, calculate basic dosages, and read clinical instructions accurately.
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Organize & Manage Tasks – Keep track of multiple patients, assignments, and lab activities.
Clinical & Professional Skills
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Demonstrate Physical Stamina – Stand, walk, and assist patients for extended periods.
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Be Detail-Oriented – Notice small changes in patient conditions or data.
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Communicate Effectively – Speak clearly and listen actively with patients, instructors, and medical staff.
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Work Collaboratively with Healthcare Teams – Cooperate professionally with nurses, peers, and other staff.
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Think Critically & Solve Problems – Make safe and effective decisions in patient care situations.
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Exhibit Professional Behavior – Follow safety protocols, maintain ethical standards, and demonstrate respect and accountability.
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Work in a Real-Life Healthcare Environment – Provide hands-on care under supervision, experiencing the day-to-day responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Do you see yourself in this career (vidoes)
Click on each of the icons to learn more about ONE of the careers in this field:
Certified Nursing Assistant
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Other Related Occupations:
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Acute Care Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)
More Videos to help you decide
Where this program can take you
CCCTC is just the beginning of your journey
ENTRY LEVEL
With CCCTC start a career right after high school
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Geriatric Nursing Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Personal Trainer
- Physical Therapy Technician
- Phlebotomist (30-hour letter)
TECHNICAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a 2-year associates degree or trade school degree
- Dental Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Firefighter
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist (national certification)
- Radiographer
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a four-year degree (and beyond) that you will be well-prepared to complete
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physician's Assistant
- Dietician/Nutritionist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Disaster Preparedness and Management
- Health Administrator
- Health Educator
- MS Educator
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Social Worker
(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)
How CCCTC Gets You There
How this program prepares me
EARN VALUABLE CERTIFICATIONS
Nursing Assistant offer the following Maryland State Board Certifications
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA).
This allows students to participate in internships in the community
CAREER ADVANTAGE:
Start your career NOW
Work with patients in real healthcare settings that are looking to HIRE Certified Nursing Assistants. This experience shows employers you are trained and have the skills the healthcare industry is looking for!
Connection I will make
Maryland State Board of Nursing allows our students to become certified based on clinical hours and a written exam. Certification by state agencies assures parents and students that the skills we teach are relevant and important in today's job market. A program's certifications must be renewed, usually every three years through an onsite evaluation of the program.
Carroll Community College, Frederick Community College, Penn College of Technology, and Stevenson University An agreement based on the college's requirements for curriculum, faculties, and instructor is prepared and renewed periodically to guarantee that students are getting the equivalent instruction at CCCTC that would be expected in class at that institution. Credits are awarded based on that agreement.
Program Advisory Committee By federal and state regulations, each program has a group of local business and educational institutions that periodically meets to discuss the program's curriculum and resources to make sure current trends in technology and skills are being taught so that students are prepared for the ever-changing career requirements for that industry.
Equipment
- Patient simulation mannequins
- Hospital beds and bedside equipment
- Wheelchairs and transfer equipment
- Vital sign monitors
- Blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes
- Pulse oximeters
- Electronic thermometers
- Oxygen delivery equipment
- Personal care and hygiene equipment
- Feeding equipment
- Catheter care training supplies
- PPE and infection control equipment
- Medical supply carts
- Mobility aids (walkers, gait belts, canes
Brief Description
Nursing Assistant (Academic)
The goal of this academic level program is to obtain certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Geriatric Nursing Assistant in order to enter the workforce in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or home health agency. Applicants should be interested in a frontline job in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant upon high school graduation.
NOTE
The student's placement in the second semester of the program will either be a senior living facility or long-term health facility.
Reason: There is an extreme shortage of Certified Nursing Assistance in the Senior Living Facilities/Long term care businesses. Focus will be to get students certified, graduated, and go to work in the county senior living facilities/long-term care businesses.
What you need to know
- The NEW Career Nursing Assistant program is for Academic level students looking for a career right after graduation.
- Prerequisite: Biology (academic level)
- 6 credits (Schedule is like CCCTC traditional programs: Junior year spring (3) and Senior year fall (3))
- Transport for junior year CNA class provided Clinical
- Internship placements ONLY at a senior living facility/long turn care businesses (parents will need to provide transportation
Comparison of Nursing Programs (Chart)
Plan and Apply

Apply in 10th grade
PREREQUISITES- (Completed before you start the program)
- Biology(academic level)
- 94% attendance and 2.0 GPA in academic level classes
- Health Evaluation, vaccine immunity and drug screening completed by due date prior to starting clinical rotations. Information is given regarding these items at the beginning of the school year.
- Transportation is provided for junior year CNA experience
- STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN TRANSPORATION for senior year internship
6 credits- Mods 1-3: Junior Year, Sem 2 & Senior Year, Sem 1
FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES- To see the most recent information go to the current Carroll County Program of Studies



