Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical & Veterinary Terminology Programs
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
The CNA program provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and to learn the skills necessary to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Students learn how to give basic nursing care to patients and residents. This includes assisting with personal hygiene, movement, nutrition, elimination, communication and emergency situations.
In the classroom, students learn about anatomy and physiology, diseases, illnesses and conditions of the human body, and they practice tasks in the skills lab. Working in the local nursing homes and hospital is required. Qualified students who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to take the State of Maine Certified Nursing Assistant exam in the spring and to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Students are prepared to work as a CNA and/or further their education in nursing or other medical fields.
Qualities of a Successful Student:
- Ability to read and write at a level appropriate for college coursework
- Good attendance – students must meet the state mandated hour requirements prior to taking the CNA exam.
- Must be 16 years of age to be eligible for a State of Maine Board of Nursing CNA license.
- Criminal background checks are required by the State in order to complete the CNA certification.
- It is recommended that students take the Medical Terminology course at CATC to provide a solid foundation of the medical language and before enrolling in the CNA program as a senior.
Sample Wage Potential: NURSING ASSISTANT (2018 O*Net estimates)
- Maine: Median $13.63/hr; Top 90% $17.77/hr
- National: Median $13.72/hr; Top 90% $19.02/hr
Sample Wage Potential: REGISTERED NURSE (2018 O*Net estimates)
- Maine: Median $65,630; Top 90% $91,790
- National: Median $71,730; Top 90% $106,530
Certifications Offered:
- State of Maine Certified Nursing Assistant certification
- OSHA 10 hour Healthcare certification
Instructor: Deborah Belanger-Warkne RN, deborah.warnke@augustaschools.org
Instructor: Bethany Gilliam RN, bethany.gilliam@augustaschools.org
Instructor: Karen Parker RN, parkerk@augustaschools.org
MEDICAL/VETERINARIAN TERMINOLOGY
The first three quarters of the course will cover medical terminology. Students in this program are dual enrolled and have the opportunity to earn 3 college credits upon successful completion of the course. The last quarter of the course will cover veterinarian terminology.
Students will learn about human anatomy and physiology and companion animal anatomy and physiology, veterinarian terminology, and infection control
procedures. Students will practice skills related to human and animal studies, such as obtaining pulses, grooming, bathing, and other various human and animal nursing procedures. There will be opportunities to learn from various speakers in industry about career opportunities in the medical/veterinarian fields.
Students enrolled in the program will attend a week of Career Exploration at the Togus VA. There will also be a clinical rotation at the local animal shelter during the second semester. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible to become employed in a medical office setting and/or veterinary clinic. This is an excellent course to begin education in the health field because students will learn the terminology that will be a good foundation for any medical career.
Qualities of a Successful Student:
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn a new language!
- Excellent reading and writing skills!
- Strong communication skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to work with others and step outside your comfort zone
Sample Wage Potential: PHYSICIAN (2018 O*Net estimates)
- Maine: Median $208,000+; Top 90% $208,000+
- National: Median $200,890; Top 90% $208,000+
Sample Wage Potential: VETERINARY TECH (2018 O*Net estimates)
- Maine: Median $36,390; Top 90% $48,040
- National: Median $34,420; Top 90% $50,010
Certifications Offered:
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR certification
- OSHA 10 hour Healthcare certification
- ServSafe Basic Food Handler certification
College Credit Opportunities:
- Central Maine Community College
Instructor: Bethany Gilliam RN, bethany.gilliam@augustaschools.org
Instructor: Karen Parker RN, parkerk@augustaschools.org