nursing

   

Nursing Programs

We currently offer the classes listed below to launch and continue your career in nursing. The National Center for Workforce Analysis reports that more than 50% of states reported shortages of allied health personnel. This will get worse as the total population of California grows 39% through 2020 and the over 65 population grows 58%.
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Certified Nursing Assistant (Nursing 399A)

This 9-week class offers everything you need to become eligible for State certification and employment as a Nursing Assistant in long-term care facilities, acute care, and home care settings. Emphasis is given to safety principles, infection control, methods for providing physical care, and emotional and social support.


The CNA course includes 54 hours of theory and 108 hours of clinical work. Clinical work is scheduled at local nursing facilities on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Students must attend all classes to complete the required hours. See the class schedule for class dates and times.


Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible for the State of California certification Examination. The State application for certification requires fingerprinting and a background check. Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offense may not be eligible for certification. Please contact our office at (310) 287-4464 or visit the certification requirements online at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc/cert/Training.htm.

 

For more information, attend an Orientation Session on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the West Los Angeles College in Building A9.

 
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Prerequisites

Admission to the Nursing program is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must meet the following requirements:


1. Complete Nursing Information Sheet. Click here to download it.
2. College level course work in Math 105 and English 20A or ESL 6 with a grade of "C" or better OR completion of the college assessment examination offered in the Student Assessment Center (Building A-13). To make an appointment with a counselor click here or call (310) 287-4257.


Prior to the start of the clinical rotation, students will need to have completed the requirements listed below. Your professor will review these requirements with you during class. The West Los Angeles College Student Health Center provides many of these at no or low cost. Contact them at (310) 287-4478.

1. Physical examination
2. Proof of vaccination or titer:

  • Tetanus (within past 10 years). Offered at the Student Health Center.
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). Offered at the Student Health Center.
  • Proof of Absence of Tuberculosis (negative skin test or negative chest x-ray within three months of start of program). Offered at the Student Health Center.
  • Varicella (Chicken pox) (titer or proof of vaccination).

4. Drug screen
5. American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR card for the Healthcare Provider. You can meet this requirement by enrolling in Allied Health 21. Click on the class schedule for available dates/times.
6. Malpractice insurance with coverage that includes $1,000,000 single occurrence & $3,000,000 aggregate) (check www.nso.com or call 800-247-1500 for rates).
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Certified Home Health Aide (Nursing 399B)

Students who wish to further develop their skills and employment options, working with homebound individuals and assisted living facilities, should take this 4-week course to become a State-certified HHA.
The CNA and HHA classes can be completed together in one semester.
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Geriatric Care Technician (Nursing 398)

The Geriatric Care Technician is a new role that meets increased needs of an aging population. This course consists of lecture and clinical experiences at local affiliated hospitals and clinics.  This class enhances the theoretical and clinical skills of the Nursing Assistant to care for the elderly.  This class fulfills the California State 48-hour continuing education requirement for certified nursing assistants and certified home health aides. Students completing this course will earn a Geriatric Care Technician Skills Certificate. 

PREREQUISITES: Nursing 399A or current certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant or Home Health Aide
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  In-Home Supportive Services Provider (Noncredit VocEd 400CE & 408CE)

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide or Nurse, a great way to get started in the healthcare field is by becoming an In-Home Supportive Services Provider. An In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Provider is a non-licensed healthcare worker who assists elderly and disabled individuals in their own home with basic daily and support services. These services include personal care, such as dressing and bathing, assistance with household chores, and basic medical care.

 

The field of personal and home care aides is among the fastest growing occupations in California with a projected 25% growth rate through 2016. California is expected to need more than 30,000 IHSS providers during this period.

West L.A. College offers IHSS certificate through the Career Advancement Academy program. The IHSS certificate program is made up of two, noncredit classes, totaling 108 hours. The classes are offered for FREE and are conducted as pass/fail. Students are responsible for the cost of books and materials. No credit or grades are given. Both courses are offered in a condensed format specially designed to prepare you to work in the healthcare field as quickly as possible. The 18-hour Medical Terminology (Voc Ed 400CE) course covers basic medical terms you need to know and communicate. In the 90-hour IHHS (Voc Ed 408CE) class, laboratory exercises will give you the opportunity to apply and practice what you learned in the lectures.

 

When you successfully complete both classes with a “pass,” you will receive an IHSS Certificate of Completion and a priority registration packet for our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program.

 

Student Eligibility and Requirements:

All students are eligible to participate in these FREE, noncredit classes. Admission to the IHSS program is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be expected to attend class each and every day, study hard and successfully learn the material. See the class schedule for class dates and times.

 

PREREQUISITES: None