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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - May Online Training

Course Description


Theory and clinical study will provide necessary information and skills needed in long-term, and acute care settings to meet the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (MT DPHHS) Regulations. The Montana Health Network Nursing Aid curriculum will prepare students for careers in healthcare under the supervision of the Licensed RN or LPN. Students learn the basic entry-level nursing skills to work in the healthcare setting as a Certified Nursing Aid. Curriculum includes providing or assisting in client care, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, ambulation, transferring, feeding, and use of equipment, documenting, and reporting the general well-being of the resident.

The Montana Health Network Nursing Aid curriculum will prepare students for the skills and knowledge required for the Headmaster Nurse Aid Competency Examination. The Headmaster Nurse Aid Competency Examination includes written (computer) as well as a clinical (skills) portion. For more details regarding the Headmaster Nurse Aid Competency Examination, click here. Class applications are due ten days prior to start day of class.

Course Information

Course Objectives:

Upon Completion of the Nursing Assistant Course, the student will be able to:
  • Use medical terminology accurately
  • List a resident's rights in long term and acute care settings
  • Recognize and report resident behavior that reflects unmet human needs
  • Recognize changes in the resident's condition and report the changes to the nurse
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills for long term care (LTC) residents as well as the cognitively impaired
  • Use standard precautions when caring for all residents
  • Practice safe body mechanics during the care of residents
  • State the CNA's role in the healthcare team
  • Safely demonstrate all the CNA skills requirements as outlined by the State and Federal regulations
  • Accurately document and report observations and care given for normal and abnormal conditions
  • Demonstrate reliability and responsibility in the CNA role in class and in the clinical setting
  • Work with and under the direction of the RN and/or LPN in a structured health care setting
  • List changes seen and experienced in the aging process as well as pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of common diseases and conditions and how care can be altered to accommodate these changes

Course Prerequisites:

Students must provide proof of the following health requirements prior to enrollment in the program:
  • Seasonal influenza vaccine
  • Current American Heart Association BLS Card (If not current, check for courses in local community)