Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Our Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Caregiver training offers the skills necessary to seek certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  Students who successfully complete all three of our certified classes may be eligible to take the Arkansas Certified Nurse Aide Exam.
• Our Certified Nursing Assistant training is divided into three courses, each designed to assist in advancing caregiving skills and competencies.  All courses meet state and federal guidelines and are taught by UAMS employees including licensed nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• The Certified Nursing Assistant Fast Track Course is a 91-hour training program that prepares an individual to take the state CNA examination.  It is currently being offered at the Hot Springs and Little Rock sites. This course is a single course that includes topics from our three traditional courses.

Our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Includes the following three courses:

In-Home Assistant (IHA) (40 hours)
The In-Home Assistant course provides basic instruction on caregiving in the home. IHA students receive information and skills training necessary for providing support and assistance to older adults who require minimal to moderate assistance. The course focuses heavily on “hands-on” personal care skills. Participants receive instruction on:

• Assisting with basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing walking and meal preparation
• How to provide companionship
• Engagement in conversation
• Activities and how to maintain a clean and safe environment

Home Care Assistant (HCA) (60 hours)
The Home Care Assistant course provides information and instruction on how to provide care for individuals who need moderate to maximum assistance and builds on the skills learned in the IHA course.  HCA students learn to provide more advanced “hands-on” caregiving skills. Must complete the In-Home Assistant course prior to enrolling in this course. Participants receive instruction on:

• Using a mechanical lift
• Obtaining vital signs

*Graduates of this course can perform routine nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse for private home-care agencies,    home-health agencies and other health care settings after passing the Certified Nursing Assistant Examination.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training (AD) (16 hours)
This course provides information and instruction on how to provide support and care for a person with dementia.  Participants receive basic information on:

• Types and causes of dementia
• Instruction on diseases and conditions frequently associated with dementia
• Communication techniques
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Environmental modifications
• Activities

Geriatric Home Caregiver (GHC) is the title for graduates who have successfully completed all three levels of training. Graduates are eligible to challenge the state certification examination for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Continuing Education
Continuing education classes are provided regularly to meet the ongoing education needs of the graduate.  Topics are specific to caring for the older adult, as well as a variety of aging issues.