Health Assistant:  Thank you for your interest in the Health Assistant (Nurse Assistant) Program at IVC.  You will find this class listed as AHP 060 under Allied Health Professions in the IVC catalog and registration schedule (www.imperial.edu).  A certified nurse assistant can work in a variety of health care agencies, but most specifically the demand lies in long-term care such as convalescent homes and hospitals.  As per State guidelines, students must be in good health and 17 years of age or older to enroll. 

Below is a list of requirements for the class.  During class, students complete a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Class (CPR) from the American Heart Association and upon completion of AHP 060, be eligible to take the State Competency Exam.  More information on the nurse assistant State competency exam can be obtained from the Regional Testing Center website at www.regionaltestingcenter.org.  Official State certification comes from the CA Department of Public Health Services in Sacramento not IVC.  You can obtain more information directly by phone at 1-916-327-2445 or their website, www.cdph.ca.gov

Fingerprint Service in the Imperial Valley (PDF)

Required Textbook and Workbook: 

Alvare, Nursing Assistant Care, Hartman Publishing

Alvare, Nursing Assistant Care Workbook, Hartman Publishing

Livescan Electronic Fingerprints:  All students are required to obtain one set of electronic (livescan) fingerprints before going to the hospital.  This is also required to apply for the nurse assistant certificate.  A fingerprint form will be given in class.  A list of agencies that offer livescan fingerprinting will also be given in class.  A rolling fee PLUS fingerprint fees apply.  NOTE:  Students who have previous convictions, need to refer to the “Conviction Screening” statement below.

Liability Insurance:  A $13.00 malpractice liability insurance fee is due prior to attending the hospital.  The fee is due during the first week of class and is paid at the IVC Cashier’s window.  This is NOT health insurance.  It is for the purpose of covering negligent-related issues on the students’ part in the hospital area and the student is covered while in training only. 

Health Form (Physical/PPD):  A physical is required prior to clinical.  Students contact the IVC Student Health Center at 355-6310 to schedule an appointment for the physical and immunizations (if needed).  If you have your immunizations, you must bring them with you to your appointment.  The Student Health Center is in the 2100 Health Sciences Building, in the Disabled Student Programs and Services Office (not the Nursing Office).  Services include:  Head-to-toe physical, immunizations-MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and Td (Diptheria/Tetanus Booster) and PPD Skin Test.  These services are part of the $14 student health services fee students pay at the time of registration. 

Uniforms:  A uniform is required prior to clinical.  Uniforms consist of the scrub top, pants, and white shoes.  Uniform options will be discussed in class. 

State Competency Exam:  This exam is required to be certified as a Nurse Assistant with the State of California.  Completion of the program does not certify the student.  Your instructor will schedule the date and time and will let you know.  The exam has 2 parts:  A written test and a manual skills check off.   Practice information is available from the Regional Testing Center website at www.regionaltestingcenter.org  The testing fee is $90.00 is payable to Regional Testing Center in a form of a money order.  Applications to register for the test and fees will be collected by your instructor.    Feel free to contact the Regional Testing Center directly for questions on the State exam.  The direct line is 1-714-895-8708.  The State exam is NO longer given at IVC.

Conviction Screening:  It is important that students disclose all information to the CA Department of Public Health Services on prior convictions.  Failure to truthfully disclose this information may result in the denial of a certificate.  Students should review the list of Penal Code Sections found in the State website at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/occupations/Pages/AidesAndTechs.aspx  that may result in automatic denial of an application for certification.  Students can also email the CA DHS Registry at cna@dhs.ca.gov for specific questions.  The State (CA DHS) can only approve certification for applicants with convictions if the applicant has obtained a Dismissal or Certificate of Rehabilitation from the court in the county where the conviction(s) occurred. Applicants with disqualifying convictions may send Certificates of Rehabilitation (for felonies) or Dismissals (for misdemeanors) with their applications.  However, CA DHS will not make any determinations on self-declared convictions until it has received the applicant's complete record from the Department of Justice (DOJ).   Students who have enrolled in an AHP 060 course and need additional assistance can contact the Nursing Division Office.

Home Health Aide:  AHP 062 is a 1.5-unit course that includes 25 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of clinical training in home health care.  Home health aides work primarily in the home, working under home health care facilities.  AHP 060 or current nurse assistant certification is required before taking AHP 062.  Students must have a current physical exam, TB skin test, and current BLS CPR card (from AHA) to enroll in this course.  Fees include:  Tuition, parking, uniform, and malpractice insurance.  A textbook is not required.  AHP 062 does not require a State exam and fingerprints must be current with the State.  Conviction screening applies as stated above. Home Health Aide State certification is issued from the CA Department of Public Health Services not IVC.  You can reach them at the same phone and website listed above