Health Care Assistant (HA21)  Technical Certificate of Credit

This course provides an overview of the Central Sterile Processing and Distribution profession and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to successfully participate as an entry level Central Sterile Processing Technician. Emphasis will be placed on the profession of Central Sterile Processing, basic sciences and related subjects, infection control, aseptic technique, equipment management, sterilization, instrumentation and supplies, legal issues, inventory management, safety, quality assurance, professional development and healthcare trends. Students completing this course will be eligible to apply to take the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.

This course provides an overview of the Central Sterile Processing and Distribution profession and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to successfully participate as an entry level Central Sterile Processing Technician. Emphasis will be placed on the profession of Central Sterile Processing, basic sciences and related subjects, infection control, aseptic technique, equipment management, sterilization, instrumentation and supplies, legal issues, inventory management, safety, quality assurance, professional development and healthcare trends. Students completing this course will be eligible to apply to take the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.

Introduces student to the role and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide. Emphasis is placed on understanding and developing critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the location and function of human body systems and common disease processes; responding to and reporting changes in a residents /patients condition, nutrition, vital signs; nutrition and diet therapy; disease processes; vital signs; observing, reporting and documenting changes in a residents condition; emergency concerns; ethics and legal issues and governmental agencies that influence the care of the elderly in long term care settings; mental health and psychosocial well-being of the elderly; use and care of mechanical devices and equipment; communication and interpersonal skills and skills competency based on federal guidelines. Specific topics include: roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide; communication and interpersonal skills; topography, structure, and function of the body systems; injury.

Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens.

Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

Provides an introduction to blood collecting techniques and processing specimens. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to collect all types of blood samples from hospitalized patients. Topics include: venipuncture procedure, safety and quality assurance; isolation techniques, venipuncture problems, and definitions; lab test profiles and patient care areas; other specimen collections and specimen processing; test combinations, skin punctures and POCT; professional ethics and malpractice; and certification and licensure.

Provides work experiences in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on enhancing skills in venipuncture techniques. Topics include: introduction to clinical policies and procedures and work ethics; routine collections: adult, pediatric, and newborn; and special procedures.