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Midlands Technical College
Continuing Education
Nursing Assistant Training Program
Student Handbook
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Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Admission Policy
3
Attendance Policy
3
Examination Absences
4
Grading Policy
4
Guidelines for Student Behavior
5
Pregnancy Issues
6
Clinical Conduct
6
Clinical Dress Code
7
Dismissal Policy
7
Hazardous Weather Policy
8
Medical Emergencies
8
State Certification
8
Job Placement
8
Student Complaints
8
Student Signature Sheet
9
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Introduction
The goal of the Nursing Assistant Training Program is to provide a basic level of both
theoretical knowledge and skills for students who will be caring for residents in a skilled
nursing facility or other medical facility. Students will receive training in basic nursing
care which includes a combined curriculum of classroom lecture, simulated laboratory
care, and hands on clinical experience in a Columbia area nursing facility.
Objectives:
1. This course will prepare the student for an entry level position in a hospital, long
term care facility, or home health setting.
2. Students will be provided with the information and skills necessary to
successfully pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Exam.
Admission Policy
Applicants must:
1. Meet the minimum reading and math skills on the Midlands Technical College
Assessment Test or on the WorkKeys Assessment. A High school diploma or
GED is also required.
2. Undergo a criminal record check, done by SLED.
3. Be able to provide their own transportation to both the classes and the clinical
setting.
Midlands Technical College does not discriminate in the provision of equal opportunity
for students in any way. Students are admitted provided they meet the above
requirements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
Classes are limited in size to a maximum of 8 students.
Attendance Policy
This 102 contact hour Nursing Assistant Training Program is very intense. Attendance is
extremely important.
1. Students are expected to attend all classes, labs, and clinical rotations. If you must
be absent, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor at least 30
minutes prior to the scheduled class time. If the student will be late for the clinical
experience, notification must be given at least one hour before the scheduled shift.
(No clinical absences will be allowed.) Students are required to notify the
instructor directly. Do not send messages by another student or have someone else
call for you, except in extreme emergencies. Violation of this rule may result in
the student’s dismissal from the program.
-42. Students may not miss more than 2 days of class.
3. Students arriving late for class/clinical will be considered tardy. A tardy is defined
as coming to class after class has started or returning from break after class has
resumed. Two tardies will equal one absence. If the combination of absences and
tardies exceeds the maximum number of absences allowed for the class, the
student will be removed from the course.
4. If the student comes late to class, it is the student’s responsibility to see the
instructor after class or during the break to get any missed work.
5. Written work must be turned in on the due dates regardless of classroom
attendance.
6. Students are responsible for making up any work missed during an absence.
7. Missed exams have to be rescheduled with the instructor. Any test not made up
will be recorded as a zero and will be included in the final class grade. The
makeup test(s) may differ in format (ie. Essay questions, multiple choice, oral,
etc) from the missed test. There will be no make up for the final exam.
Grading Policy
The following general grading criteria has been established for this program. Students
must maintain a “C” average or better in theory/lecture and must receive a
satisfactory on the clinical portion of the program in order to successfully pass the
course.
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 75 – 79
D = 70 – 74
F = Below 70
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Guidelines For Student Behavior
Guidelines for student behavior when attending class/clinical/labs have been
established in order to provide an optimal learning environment.
1. Students are expected to be attentive, courteous, and to behave in a proper
manner in class, lab, and clinical. It is a violation of the student code and state
law to interfere with the learning process in classrooms, labs, or clinical
settings. Respect shall be shown to the instructor, visitors, residents, and
peers in these areas. The use of profanity is not allowed.
2. It is the policy of Midlands Technical College to provide a healthy,
comfortable, and productive work environment for students, faculty, and staff.
We also comply with the laws governing smoking on or near our buildings.
Based on this policy and in recognition of health hazards to nonsmokers by
involuntary exposure to secondary smoke, smoking is prohibited throughout
the college facilities except in designated areas.
3. Students may not bring children to class, as the college does not accept
responsibility for minors on campus.
4. Absolutely no talking during examinations.
5. Unless group work is assigned, all written course work is to be done
independently.
6. No audible beepers, cellular phones, personal radios, or similar devices are
permitted in the classroom or clinical areas.
7. Students are allowed to record the class lectures.
8. In accordance with the “Student Code for SC Technical Colleges”, any form
of dishonesty will call for disciplinary action. All incidences will be reported
to the Director of Campus Life.
9. If a student has been under a doctor’s care for surgery, physical or mental
illness, pregnancy or delivery, the student must present a physician’s
statement that specifies any physical limitations and the student’s ability to
return to work.
10. Students who are pregnant or who have documentation of a suppressed
immune system must advise their instructor of their status as soon as possible
for safety in clinical assignments.
11. An acceptable appearance is expected of all students while in the clinical area.
-612. The South Carolina Technical College System Policy on alcohol and other
drug use has been implemented by Midlands Technical College in an effort to
maintain a drug-free environment. It is important that students become
familiar with this policy. Copies of the policy may be obtained from the
Student Life Office.
13. Affiliate policies in the clinical facilities may require students to submit to the
same drug testing procedures that apply to employees of the facility.
14. All students must have a current PPD (Tuberculin Skin Test) within three
months of beginning clinical rotations. Evidence of the 2 step method is
required.
Pregnancy Issues
Because of changes in health needs and potential restrictions on activities during
pregnancy, the following will apply to pregnant students:
1.
A statement from your physician indicating that you can fully perform all
tasks, functions, and exercises that will be expected during the course. (You
will be given a copy of the clinical/lab skills required in the program.)
2.
A statement signed by the student that indicates that Midlands Technical
College will not be held responsible for any physical injury that may occur to
the student or the unborn child while attending classes or clinical instruction.
If at anytime your physician states that you are not able to perform expected tasks,
functions, or exercises for the training program, you will be asked to withdraw from the
current class. You will be allowed to complete the program once you have obtained a
clearance statement from your physician.
Clinical Conduct
Students will:
1. Assume a professional manner in attire and conduct.
2. Establish a positive working relationship with clinical staff.
3. Be willing to accept responsibility for their own work.
4. Establish a feeling of confidence and trust with their assigned residents.
5. Maintain a pleasant manner with residents, their families, facility staff,
instructors, and fellow students.
6. Follow safety guidelines at all times.
7. Hold all information relating to residents as confidential.
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Clinical Dress Code
While in uniform, the student is representing Midlands Technical College; therefore, an
acceptable appearance as described below will be expected of all students. Those not
meeting the dress code will be asked to leave the clinical area to make necessary changes.
Time missed will be counted as a tardy.
1. A clean, neatly ironed uniform, which fits properly and is in good repair,
should be worn each day of clinical rotation.
2. The uniform should include a white shirt and white pants. White scrubs are
acceptable in the clinical area.
3. The Midlands Technical College Nametag should be worn on the left side of
the uniform.
4. Undergarments should be white or cream in color. Males should also wear a
plain white t-shirt.
5. Plain white socks should be worn. No tennis or low cut socks allowed.
6. Shoes should be white leather with closed toes. Solid white leather tennis
shoes are acceptable.
7. A watch with a second hand, pen, and notepad will be needed in the clinical
area.
8. Sleeveless tops, low cut uniforms, t-shirts, and cloth tennis shoes are not to be
worn in the clinical area.
9. Personal grooming is important and these guidelines should be followed:
 Hair should be pulled back away from your face and secured neatly.
 Males should keep beards and moustaches neatly trimmed.
 Nails should be short, neat, and clean. Only clear nail polish is
allowed.
 Only engagement/wedding rings are allowed. One set of small, pierced
stud earrings may be worn in the ears.
 No perfumes or scented lotions are allowed in the patient areas due to
possible resident/staff allergies.
10. White scrub or lab jackets are allowed.
Dismissal Policy
Dismissal from the program will result if a student:
1. Misrepresents any information on required forms for admission into the
program.
2. Is found to be cheating or dishonest in any fashion.
3. Is absent for more than 2 days of class or misses any clinical days.
4. Fails to follow policies of the Nursing Assistant Training Program and
Midlands Technical College.
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Hazardous Weather Policy
When weather conditions develop that might prevent normal schedules for classes or
clinical to be followed, students are advised to listen to the broadcast media for
information concerning the status of MTC classes. Radio stations and TV stations will be
notified of any closings of the college classes. If no further announcements are made,
classes will resume on the next day of scheduled classes. Midlands Technical College
students should use their best judgment in hazardous weather conditions. Notify your
instructor if you are unable to make it to class. Any cancelled classes or clinicals will be
rescheduled by the instructor.
Medical Emergencies
Students are expected to notify the instructor immediately if an injury/accident occurs.
Proper forms will be completed in the clinical or classroom areas.
State Certification
Upon completion of this course, the student is eligible to take the Nurse Aide
Competency Evaluation Services Exam (NACES) for South Carolina Certification. A
discussion about the application process and a review of the material will be included
during this course. More information can be obtained at the Promissor website,
www.promissor.com.
Job Placement
No placement assistance is offered by Midlands Technical College. Opportunities for
meeting prospective employers and job opportunity awarness will be included in the
course. Students should be aware that most employers require that CNAs have a high
school diploma or GED and be 18 years of age. Students are encouraged to check with
individual facilities for these requirements.
Student Complaints
Students with complaints or grievances should discuss them first with their instructor,
making every effort to obtain a satisfactory resolution. If the problem continues, the
student should contact the Continuing Education Training and Development Director for
Health & Medical Programs.
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Student Signature Sheet
I have been given a copy of the student handbook for the Nursing Assistant Program. I
agree to read the handbook and will comply with all requirements of the program.
Print Name
Signature
Date
Program Representative Signature & Date
Midlands Technical College does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin or
ethnic group, age, religion, military service or disability. The compliance officer for Affirmative Action, Equal Employment
Opportunity and Disability Action can be reached at (803-822-3261).
This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, as implemented by the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee
organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should
not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is
intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use only.