Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing Assistant (Certificate) Requirements
8 credit hours
View Course Requirements for Nursing Assistant Certificate
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at The University of New Mexico-Taos is a state-approved program that prepares individuals to function as nursing assistants in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, physician offices, and private homes.
The CNA Program is an 8-credit hour program that includes 96 hours of theory and lab and 32 hours of clinical. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to sit for the New Mexico Department of Health Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Graduates who pass this exam will be listed on the State of New Mexico Health Care Worker Registry.
Enrollment Requirements
All students planning to enroll in the CNA course (CNA 101) must meet the following requirements:- English Writing or Reading Comprehension Skills
- Assessment: TABE minimum score 563
- Course: Place into ENGL 1110 [English composition]; or successful completion of any higher-level English course
Enrollment through UNM-Taos Academic Advisor
Email us at taosadvise@unm.edu or Call us 575.737.6215
Rasa O’Donnell, Allied Health Program Specialist
rodonnell@unm.edu| | 575-737-3747
CNA Class Format
CNA 101 is offered in an a 16-week format.
Clinical experience is a required component of this course. This experience is completed in area nursing homes or hospital during the final weeks of the course.
Clinical Requirements
All clinical requirements must be completed two weeks prior to the first day of clinical. Students are encouraged to gather clinical documentation early.
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
- Courses offered through UNM-Taos, contact EMS Program for availability, 575-737-3747.
- Criminal Background Check
- Clear a background check as required by the New Mexico Department of Health.
- Drug Screen
- Pass a 10- panel drug screen.
- Healthcare Provider Clearance
- UNM Albuquerque Student Health and Counseling (SHaC) center is available for health appointments in Albuquerque for enrolled UNM students.
- Contact SHAC Call (505) 277-3136 to schedule an appointment or visit http://shac.unm.edu/
- UNM Albuquerque Student Health and Counseling (SHaC) center is available for health appointments in Albuquerque for enrolled UNM students.
- Immunizations
Students enrolled in the CNA course must be able to perform CNA Functional Abilities with or without reasonable accommodation. Any potential or enrolled students are encouraged to contact Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA) to discuss any accommodation concerns associated with the course.
Course Cost
The cost sheet (PDF) provides information related to expenses incurred for this course.
CNA Contact
Rasa O’Donnell, Allied Health Program Specialist
Email: rodonnell@unm.edu or Call 575-737-3747
Enrollment through UNM-Taos Academic Advisor
Email: taosadvise@unm.edu or call 575.737.6215.
Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.
Clinical Forms:
