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NOTICE to CNA applicants: April 19, 2007 is the first day that applications will be accepted in the Counseling Center on a walk-in basis for BOTH the Summer and the Fall 2007 CNA courses. After April 19th, students will be seen in the Counseling Center by appointment. Enrollment will remain open for each course until the limit of 15 students per class is reached. If more than 15 students apply, they will be placed on a waiting list. For further questions, contact Kim Blackwell in the Counseling Center.  NOTICE: Updates to CNA/HHA applications, admission forms, and general information are available in the newly revised CNA/HHA packette. For Cerro Coso Community College admission protocols, please contact the Counseling Center at 760 384-6219 and ask Kim Blackwell, or email at kblackwe@cerrocoso.edu.  General information regarding CNA/HHAs is available on the extensive Department of Health Services website at: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc/cert/default.htm. DHS application forms for initial CNA or HHA applicants can be downloaded by going directly to: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/publications/forms/L&C/l&c.htm. Initial applicants MUST use form HS 283 B (5/06). Vocational Nursing: Applicants for the Vocational Nursing Program, please note that the next class start will be in January 2008. The application filing period for the January 2008 VN Class will be September 10, 2007 through October 12, 2007 (subject to change). Please contact the Counseling Center for application forms and current information. Application and reference forms may also be downloaded from this website. NOTE: If a student is taking a prerequisite LVN class during the Spring 2006 semester, an unofficial transcript showing the prerequisite/s for that semester will suffice. However, if the applicant is chosen to become a Student Vocational Nurse, a formal, offical college transcript will be required before formal admission into the VN Program is granted. Plans in Progress for 2007-2008 On the horizon for the Eastern Sierra College Campus at Bishop, CA... CNA (Certified Nurses Aide) –projected start date Fall 2007 Vocational Nursing - projected start date January 2008)

Vocational Nursing

General Information

1. Review this website thoroughly.
2. Make an appointment with a member of the counseling staff in the Counseling Center at (760) 384-6219. Your name will be placed in the File for Persons Interested in the Vocational Nursing Program.
3. Complete the application form.
4. Complete the required prerequisites with a grade of C or better.
5. Submit all necessary paperwork to the Counseling Center prior to the deadline. The paperwork includes three references, copies of transcripts, and official transcripts of completed work at CCCC. (See below for additional information.) 

Admission Requirements

Qualifications for the Student Vocational Nursing Program

1. You must be at least 17 years of age.
2. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. You must be physically and mentally capable of meeting the theory and clinical objectives of the program.

Advisories/Prerequisites* - All Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to entering the Vocational Nursing Program.

Application Packet

Please bring all materials to the Counseling Center. Before your application will be processed, you must have the following in your application packet. Check with the Counseling Center for the DEADLINE DATE.

1. Copy of CNA certificate or transcripts showing successful course completion.
2. Completed CCCC Vocational Nursing Program Application*
3. Copy of High School Diploma or equivalent sent directly to CCCC*
4. High school transcripts sent directly to CCCC*
5. Official college transcripts and copy of college degree, if applicable, sent directly to CCCC*
6. Three (3) letters of reference (Form provided by the Counseling Center)
   
   * Official versus copies of diplomas, degrees, or transcripts may be required. Check for individual needs with Counseling Center staff.

Selection Process

A maximum of 15 students are admitted to the Vocational Nursing Program. Initial acceptance of one or more alternate Student Vocational Nurses may be chosen from the pool of applicants. lf space becomes available during the Fundamental's section only (i.e. one of the 15 accepted students drops from the program), the alternate may officially enroll in the program. For detailed information on alternates, please consult with the director of the program.

• Upon acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program, the student nurse must complete the following:
  • Physical exam (Form provided by CCCC)
  • Tuberculosis skin test or chest x-ray
  • MMR and/or other immunizations
  • Drug and alcohol screen

As a condition of admission to an Allied Health Program with a clinical component, in the Kern Community College District, all students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screen. (Refer to: Policy 4G - KCCD) The initial drug screen, physical exam, and TB testing are at the student's expense. Additional drug screens may be requested at the discretion of an instructor. The funds for additional, requested drug screens will be provided by the college.

Additional regulations and requirements for active student vocational nurses are available on request.

Summary of Program Format

   Effective January 2005
 

	Semester 1
	HCRS C101 - Theory, 8 units Fundamentals      Basic Skills and Nursing Concepts Level I Medical-Surgical Nursing      Geriatrics      Nutrition      Pharmacology			HCRS C111 - Clinical, 5 units Clinical locations      Long-term care facility      Acute care facility HCRS C141 - Skills Lab, 1 unit, 54 hours
	Semester 2
	HCRS C102 -Theory, 8 units Level ll Medical Surgical Nursing      Cardiovascular      Lymphatic      Respiratory      Genitourinary      Maternity Nursing      Growth and Development      Pediatrics			HCRS C112 - Clinical, 5 units Clinical locations      Acute care facility      Child development facility      Ambulatory care facility HCRS C141 - Skills Lab Experience, 1 unit, 54 hours
	Semester 3
	HCRS C201 - Theory, 8 units Level III Medical-Surgical Nursing      Supervision - Leadership      Gastrointestinal      Endocrine      Musculoskeletal      Integumentary      Special Senses      Nervous			HCRS C211 - Clinical, 5 units Clinical Locations      Acute care facility      Home health facility      Long-term care facility           Supervision           Leadership      Ambulatory care facility HCRS C141 - Skills Lab Experience, 1 unit, 54 hours

Program Completion

Each semester has separate but integrated classes of theory and clinical experiences. A student who does not successfully complete the Fundamentals section of Semester 1 will not be allowed to continue in the program. A student who does not successfully complete either a theory or clinical segment in any semester will be dropped from the program. Theory and clinical courses are interrelated in each of the semester's curricula. A grade of C or better in each theory component and a grade of clinical pass are required to continue in the Vocational Nursing Program

• Registration $20 per unit for CA residents
          (Subject to increase)
• Books $600 (3 semesters)
• Uniforms $100
• Watch $25
• Stethoscope $25
• Transportation costs: It is essential that each student have reliable transportation to the campus and to each of the clinical facilities visited throughout the program.

The following are required fees payable at the successful completion to the program. For a detailed explanation of these fees, please consult with the Director of the Program.

• BVNPT fees $250 (approx)
• NCLEX-PN fees $200 (approx)

Support Services

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Students should inquire at the Counseling Center. All Cerro Coso students may apply for available scholarships if criteria for the scholarships are met. Vocational Nursing students may qualify for specific scholarships. Scholarship applications must be submitted by the announced deadline date to be considered for the award.

Child Care Services may be available through the Cerro Coso Child Development Center. For more information call (760) 384-6362. The community of Ridgecrest also offers a variety of child care services.

Criminal Convictions

If any prospective student has any criminal record, this student should contact the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians at (916) 263-7800 prior to applying to the CCCC Vocational Nursing Program.

About the College

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information please contact the Counseling Center at 760 384-6219 or Contact a Counselor Online.

Cheryl Gates RN, MSN
Faculty Director of Allied Health
3000 College Heights Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571

Phone: (760) 384-6292
Fax: (760) 375-4776
Email: cgates@cerrocoso.edu

Application

If you would like to apply for the SVN Program you may download and print either of the following files and mail them to:

Cheryl Gates RN, MSN
Faculty Director of Allied Health
3000 College Heights Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571

Phone: (760) 384-6292
Fax: (760) 375-4776
Email: cgates@cerrocoso.edu

All of these documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it for free here.

CNA Application packet

• CNA/HHA Packet [899k]
• DHS Form for IWV [516k]
• DHS Form for KRV [527k]
• DHS Form for Bishop (pending) [527k]

SVN Application

• Application [ 144 KB ]
• SVN Reference Form [126 KB]

LVN Graduation

The 2004 Nightingale Ceremony of Vocational Nursing Graduates took place on December 17, 2004. Click picture below to see more photos.

Congratulations Graduates of 2006!

View more photos

CNA Graduates (November 2006)

Cerro Coso College recently graduated the following CNA students. Front Row: (L-R) Kimberley Harris, Colleen Carroll, Julie Carroll, Instructor-Cheryl Pullen, RN; Leticia Caudillo, Kara Warnock, Evangelina Redondo. Back Row: (L-R) Johann LeCorps, Tamara Aulds, Heidi Bailey, Courtney Glantz, Mary Knight and Rebecca Jones. Not shown: Elisa McFarlane and Instructor-Bobi Perry, RN. Of the students testing, 15 were from CCCC and 3 were from Ridgecrest Healthcare Center’s in-house training. As a community service, CCCC/Health Careers CNA instructors often include candidates for CNA testing by the American Red Cross in addition to our own students.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact the Counseling Center at 760 384-6219 or Contact a Counselor Online.