Three students in CNM's Nursing Assistant program wearing scrubs and doing paperwork around a desk in a hospital setting

Nursing Assistant

CNM Nursing Assistant Program Description

Earn your Nursing Assistant certificate from CNM and begin a career in long-term care, home health, assisted living, hospitals, behavioral health, and more.

CNM Nursing Assistant Program Details

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Are you ready to begin a career in patient care? The Nursing Assistant program at CNM prepares you to enter the healthcare workforce as a nursing assistant and can be completed in just one semester.

Nursing Assistants are valued members of the healthcare team who work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, compassionate, and effective direct patient care. Nursing Assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private homes.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can lead directly to employment in healthcare and can also provide a strong foundation if you choose to pursue additional education in nursing or other healthcare professions.

What to Expect in the CNM Nursing Assistant Program

CNM's Nursing Assistant Program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experience to prepare you for safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. Throughout the program, you will develop not only the knowledge and skills required of a nursing assistant, but also the communication, professionalism, teamwork, and judgment expected of a valued member of the healthcare team. 

Nursing Assistant Program Courses, Corequisites, and Prerequisites

The Nursing Assistant Program includes:

  • NUAS 1110 – Nursing Assistant Theory
  • NUAS 1110L – Nursing Assistant Lab
  • NUAS 1115 – Nursing Assistant Clinical

You must successfully complete either HLED 1111 or HLED 1117 as part of the Nursing Assistant Program requirements. These courses are offered at select times, including intersession. Check the Schedule of Classes for available dates, times, and locations.

HLED 1111 or HLED 1117 may be completed before or concurrently with NUAS 1110 Nursing Assistant Theory and NUAS 1110L Nursing Assistant Lab. The selected HLED course must be successfully completed before you can progress to NUAS 1115 Nursing Assistant Clinical.

Please review the Clinical Requirements for Nursing Assistant and the Nursing Assistant uniform and attire requirements before beginning the program. You must meet applicable clinical compliance requirements by established deadlines in order to participate in the clinical portion of the program.

    Preparing for the State Certification Exam

    After successfully completing an approved Nursing Assistant program, you are eligible to take the New Mexico Nursing Assistant certification examination.

    CNM offers a Supplemental Skills course if you would like additional preparation before testing. This one-credit course provides focused knowledge review, hands-on skills practice, time-management strategies, and preparation for what to expect during the state certification examination.

    You must successfully complete an approved Nursing Assistant program before enrolling in Supplemental Skills. The course is open to eligible graduates of approved Nursing Assistant programs throughout New Mexico and is offered during select times, including intersession.

    Additionally, CNM hosts the New Mexico Nursing Assistant certification examination on Main Campus, providing you with a convenient location to complete your state testing.

    Nursing Assistant Program Re-entry

    Nursing Assistant (NUAS) coursework must be completed within two consecutive terms, or all NUAS courses in the program must be repeated.

    If you do not successfully complete one of the required NUAS courses, you may be eligible to retake the unsuccessful course and complete the remaining program requirements during the immediately following term.

    If you successfully complete NUAS 1110 Nursing Assistant Theory and NUAS 1110L Nursing Assistant Lab but do not complete NUAS 1115 Nursing Assistant Clinical, you may be eligible to complete Clinical during the immediately following term.

    If all required NUAS coursework is not successfully completed within two consecutive terms, all NUAS courses in the Nursing Assistant Program must be repeated. Re-entry is subject to program requirements and course availability.

    Technical Standards for the Nursing Assistant Program

    Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Subpart A, people with disabilities must have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from state and local government programs, services, and activities. In order to provide a comprehensive list of program requirements for all students, regardless of ability, the Technical Standards for the Nursing Assistant Program must be achieved by all students, with or without accommodation.

    Paying for Your Nursing Assistant Certificate

    Financial barriers shouldn't hinder your education, which is why CNM provides a range of resources, including financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Our dedicated Financial Aid and Scholarship staff is here to guide you through the process, helping you secure the funding you need for your degree or certificate.

    With competitive tuition rates and support in navigating financial aid options, we’re committed to making your educational goals achievable, without the stress of financial constraints.

    Resources for Nursing Assistant Students