STC Patient Care Program Presentation Fall 2014

Summary

Mrs. Handy, a patient care instructor at South Texas College, discusses the patient care program, which offers four certificates in a short semester. Students gain practical experience in both long-term care and acute care settings, with opportunities to work in various healthcare facilities. The program requires 16 credit hours, includes a mandatory background check and vaccinations, and emphasizes attendance and engagement. Graduates are well-prepared for jobs as nursing assistants, EKG technicians, and more, with many receiving job offers upon completion. The program serves as a strong foundation for further nursing education and diverse career paths in healthcare.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Patient Care Program at South Texas College offers four certificates in a short semester, covering long-term and acute care.
• 😀 The program requires 16 credit hours and has flexible scheduling options, with classes held four or five days a week.
• 😀 Students must complete a background check and have certain vaccinations to enroll in the program.
• 😀 A standard uniform is required, consisting of a purple top and white bottoms, along with a clinical ID badge.
• 😀 Attendance is mandatory, allowing for a maximum of 10% absences based on class length.
• 😀 Students have opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, with good job prospects.
• 😀 Pay rates for student positions vary: CNAs earn $9-$11, patient care technicians $9-$12, and EKG technicians up to $15.
• 😀 The program enhances students' marketability in nursing, providing points for ADN and LVN programs.
• 😀 There are no testing requirements for program admission; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 😀 Students are required to read course materials before class and are quizzed on this material regularly.

Q & A

What is the Patient Care Program offered by South Texas College?

The Patient Care Program consists of four certificates that can be obtained in a short semester, focusing on both long-term care in nursing homes and acute care in hospitals.

What are the requirements for enrolling in the Patient Care Program?

Students must complete 16 credit hours, pass a background check, and have certain vaccinations. Attendance is mandatory, with a maximum allowed absence of 10%.

What certifications can students earn through this program?

Students can earn a state Nurse Aid Certificate and three national certifications: Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, and Patient Care Technician.

What does the clinical schedule look like for students?

Students have clinical schedules that can be four or five days a week, with shifts typically from 6:30 AM to either 1:50 PM or 4:50 PM, depending on the clinical session.

What kind of job opportunities are available to graduates of the program?

Graduates can work in various facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, doctor's offices, and dialysis centers, with many receiving job offers during their clinical rotations.

What is the average salary range for roles such as CNA and EKG Technician?

The average pay for a CNA is between $9 and $11 per hour, while patient care roles can range from $9 to $12, and EKG Technicians can earn up to $15 depending on experience.

Do students have to pass any exams as part of the program?

Yes, students must complete the CNA course and pass national exams as part of their requirements to continue in the program.

What are the expectations regarding student appearance and uniforms?

Students are required to wear a standard uniform consisting of a purple top and white bottoms, with minimal makeup and no perfume or excessive jewelry for safety reasons.

Are there any academic requirements before attending classes?

Students must read their assigned materials before class and will be quizzed on the material at the start of each session.

What should a student do if they have a criminal background?

Students should consult with Mrs. Curtis for specifics, as certain offenses could affect their eligibility for the program.