Welcome to

Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.)

Join the ranks of compassionate healthcare professionals with our Certified Nursing Assistant program at Region 10 Technical High School. Learn the essentials of patient care, from basic nursing skills to complex procedures, in a supportive, hands-on environment. This program prepares you for certification and a rewarding career in healthcare, where you’ll make a difference in the lives of patients every day.

Compassionate Patient Care Starts Here

Embark on an inspiring journey with our Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) program at Region 10 Technical High School. This dynamic one-year course is designed for compassionate students eager to make a difference in the healthcare field. With a blend of hands-on learning and classroom instruction, our program equips you with the essential skills needed to excel in patient care and beyond.

Your journey begins with mastering the fundamentals: patient care skills, vital sign monitoring, and medical documentation. In our immersive learning environment, you’ll gain real-world experience with over 70 hours of direct patient care at local community nursing facilities. Here, you’ll put your knowledge into practice, assisting patients with daily activities and learning the intricacies of healthcare in a supportive and professional setting.

Compassionate Care Starts Here

Embark on an inspiring journey with our Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) program at Region 10 Technical High School. This dynamic one-year course is designed for compassionate students eager to make a difference in the healthcare field. With a blend of hands-on learning and classroom instruction, our program equips you with the essential skills needed to excel in patient care and beyond.

What’s Involved

Your journey begins with mastering the fundamentals: patient care skills, vital sign monitoring, and medical documentation. In our immersive learning environment, you’ll gain real-world experience with over 70 hours of direct patient care at local community nursing facilities. Here, you’ll put your knowledge into practice, assisting patients with daily activities and learning the intricacies of healthcare in a supportive and professional setting.

 

As you progress through the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, you’ll explore advanced patient care techniques and the importance of compassionate service. Our experienced instructors will guide you, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding healthcare career. Upon successful completion, you’ll become a Maine State Certified Nursing Assistant, ready to join the workforce or continue your studies in nursing or other medical fields.

As a CNA, you can work in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare. CNAs are essential in providing direct patient care and supporting medical teams. Your certification also opens doors for career advancement, whether you choose to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or specialize in areas like geriatrics or pediatrics.

In conclusion, the CNA program at Region 10 Technical High School equips you with the skills and compassion needed for a successful healthcare career. Whether entering the workforce or pursuing further education, you’ll be ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your patients.

First Year Curriculum:

    • Introduction to Healthcare: Overview of the healthcare system and the role of a CNA within it.
    • Basic Nursing Skills: Training in essential nursing skills, including taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and personal care.
    • Patient Care Techniques: Techniques for providing quality care to patients, including bathing, feeding, and dressing.
    • Infection Control: Principles and practices of infection prevention and control.
    • Anatomy and Physiology: Basic understanding of human body systems and how they function.
    • Medical Terminology: Familiarization with common medical terms and abbreviations.
    • CPR and First Aid: Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid.
    • Communication Skills: Effective communication techniques with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
    • Ethics and Confidentiality: Understanding patient rights, ethical considerations, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
    • Clinical Experience: Hands-on training in a clinical setting, applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Suggested Further Studies:

Extend Your Healthcare Career with EMT Training:

To further enhance their healthcare skills and career opportunities, students are encouraged to consider enrolling in the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program.

 

Why Extend into EMT Training?

    • Broadened Skill Set: EMT training provides advanced emergency response skills, enabling you to handle critical situations with confidence.
    • Increased Job Opportunities: With both CNA and EMT certifications, you’ll be qualified for a wider range of positions within the healthcare field.
    • Higher Earning Potential: Combining a CNA license has a higher earning potential, reflecting their advanced training and responsibilities.
    • Career Advancement: EMT certification can serve as a stepping stone to further advanced medical roles, such as paramedics or nursing.
    • Enhanced Patient Care: Combining CNA and EMT skills allows you to provide comprehensive patient care, from routine assistance to emergency interventions.

Synopsis of Clinical Hours for CNA Program

 

Real-World Experience at Top Local Healthcare Facilities

Students enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Region 10 Technical High School gain invaluable hands-on experience by working at two distinguished healthcare facilities: Horizons Living & Rehab and Mid-Coast Senior Health Center. Through these clinical placements, students accumulate over 70 hours of direct patient care. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and dressing residents, while also providing vital emotional support. This practical exposure helps students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as CNAs.

Comprehensive Patient Care Training

The clinical hours are structured to offer students a comprehensive understanding of patient care in diverse settings. By working in both long-term care and rehabilitation environments, students experience different aspects of the healthcare system, which enriches their learning and prepares them for various challenges they might face in their careers. These hands-on experiences not only fulfill the clinical requirements for CNA certification but also foster a deep sense of empathy and professionalism in aspiring healthcare providers.

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OUR DIGITAL FLIPBOOK

Download the accessible PDF version of the Flipbook below!

OUR STUDENTS

SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES

Tiegan McAllster '23

{Mrs. McMahon teaches her students to exceed the standard of care in everything they do. Since graduating from the CNA program I went on to work at the Assisted Living facility in the Dementia Unit for the summer.  I am now a senior in high school and enrolled in the E.M.T. program which will help me in my goal to become a Registered Nurse.”

Shelby Bishop, Alumni

{Seven years after graduating from the CNA program at Region 10, I am still so thankful I had that opportunity. The CNA program taught me workforce readiness, how to care for patients, so much about the human anatomy, how to better be a part of the community, and how to be a member of a team in healthcare”

CERTIFIED NURSING ASST.

CAREERS & SALARIES

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Description: Provides basic patient care such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and taking vital signs under the supervision of an RN or LPN.

Salaries: Average salary ranges from $39,610 to $46,970 per year (Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Description: Performs more advanced nursing duties than a CNA, including administering medication and coordinating patient care.

Salaries: Average salary is approximately $60,790 per year (Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Registered Nurse (RN)

Description: Provides comprehensive nursing care, including administering treatments, coordinating patient care plans, and educating patients about their health conditions.

Salaries: Average salary ranges from $94,480 to $113,440 per year (Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Description: Provides advanced clinical care, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medication, and developing treatment plans.

Salaries: Average salary ranges from $128,490 to $214,200 per year (Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Read, DOwnload & SHARE

OUR DIGITAL FLIPBOOK

Download the accessible PDF version of the Flipbook below!

Joanne McMahon

Joanne McMahon

Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor

 

Email: mcmahon@r10tech.org

Phone: 207-729-6622 x119

 

About the Instructor

Joanne McMahon is the dedicated CNA instructor at Region 10 Technical High School, bringing over 41 years of nursing experience to her role. A graduate of Salve Regina University in 1983, Joanne was commissioned in the US Navy Nurse Corps, where she served for 21 years, attaining the rank of Commander before retiring in 2004. Her extensive military career shaped her teaching philosophy, emphasizing hands-on learning and active participation.

Joanne’s commitment to her students is evident in her approach, which combines practical experience with personal mentorship. She is passionate about seeing her students succeed, often saying that her favorite part of teaching is when her students have that “lightbulb” moment of understanding. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom; she has received the Joshua Chamberlain Award for her efforts in building community-military relations and serves as a past board member of the Independence Association. Additionally, Joanne is a founding member and chairperson of Veterans No Boundaries, an organization providing adaptive recreation to disabled veterans and their families. Her multifaceted involvement underscores her dedication to both her students and the broader community.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot post pictures of our clinical hours because of patient privacy, so this gallery only reflects our classroom activities … we do a lot more!

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INSTAGRAM GALLERY