West Hills Community College accepting applications for nursing programs

West Hills Community College is now accepting applications for its three nursing programs. The programs include the Nurse Assistant Training Program, Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program, and the Licensed Vocational Nurse to Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Bridge Program.

The application period for the Nurse Assistant Training Program ends Dec. 15 and the Associate of Science Degree and the Licensed Vocational Nurse to Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Bridge Program’s application ends Feb. 2. Information sessions for all health career programs will be on Nov. 30 from noon-1 p.m., Dec. 1 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., and Dec. 9 from noon-1 p.m. All will be held in room 821 at West Hills Community College.

“Health care is a growing field with an increasing demand for nurses in our area,” said Kathryn DeFede, West Hills Community College District interim director of health careers. “If considering a career in health care, our programs are an excellent way to receive a certification, be able to be employed and use this certification and experience for advancement in health care.”

The two-year ADN program qualifies students to take the RN NCLEX exam to become a licensed registered nurse. Students must be at least 18 and have completed all prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 and with a grade of C or better in each course.

The Licensed Vocational Nurse to Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Bridge Program lasts one year and qualifies students who already hold a vocational nursing license to take the RN NCLEX exam to become a licensed registered nurse. In addition to meeting the same requirements as the ADN program, students must also hold a CPR card and have received a minimum score of 62 percent on the Assessment Technologies Institute of Essential Academic Skills test.

The Nurse Assistant Training Program prepares students to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant over the course of 63 classroom hours and 135 hours of clinical experience and begins Jan. 16. The program runs until May 25 and is offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Students must enroll as a West Hills Community College student, be at least 17, and go through a physical exam, TB test, drug test, criminal background check and hold a CPR card.

DeFede added that the programs prepare students to go into a field that is in need of new employees.

“In the Central Valley, the health care industry is short 400 registered nurses each graduation year,” she said.

For more information or an application packet for any of these programs, visit www.westhillscollege.com/lemoore/academics/health or call the Health Careers Office at 559-924-3490.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 11:28 PM with the headline "West Hills Community College accepting applications for nursing programs."