Nursing Fundamentals
The Nursing Fundamentals program prepares students for a variety of healthcare careers, as well as satisfies a precursor for many medical programs, such as Nursing and Physical Therapy. When the students successfully complete the course, they are eligible to sit for the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam and, when they pass the exam, can enter the workforce immediately.
Our labs boasts 8 “hospital” bays complete with working hospital beds and practice mannequins to gain hands-on experience prior to stepping foot in a real facility. We have all the equipment seen in a modern long term care facility, so the students are comfortable when they move to the clinical portion of our course. We spend a minimum of 40 hours in a local healthcare facility, working with real patients and making friendships that last a lifetime. Many of our students are offered jobs before they leave the facility, insuring them a steady income while they continue their educational progression.
Course Information
Three courses over two semesters are offered at CATS. All courses provide training through classroom and lab time. The Nursing Fundamentals also includes the State required clinical internship which allows students real-world hands on experience.
After completing these courses students may sit for the CNA certification exam. Students must by 18 years old to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Students may complete training beyond CATS to obtain certification to be listed on the Nurse Aide 1 Registry. Students have two years to complete this training in order for the endorsement to remain valid.
Informational Video
I graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1981 and Wingate College with BSN in 1995. I Have taught for 20 years. I am married to the best thing that ever happened to me for 34 years, with two great children and two magnificent grandchildren!
Hello! My name is Jamie Head, and I'm thrilled to say this is my 4th year teaching health science. I have been nursing for 21 years. I began my nursing career as a CNA and worked as a CNA during nursing school. I currently work at Frye Regional Medical Center as well as the Iredell-Statesville School System.