Patient Care Academy

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Patient Care Academy

The course is run three times a year - January, May and September.

Certified Nurse Assistants and Patient Care Assistants are in extremely high demand; so much so that "patient care" was the second skill in greatest demand* by Kalamazoo County employers between the dates of May 1 - June 30, 2015. Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Patient Care Academy prepares individuals for these in demand healthcare positions.

Students who successfully complete the academy are eligible to take the State of Michigan examination to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). CNAs are qualified for multiple job opportunities with good starting salaries. CNAs are employed by nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, hospitals, retirement communities, hospice and private homes.

This fast-paced, 7-week program, provides classroom instruction, hands on practice in a lab, real world clinical experience and acute care observation experience at a local hospital.

Clinical/observation times will vary.

Tuition is $1,200 and the program is eligible for funding through the Kalamazoo Promise, Veteran Education Benefits and Michigan Works!

*Source: Labor Insight Jobs (Burning Glass Technologies)

Industry Support

The Patient Care Academy has been approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and adheres to the most recent Michigan Nurse Aide Training curriculum model.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College actively seeks advice and feedback from employers in the Kalamazoo region to keep our training modules relevant and innovative. We pursue relationships with company leaders in the human resources, training and operations divisions. If you are an employer interested in becoming a part of our advisory group, please contact us.

The following organizations have provided ongoing advisement, feedback, and/or served as a host for clinical training or acute care observations.

  • Borgess Medical Center
  • Bronson Methodist Hospital
  • Bronson Commons
  • Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
  • Rose Arbor
  • New Friends Memory Care
  • Absolute Home Care
  • Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
  • Plainwell Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation

Program Eligibility

The Patient Care Academy adheres to the standards set by the State of Michigan for Certified Nurse Assistant training.

To be eligible for admission to the academy, candidates must demonstrate they have the prerequisite traits needed for success in the program and for employability:

  • ability to work with people
  • desire to work in a healthcare environment
  • ability to follow instruction
  • desire to assist individuals to ensure quality living
  • have stamina, good physical condition, good health, and personal hygiene
  • self-motivated/directed
  • ability to meet physical and immunization requirements
  • ability to meet criminal background requirements
  • ability to pass a drug screen

Contact Us

Employers are encouraged to contact us to arrange student interviews. Potential students are encouraged to tour the facilities. Appointments can be arranged at your convenience.

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

General Inquiries

269.353.1282

Program Contacts
Katelyn Vinson, Program Coordinator

269.353.1282

Mailing Address
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Groves Campus
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo MI 49003

FAX
269.353.1580