Healthcare Education Programs at Cerro Coso Community College

Cerro Coso Community College, located in Ridgecrest, CA, offers a range of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for various careers within the healthcare industry. These programs are tailored to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and provide comprehensive training to ensure student success in this vital field.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Cerro Coso Community College equips students with the essential skills required to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The program includes both theoretical coursework and practical experience.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program can be completed in approximately one semester.
• Curriculum: Students learn basic nursing skills, patient care techniques, and how to assist patients with activities of daily living.
• Hands-on Training: Clinical practice in local healthcare facilities allows students to gain real-world experience.
• Certification: Graduates are prepared to sit for the state certification exam to become a licensed CNA.

Medical Assisting Program

The Medical Assisting program prepares students to perform administrative and clinical tasks in various healthcare environments, such as physician offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program is typically completed in two semesters.
• Curriculum: Coursework includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, administrative duties, and patient interaction.
• Clinical Experience: Students participate in externships that provide practical, on-the-job training.
• Credentials: Successful completion of the program qualifies students to take the Medical Assistant certification exam.

Health and Fitness Trainer

The Health and Fitness Trainer program is designed for individuals interested in promoting health and wellness through fitness training. While it is not strictly a healthcare program, it plays an integral role in preventative health care.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program can be completed in several semesters, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
• Curriculum: It covers areas such as exercise physiology, nutrition, injury prevention, and fitness assessment.
• Practical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in fitness training and health promotion.
• Certification: Graduates may pursue various fitness trainer certifications.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Cerro Coso Community College trains students to provide critical emergency medical care in pre-hospital settings.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program is usually one semester long.
• Curriculum: Includes emergency response protocols, patient assessment, CPR, and basic life support skills.
• Field Experience: Clinical ride-alongs and internships with local emergency services offer practical experience.
• Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry EMT exam to become certified EMTs.

Get Started Today

Cerro Coso Community College’s healthcare education programs provide robust training and certification opportunities for individuals looking to enter or advance in the healthcare industry. With a variety of programs catering to different interests and career goals, students can find the right fit to launch their healthcare careers. For more information on admissions and program specifics, prospective students can visit Cerro Coso Community College’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.