Focus on basic skills, such as:

• Vital signs
• Medical terminology
• Patient communication
• Treatment of common diseases
• Intern with personnel in local health facilities

In addition, you will learn about the following:

• Professional standards and regulations
• First aid and CPR
• Infection control
• HIV/AIDS training
• Nursing assistant duties including personal care 
• Measuring and recording data

At the end of the first semester you will be prepared to intern with health care professionals. In second semester, you may intern in skilled nursing facilities and may even be eligible for a paid Nursing Assistant position. You will finish the program with over 50 hours of direct patient care experience.

Who do I talk to with questions?

Instructor: Michele Perisho, 509-354-7418

My name is Michele Perisho and I am the instructor of the Medical Careers program at the NEWTech Skill Center. So I am a four year (BSN) RN. I have 24 years experience as a nurse and my specialty area is in the Operating room, however, I have worked in a lot of diverse nursing areas. I also have a Masters Degree in Children and Family Ministries. My first year teaching at the Skill Center was during the 2010-2011 school year. The first 5 students I had that completed my class and applied to take the Washington State NAC exams all passed the first time!

As students, part of the second half of the school year is spent in a skilled nursing facility working one-on-one with an NAC, perfecting skills that were learned in the first semester of the program.

Upon completion of this class, the students are highly encouraged to take the Washington State NAC exams (written and skills tests). Once they pass those, they are able to work anywhere as a NAC (as long as they are 18). If they are not yet 18, they can work in Assisted living facilities and adult care homes. The average starting wage for an NAC is approximately $12.00 an hour! Very good wage if you are just a graduating senior!

They also get the required 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training. This accounts for one college credit at SCC.

Many nursing programs are now requiring entering students to have their NAC before acceptance into the program. A high school Junior or Senior will get this for free through the Skill Center, whereas someone else will have to pay approximately 7-8 hundred dollars to acquire this certification on their own.

Upon successfully completing this program, you may be eligible for up to 6 college credits at Spokane Community College. See your instructor for more information.