What do Healthcare Technicians do?

Healthcare Technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings under the direction of a licensed registered nurse. They are certified nursing assistants who perform a wide range of work activities from advanced technical clinical skills to specialized clerical skills that otherwise fall under the auspice of nursing duties. The Healthcare Technician certificate consists of 35 credit hours and provides training in urinary catheterization, basic respiratory care, oximetry, phlebotomy, blood glucose monitoring, sterile technique, wound care, transcription of doctor’s orders, and other technical and clerical health unit management skills.  Students must be accepted into the Healthcare Technician Program (HCTP). The Healthcare Technician program is designed to lead to and articulate with the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), although students must also compete for a place into the Nursing Program (ADN).  ALL applicants must see the nursing/healthcare tech advisor BEFORE applying to the Healthcare Tech Program*. HEALTHCARE TECHNICIAN ADVISING SHEETS (WHAT CLASSES YOU TAKE).

First, you must hold a current CNA licensure and have worked as a certified nursing assistant for a minimum of three (3) months in either a nursing home or other healthcare related facility.

Second, you must be admitted to UNM-Gallup and have Proof of COMPASS placement testing scores within the last six (6) months (click on "Academic Testing") OR you ALREADY are admitted to UNM-Gallup and already have taken the Compass Placement Tests and already successfully completed all developmental courses required based on your previous COMPASS score. A copy of either your compass scores or your transcript showing successfully completed developmental courses needs to be attached to your Healthcare Technician application. For more information about compass placement scores, click here.   Do not forget to attach a copy of your transcript and compass scores to your application. You may get your Compass Placement Scores at the College Learning Center on the 2nd floor of Gurley Hall on UNM-G campus.

Third, you must hold a current CPR Certification for Healthcare Professionals (this is the American Heart Association's CPR for healthcare professionals and these classes are offered at RMCH.) Your CPR must be valid for the duration of your time in the Healthcare Technician program.

Fourth, your immunizations must be current. Take the form at the link to your physician or nurse practitioner to be completed. This form should be attached to your application to the Healthcare Technician Program OR you must have it in hand on the first day of classAcademic Depts

Click here for the form: immunizations (MMR, PPD, Hepatitis B series, Tetanus and Chicken Pox-titer or history of disease)

HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION WAIVER FORM HERE!

Fifth, you must have a completed application to the HCT Program* HOW STUDENTS ARE SELECTED INTO THE HEALTHCARE TECH PROGRAM.

Finally, you must have successfully completed:

• The HCTP pre-requisites with a "C" or better in each course; and
• successfully completed the Nursing Assistant skills exam.