Continuing Education – Health Education

Upon successful completion of the certified nurse aid courses students are eligible to apply for the state exam and seek placement on the DHSR CNA I registry or NCBON CNA II registry to work in a variety of healthcare settings. The Medication Aide course is designed for students to work in Assisted Living after taking an NC State Competency Medication Exam. 

Program Options  

• Nurse Aide Level I (CNA I) 

• Nurse Aide Level II (CNA II) 

• Refresher Courses (CNA I & II) 

• Medication Aide 

Class Locations 

CVCC-Main Campus Goodwill Workforce Development Center Alexander Center for Education 

U.S. HWY 70 SE 413 Thornburg Drive SE 345 Industrial Blvd. 

Hickory, NC 28602 Conover, NC 28613 Taylorsville, NC 28681 

 Course Schedules & Registration 

Students can review Continuing Education Schedules and register for classes here. 

Technology Standards 

All course materials are accessed through the on-line learning platform, Blackboard. Students need access to a computer and dependable internet. Communications related to the course are sent via the student’s CVCC e-mail address assigned at the time of registration. It is the student’s responsibility to check and review e-mails and Blackboard daily for important information. 

Requirements & Other Frequently Asked Questions 

Individual program requirements including cost, supply list, and vaccine information can be found in Frequently Asked Questions. Students are required to complete a background check and drug screen and provide proof of vaccines before starting clinical. 

Scholarships 

SECU Foundation Bridges to Careers Scholarship Program 

 Course Contact 

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected] 

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Ciji Woodward at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x4700. 

Program Option Details 

Nurse Aide Level 1 (CNA I) 

The Nurse Aide Level 1 course prepares students to provide personal care and perform basic CNA skills to work in a variety of health care settings including long-term care, hospitals, and home based services. Emphasis is placed on the aging process and covers topics including basic nursing skills, communication, patient’s rights, safety, CPR, and professional collaboration. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for the two-part written and skills portions of the state competency exam before being listed on the DHSR CNA I Registry. 

Nurse Aide Level 2 (CNA II) 

The Nurse Aide Level 2 course provides training in more complex skills for working with patients or residents regardless of setting. Topics covered include the role of the nurse aide II, oxygen therapy, sterile technique, wound care, suctioning, trach care, peripheral IV fluids, urinary cath, nutritional activities, and elimination procedures. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to register with the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) for certification. Visit NCBON to review Teaching Modules for Nurse Aide II Tasks. 

Refresher Courses 

Refresher courses are provided for both CNA I and CNA II to reinstate expired certifications (must be within the last 24 months) or obtain NC registry for out-of-state registered CNA I or II applicants. 

Program Coordinator 

Brooke Kistler, PhD, RN, CNE
Department Head, Nursing
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 828-327-7000 x4338
Office Location: CAD 571 

Program Information

The Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) is a new member of the dental team who fills an important role whether working with a health center or private practice. The CDHC can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach duties. The CDHC program provides Dental Assistants II, Certified Dental Assistants (CDA), or Registered Dental Hygienists an opportunity to expand their skills with a practical and theoretical basis for assisting in the reduction of disparities in dental health.

Class Offerings

Course Schedule

Admission Requirements and Criteria

• Ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting program activities.
• Complete and submit required proof of licensure or certification based on your specific State Dental Practice Act. Applicants must meet one of the following:
  • Registered Dental Hygienist (submit RDH license only)
  • Certified Dental Assistant (submit CDA certification only)
  • Be a graduate of a ADA CODA accredited dental assisting program (submit dental assisting diploma only) OR
• For Dental Assistants that earned DA II status via work experience and certifications:
  Applicants to the CDHC program at Catawba Valley Community College must provide proof of work experience and clinical competencies before applying to the program and the candidates must be in compliance with the dental practice act in the respective state.
  Documentation must be provided that the student possesses the required work experience and skills listed below. Submit proof of employment signed by a dentist/s and copies of course descriptions along with official transcripts, certificates from an approved educational provider, or state certificates/licensures demonstrating that the below competencies have been met.
  • Have a minimum of two years (3,000 hours) work experience as a chairside dental assistant; a dentist/s must verify employment. (Letter signed by dentist(s) confirming employment experience)
  • Required skills/competencies:
    • Ability to take radiographs
    • Ability to place sealants and fluoride
    • Ability to perform coronal polishing
    • Ability to identify suspicious lesions

Note: If you do not have proof that you have met the following competencies, you cannot be admitted to the program

• CPR card: Applicant must provide a copy of a current CPR card for Basic Life Support. The course must include the coursework and a hands-on skills component.
• Identify a dentist or coordinating provider in the community who agrees to work with you in a supervisory capacity throughout the CDHC program, providing guidance for the final project implementation during the Internship course.
• Immunizations: Applicants who are accepted and enroll in the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) program may be exposed to Blood borne and infectious diseases. Be advised that depending on the site selected for internship hours, you may be required to have current proof of immunizations for that site, and as such, be prepared well in advance. The applicant can apply and enroll in the CDHC program without submitting documentation of immunizations. If required, documentation will be submitted to the internship facility.

Program Courses and Schedules

The courses are structured as Modules. All of the modules listed above must be completed to obtain a Certificate as a Community Dental Health Coordinator.

Schedules: The schedule is based on two 16-week semesters. The modules, excluding Module 14, will be taken consecutively as listed in Semester 1 and Semester 2 below. The internship will consist of the student completing a community dental health clinic internship and a dental health project totaling 120 hours. The internship will run concurrently with the modules starting in week 12 or 13.

Course work will be completed through Blackboard and can be accessed at any time. Class will be held the third Thursday of each month through the WebEx website.

For more information, please visit: Community Dental Health Coordinator (ADA.org/CDHC)

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Taiasha McCoy-Stewart at [email protected].

Program Information

The Dental Assistant performs patient examinations, radiographs, and chair side dental procedures. They provide patient education by instructing patients in oral hygiene home care procedures.

Students will be a DA I (Dental Assistant I) once program is completed. Students can perform business management as well as clinical duties within their scope of practice.

The Dental Assisting Program is accepted by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification program.

Class offerings

Course Schedule

Admission Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma or GED certificate. Student must be 18 years of age or older. CPR will be scheduled after the student is admitted to the program.

Program Duration: 24 Weeks

Total Clock Hours: 304
Lecture/Online – 80 hours
Clinical – 224 hours

Dental Assisting Program Courses includes:

Enrollment

Students successfully completing medical terminology with an 80% or better will automatically be offered a seat in the Medical Assisting course which will meet on Monday and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30, January-December.   

Becoming a CCMA, Medical Assistant through NHA (National Healthcareers Association): After completing the courses in this program, while maintaining grades of 80% or better for each course section, the student will have the opportunity to sit for the NHA Medical Assisting Certification Exam. This will be administered in the last week of class. Upon passing, the student will become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, CCMA.

Our Medical Assisting program consists of 2 courses:

1^st class – Medical Assisting-Med Term, July- December (MED-8701)

2^nd class – Medical Assisting, January–December (MED-3300)

Class Offerings

Classes are added to the course schedule each May, August and December.  Check back if you do not see the course.

Registration

Note:  The current classes for 2025 are full.  The next class, which will be available soon to register for, is Medical Assisting-Med Term beginning in July 2026.

Please visit the Instant Online Enrollment portal to register for the upcoming class.

Program Information

Pre-requisite Course: Medical Terminology, 16 total weeks, Begins in July

• Includes 5 in-person classes once per month, Mondays from 5:30-7:30
• All other work is completed online

Admissions Requirements: None.  However, most employers will require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Medical Assisting: Total weeks in the program: 45 weeks

• Jan-April 12 weeks – Non-Clinical Skills (CPR Included)
• April-July 12 Weeks – Phlebotomy Skills
• July-Dec  21 Weeks – Clinical Skills

Total Course hours: 615, Lecture/Lab: 261 hours Online: 354 hours

Scholarship Opportunities with NC Works

Contact your local NC Works Career Center about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program to seek assistance with funding for the medical assisting program. Our local office serves Catawba & Alexander (828-466-5535), Burke (828-438-6161) and Caldwell (828-759-4680) counties. If outside these four counties, contact your local NC Works Career Center.

WIOA is a needs-based program requiring application and enrollment to be completed 6-8 weeks PRIOR to the class start in July.

Apprenticeship

Our Medical Assisting program is aligned with local medical offices to offer some students the option of an apprenticeship. This program is sanctioned by the US Department of Labor and offers paid working hours while the student is in the program. Upon successful completion, the student will receive a National Journey Worker certificate.

The candidates will be selected by the employer/instructors before or during the Medical Assisting-Med Term class to work a schedule mutually agreed upon between the student and employer. Each year the number of apprenticeships and start dates change; there may or may not be apprenticeships for every student.

Program Schedule Outline

Pre-Req

Medical Assisting

Program Cost and Supplies

(Approximate and subject to change)

Amount due at registration: $186.25 (Includes: tuition and fees for Medical Terminology, MED-8701)

Amount needed first day of Class: $156.75 (4-month Cengage Unlimited access for medical terminology)

Amount due in December:  $316.25 (Tuition, fees, Malpractice Insurance, and CPR for Medical Assisting, MED 3300)

Amount due in January $240.00 (1 year Cengage Unlimited for Medical Assisting)

Amount due/ Items to be purchased before starting the Apprenticeship/Clinicals: $326 (Includes: Castlebranch ($87 if not covered by your employer), shoes, scrubs, NHA CPT certification exam, plus the cost of the physical examination/immunization records)

Amount due and Items to be purchased before the 8th month in the program: $90 for supplies (stethoscope, analog watch)

Amount due one month prior to the end of class: $165 for the NHA CCMA Certification exam

All costs are subject to change.

Course Information 

The focus of the Medical Administrative Assistant course is to prepare students for entry-level employment as medical office receptionists and other administrative positions in a variety of settings. Through the program, students gain knowledge of medical terminology, general medical office procedures and acquire the skills necessary to deliver effective customer service and perform important administrative duties. The course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to develop and maintain patient files and records, become familiar with medical ethics and compliance and HIPAA rules and regulations related to the privacy and security of patient information. Upon completion, the student will have the knowledge to sit for industry-recognized certifications through NHA to become a Certified Administrative Medical Assistant.   

Mode of Study:  Online 

Prerequisite:  None, however Employers will typically require a high school diploma or GED.

Note:  The first class meets virtually.   

Optional:  Weekly virtual sessions 

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Laura Richard at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x 4523.

This course is designed to meet the training requirements for becoming qualified as a Medication Aide. The course will cover the six rights of medication administration for non-licensed personnel. Topics will include medication administration via the oral, topical and instillation routes, medical asepsis, hand hygiene, terminology, and legal implications. Upon completion, students should be able to take the competency exam and demonstrate skills necessary to qualify for listing on the North Carolina Medication Aide Registry.

Upon successful completion, students can apply for the NC State Competency Medication Aide exam.

This class is designed for Medication Aide training to work in an Assisted Living Facility.

Course Offerings

Medication Aide courses are available throughout the year including summer and are posted on the Course Schedules in Continuing Education. To locate available courses please search “Medication Aide” from your browser search function.

Program Requirements & Cost

Tuition for the Medication Aide course is $125.00 plus $90.00 for supplies, $1.25 in accident insurance, and a $5.00 technology fee. Textbook and other supplies required.

Registration Requirements

1. Select the Medication Aide Course from the Continuing Education Course Schedules that best fits your schedule.
2. Collect the following documentation:
   1. Government-issued signature bearing photo ID
   2. GED or High School Diploma/Transcript
   3. Currently active, unencumbered CNA I certification
3. The continuing education department will contact you via E-mail to complete the registration process.

All enrollments must be pre-registered and pre-paid.

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Dr. Brooke Kistler at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x 4338.

Course Information

The Medical Billing and Coding program prepares students for entry-level employment in medical billing and coding for physicians’ offices, insurance companies and a variety of settings. Course provides training in outpatient medical billing and coding concepts.  Students are equipped to code diseases, surgeries and medical procedures for billing and collection utilizing ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding systems, to organize, analyze, and technically examine health insurance claims for reimbursement and rejected claims for resubmission. Upon completion, the student will have the knowledge to sit for industry-recognized certifications.   

Mode of Study:  Online 

Prerequisites:  Medical Administrative Assistant (includes medical terminology) or current healthcare experience including front office skills and medical terminology.   

Note:  The first class meets in-person to borrow coding manuals.   

Optional:  Weekly virtual sessions are recommended. 

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Laura Richard at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x 4523.

Pharmacy Technical Training prepares students to take the national exam with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This class provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform as a pharmacy technician under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Topics of study include the effects of medication on body systems, daily preparation and distribution of drugs, pharmacy law, vocabulary and calculations.

Next Classes – August 18-Dec 18

Class Format:  Virtual Meeting first day of class.  Optional, weekly meetings during the duration of the course.

Class Offering

Classes are added to the course schedule each May, August and December.  Check back if you do not see your class on the schedule.

When searching for this class, press CTL and the F key to open a Find box. Type either PHM-3250 OR Pharmacy Technician.

Registration

Please visit the Instant Online Enrollment portal to register for the upcoming class. Use keyword “Pharmacy” then scroll down to Pharmacy Technician Training (PHM-3250).

Prerequisites: None.  To gain employment after the class, most employers will require a high school diploma or GED.

Costs

Registration fee – $180.00
Accident insurance – $1.25
Technology fee – $5.00

Malpractice Insurance – $20.00
Total cost due at registration – $206.25
A textbook will also be required.

Total Class Hours: 204

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Laura Richard at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x 4523.

Course Information

Phlebotomy prepares students for careers in healthcare and laboratory settings, focusing on drawing and processing blood. Students will learn proper techniques for performing venipuncture and skin puncture and will practice both simulated and real sticking techniques on one another during class and lab sessions.

To pass the course, students must successfully complete all three components—class, lab, and clinical—with a grade of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of the class and lab portions, students will be assigned a 40-hour, 1-week clinical rotation at a first-shift clinical site.

Classes are added to the course schedule each May, August and December.  Check back to see more courses.  The classes will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30pm. Phlebotomy classroom is located in the Cuylar A. Dunbar (CAD) building, Room 148 on the Hickory Campus.  Classes held at the Alexander Complex will meet in the Alexander Applied Technology Center.

Registration Information

Prerequisites: Students must be 18 prior to the class start date.  Note: Many employers will also require a GED or high school diploma.

Cost: Additional course materials will also be required. There is an additional fee to register for ASPT exam. The itemized registration expenses are as follows:

• Registration fee: $180
• CPR: $15
• Liability insurance: $20.00
• Accident insurance: $1.25
• Lab fee: $95
• Technology fee: $5
• Total cost due at registration $316.25

Additional Fees: The total approximate fees total is $340-$445. These items are required; however, certification exam is optional. Prices are subject to change.

• Textbook $160.00
• Black Scrub Tops (2) $45.00
• Black Scrub Pants (2) $45.00
• Background check and drug screening (CastleBranch) $90.00
• ASPT Certification Exam (Optional) $105.00

All enrollments must be pre-registered and all fees (tuition, lab and insurance) pre-paid.

Please visit the Instant Online Enrollment portal to register for the upcoming class.

Course Contact

For registration, payment, and scholarship information, please contact our Continuing Education Operations Center at [email protected]

For questions on the class content and process, please contact Laura Richard at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x 4523.

Clinical Policy and Health Requirements

Clinical Policy: Phlebotomy requires completion of educational experiences in clinical and lab facilities. Students are required to have completed a Federal and North Carolina criminal background check including sex offender and public protection registry, covering a minimum of seven (7) years (at student’s expense) prior to attending clinical. In addition, some clinical sites require students to submit to a drug screening. If a student is excluded from clinical and lab facilities as a result of a background check and/or drug testing, the student may be removed from the class.

Some facilities may also require additional vaccinations and/or health examinations, which may result in additional expenses to the students (depending on your healthcare provider). As a guest in the clinical site, students must adhere to all rules and regulations of the facility. The facility has the right to decide if a student’s behavior or performance is unacceptable and mandate the removal of the student from their clinical site. Program dismissal will occur for the student removed from clinical by the facility. In the event that a student does not complete the class due to being unable to participate or complete clinical, no refund will be made according to the NC Community College System policy that is outlined in the schedule.

I have read, understand, and agree to the clinical policy and how it applies to my participation in this class.

Clinical requirements and costs to student are subject to change based on facility requirements.

Health Requirements: I understand that healthcare facilities require students to complete the health requirements before being allowed to participate in clinical experience at their site. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide documentation that I have completed the requirements listed below. I understand that failure to provide required documentation will prevent me from participating in clinical rotation. I understand that I will be told the date that all health requirements are due, and it is my responsibility to provide the documentation by that date to be able to participate in clinical. I understand that if I am unable to provide this information, I will not be allowed to participate in clinical.

• 1 QuantiFERON Blood Test, or Two-step tuberculin skin test (at least 1 week apart) within the past 6 months or documentation as a previous positive reactor, or a chest x-ray taken within the past 12 months and/or questionnaire; and
• Proof of rubella and rubeola, and mumps immunity by positive antibody titers or two (2) doses of MMR
• Varicella immunity, by positive antibody titer or proof of two (2) doses of Varicella
• Proof of Hepatitis B immunization or completion of a certification of a declination of vaccine, if patient contact is anticipated
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis – one Tdap (at age 11 or after) and Td or Tdap every ten years thereafter
• Haemophilus influenza vaccination (If clinical falls between 10/1 and 3/31)
• Student has submitted to school signed attestation that he or she is free from contagious disease(s).

Health Requirements are subject to change based on Facility requirements.

Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the order in which you receive the above health requirements to ensure that you are able to have all completed by due date.