Pre-Nursing: Clinical & Patient Care

Program Prerequisites: Must have 4 semesters of high school completed, have a minimum GPA of 2.6 and be on the Core 40 Diploma track; or have passed a standardized test with one of the following scores:

Students in the Pre-Nursing: Clinical and Patient Care program build their healthcare knowledge through hands-on learning in a modern clinical lab while exploring both the clinical and patient care sides of healthcare.

During the first year, students develop a strong clinical foundation through coursework in healthcare systems, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, infection control, professionalism, and patient communication while preparing for the National Healthcare Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. Instruction includes vital signs, specimen collection, EKG, medication administration concepts, laboratory procedures, electronic medical records, and assisting providers during patient examinations.

During the second year, students expand their skills into direct patient care while completing advanced healthcare coursework, earning additional certifications, and participating in a year-long internship with a healthcare partner. Students also complete dual credit coursework while preparing for careers in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Students also study medical law and ethics, electronic health records, behavioral health, and advanced workplace skills.

Students completing the Pre-Nursing program at the EACC will be prepared and have the required knowledge for the next step in their career journey, whether it’s college or directly into the career field.

During their two years at the EACC, Pre-Nursing students will have the opportunity to earn 27.5 college credits through dual enrollment at Ivy Tech, at no charge to the student/family and by simply successfully completing the EACC program. Students who complete the program will have the opportunity to test for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), CPR/Basic Life Support, Electrocardiography (EKG), and Phlebotomy certifications.

Students who complete additional dual enrollment courses through their home high school or the EACC can earn a Healthcare Specialist Technical Certificate from Ivy Tech Community College.