Home | Future Students | Degrees & Certificates | Paraprofessional Nursing
Paraprofessional Nursing
The Paranursing Program at Dodge City Community College prepares students for entry-level healthcare careers through focused, skills-based training. This program includes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medication Aide (CMA) pathways designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors required to provide safe, compassionate care in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to meet state certification requirements and to work as valued members of the healthcare team in long-term care, assisted living, and other patient care environments.
Click Here to Apply or For More Information
Program Information
About Program (Skills)
Students completing the Paraprofessional Nursing program will gain the following:
- Basic patient care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Measurement and documentation of vital signs
- Infection control and standard precautions
- Safe medication administration (CMA track)
- Observation, reporting, and documentation of patient status
- Therapeutic communication with patients and families
- Ethical and professional behavior in healthcare settings
- Team-based collaboration with nurses and healthcare staff
- Resident rights and patient safety principles
- Time management and prioritization in care delivery
Career Options
Graduates of the Paraprofessional Nursing program may pursue the following careers:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals (entry-level patient care roles)
- Home health agencies (with additional requirements)
- Geriatric care settings
- Healthcare support roles with advancement opportunities
1 Semester (6 credits)
CNA Certificate
1 Semester (5 credits)
CMA Certificate
Tuition
$30*/per credit hour
Fees
$105**/per credit hour
Books
All materials are included
Other Program Fees
$138
* This rate applies to residents of Ford County. The rate for residents outside of Ford County is $60/per credit hour. International rate is $80/per credit hour.
** Online Courses have an additional $10/per credit hour fee.
Tuition and fees are subject to change
Fall
Spring
Summer
Students may start this program at the beginning of the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Job Outlook*
CNA/CMA – 2% Growth
Annual Median Salary*
CNA/CMA – $39,430
*As of August 2025
Faculty
Tiffani Green
Professor of Paraprofessional Nursing
A.A.S. in Nursing
Chelsea Konrade
Professor of Paraprofessional Nursing
A.A.S. in Nursing
Sample Degree Plans
Year 1
Fall (6 Credits):
- AH 103 – Nurse Aide – 6 Credits
Year 1
Fall (5 Credit Hours):
- AH 109 – Medication Aide – 5 Credits
Key
T▶ Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course
* Course requires a C or higher
^ Course has a testing or prerequisite requirement
Click here to see all of our available Degree Maps.