You can learn a variety of health occupations at JCCC. According to the Department of Labor, employment opportunities in healthcare are among the fastest growing in the nation. These programs are offered at JCCC:

Practical nurse: A licensed practical nurse is a vital member of the health care team, providing nursing care to selected patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. JCCC offers both day and evening/weekend practical nursing programs. The day program is divided into two semesters and is completed in 10 months. The evening/weekend program is completed in18 months. Upon successful completion of the program, you may apply to take the practical nursing licensing exam. After completing the practical nursing program, LPNs may continue their education to become a registered nurse.

Certified nurse aide: This 96-hour course provides classroom and clinical instruction for basic care of clients in long-term and acute-care facilities. You'll learn skills for daily hygiene, bedside care, vital-sign measurement, positioning and safe transfer of clients in addition to common health problems and chronic illnesses. Clinical practice sessions are conducted in the nursing home setting. Courses are also offered online.

CNA refresher: In Kansas, a certified nurse aide is required to work at least eight hours every two years for the CNA certificate to remain active. If a CNA does not work for two years, he or she must complete a 10-hour refresher course that meets the state requirement to activate the CNA certificate. The course includes five hours of classroom instruction and five hours of laboratory experience.

Certified medication aide: This 80-hour course covers information related to many commonly prescribed medications. You'll learn the classification, side effects and techniques of administration, including preparations and accurate distribution of medications. The Kansas CMA examination is administered to those who successfully complete this course, and you'll be eligible to work in an expanded role in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

CMA update:  Certified medication aides in Kansas are required to obtain 10 hours of continuing education every two years to renew the CMA certificate. This course meets the state requirements for recertification and includes review of commonly used drugs and their interactions with foods and other drugs. Classes are also available online. A roster of CMAs who complete the update course will be submitted to the Department of Health and Environment for certificate renewal.

Home health aide: Home health aides provide support services for people of all age levels in the home setting. This 21-hour course provides you with information necessary for nutritional meal planning, task modification, emotional support and personal services to clients and families needing health care assistance at home.

Rehabilitative aide: The role of a rehab aide is gaining more importance as nursing homes seeks to employ "universal workers" to enhance the quality of life for their residents. This 32-hour rehabilitative aide course includes both classroom and laboratory instruction in basic skills skills to enhance the functional abilities of elderly residents and residents with special needs in long-term care. When the course is completed, you'll be eligible to work in an expanded role in long-term care and assisted living facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse in collaboration with the skilled rehab team.

IV Therapy for LPN: IV certification is a marketable skills that provides LPNs with a wider range of employment options. This 48-hour course prepares an LPN to work with clients who require intravenous fluid therapy. The course meets the Kansas requirements for nurses seeking certification in IV therapy. Graduates of this course earn 42 contact hours of continuing education required for the renewal of their license.

Currently, classes are held on the King's Cove Campus, just west of the I-35 and 75th Street interchange (classes will move to the college's new Olathe Health Education Center in 2011). For more information, contact Jane Zaccardi, director, practical nursing and health occupations, 913-469-8500, ext. 2383, or jzaccard@jccc.edu