Click here for the Program Application.

The Patient Care Academy is designed to prepare students for a specific occupation.  Unlike more generalized educational programs, this training opportunity is not likely to benefit students who do not intend to pursue employment as a patient care professional. This training is also effective for health care students intending to continue education in another health care field, such as nursing.  The Patient Care Academy provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in the health care industry.

Participants applying for admission to this academy will be asked to demonstrate the background and capabilities employers require through application, references, competency testing, and interviewing.  Each candidate will be selected for the training based on suitability for the healthcare industry.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College has structured the application process to verify the criteria candidates need for success in the Academy, and to assure graduates have the characteristics and capabilities healthcare employers require for hire.  Students must have each of the following:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• A valid driver’s license or state ID
• A commitment to safe work habits
• Ability to move and manipulate at least 50 pounds
• Computer literacy
• Skills in math, reading, and writing
• Self-motivated, energetic and possess a positive attitude
• Clean criminal background check*
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Physical examination*
• Immunization record*
• Clean drug screen*
• Influenza (Flu) vaccination (from October-March)*

* A condition that must be met for participation in the Patient Care Academy Program is a clear "Background Check,” which is explained below.
The State of Michigan (Enrolled House Bill No. 4057, May 10, 2002) mandates a "Background Check" for every student in a Long-Term Care Nurse Aide/Orderly Program or one which contains this content along with a clinical component. This Bill states in Section 20173 (1) that a health facility or agency that is a nursing home, county medical facility, or home for the aged shall not employ, independently contract with, or grant clinical privileges to an individual who regularly provides direct services to patients or residents in the health facility or agency if the individual has been convicted of 1or more of the following:

(a)  A felony or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony within the 15 years immediately preceding the date of application for employment or clinical privileges.

(b) A misdemeanor involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, or criminal sexual conduct or involving fraud or theft against a vulnerable adult as that term is defined in section 145m of the Michigan penal code, or a state or federal crime that is substantially similar to a misdemeanor described in this subdivision within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application for employment or clinical privileges.

A completed application does not guarantee admission into the Patient Care Academy.  Admission is based on assessment of each candidate through application, references, competency testing, and interviews.  Once you are accepted into the program you will be asked to provide a deposit to reserve your seat in the class.  Full payment is due 1 week before the start of class. Students receiving financial assistance through a 3rd party agency will not be considered registered until written confirmation has been received from the 3rd party agency.  Failure to provide payment and proper documentation of the required materials (as listed above) before the start of class may result in forfeiting your seat in the Academy program.