Healthcare & Human Services
Courses
- Practical Nursing Program
- Nursing Assistant Program
- Medical Physics & Anatomy / Physiology (Pre-Med)
- Advanced Placement Biology / Biology Lab II
Practical Nursing Program
Practical Nursing Program
CEC's Practical Nursing Program is a unique high school Practical Nursing Program, with national and state accreditation that prepares high school graduates for entry-level practical nursing practice. Please see the Practical Nursing section of our website for more information about the program and to download needed forms.
Applying to the CEC Practical Nursing program
- January 20, 2026
- Application to PN Program opens on CEC website.
- Be sure to include your PERSONAL email address on the application.
- March 6, 2026
- Application window closes.
- March 20, 2026
- If minimum entrance requirements are met, students will be contacted via email for interview.
- Be sure to include your PERSONAL email address on the application. Please do not open the email from your phone. All pertinent information will not be visible on your phone. In order to see all the information, the email must be opened from a computer.
- April 8, 2026
- Interviews will take place at CEC with Nursing faculty.
- April 10, 2026
- Last day we will accept recommendation letter.
- Provide three recommendation letters from a Math, English and Science teacher.
- Download the Teacher Recommendation form from the CEC website.
- Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by the teacher.
- Last day we will accept recommendation letter.
- April 24, 2026
- Acceptance letters will be sent to the personal email address listed on your application.
Prerequisites for entrance into the CEC Practical Nursing Program:
- Must attend a comprehensive APS High School, APS School of Choice, or an APS Charter School.
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Must be 16 years old by the first day of September in the year you begin the program.
- Must be capable of performing Essential Functions (see website for information).
- Must have two (2) semesters of Biology with a minimum of a “B” each semester.
- Must have two (2) years of Mathematics with a minimum of “B” each year.
Additional Information: Once accepted into the program, the student will be expected to obtain:
- Access to internet
- Access to a printer with ink and paper
- Access to an APS Chromebook
- Reliable transportation to CEC for AM session and to all clinical sites regardless of session
- Uniforms/nursing shoes
- Medical release to perform Essential Functions
- Primary TB test
- Annual influenza vaccine
- COVID vaccine (at least the first 2 vaccines) or proof of a Bivalent
- Up-to-date immunizations
- CPR certification – basic life support for healthcare providers (classes will be offered at CEC)
- $150.00 lab fee due at the beginning of the first semester to cover the cost of ATI on-line preparation for nursing course work, and $65.00 lab fee due at the beginning of each subsequent semester, for a total of $410.00
- Purchase of resource books as needed
- Drug book
- Care plan book
- Pathophysiology book
At the end of the first semester of the program students will:
- Be fingerprinted for NM Department of Health
- Be drug tested by a SAMSHA certified laboratory
- Clinical settings require Social Security numbers and proof of citizenship
Important dates for selected students:
- Mandatory Parent Meetings will be scheduled for June 2026
- CPR classes scheduled at CEC TBA
Process and Timeline for Practical Nursing Applications (PDF)
All correspondence with the PN program is via email! You must provide a valid PERSONAL email address.
For further information, please contact Program Director or Admissions Coordinator:
Program Director: Rebecca Tawney Weatherford, MSN FNP-BC
(505) 247-3658, ext. 45406 • weatherford@aps.edu
Admissions Coordinator: Pat Kious, BSN RN
kious@aps.edu
Program is nationally accredited by:
Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000 • www.acenursing.org
Program is approved by:
New Mexico Board of Nursing
6301 Indian School NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 • www.bon.nm.gov
Please see below for schedule and information regarding specific classes.
The CEC PN Program is a 2-Year 5-Semester Program
Junior Year
Fall semester – Nursing Science 1
- Theory: Principles of Nursing Science / Anatomy and Physiology
- Concept Based Curriculum
- Nursing labs & simulations
Spring Semester - Nursing Science 2
- Theory: Assessment and Health Promotion across the Lifespan
- Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical Experiences
- Concept Based Curriculum
- Nursing labs & simulations
- Nutrition for Nursing Students (required class in sequence that includes online component)
Summer Seniors
Nursing Science 3 – between 11th and 12th grade
- Theory: Pharmacology
- Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical Experiences
- Patient care with medication administration
- Nursing labs & simulations
Senior Year
Fall semester – Nursing Science 4
- Theory: Medical Surgical Nursing Care across the Lifespan
- Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical Experiences
- Concept Based Curriculum
- Nursing labs & simulations
Spring Semester – Nursing Science 5
- Theory: Behavioral Mental Health across the Lifespan. Pediatric/Maternal Child, Care Delivery and Professional Attributes
- Clinical: Behavioral Health, Leadership and Medical Surgical Clinical Experience (Peds/MaternalChild) Internship/Work-Based Learning (ACE Health)
- Concept Based Curriculum
- Nursing labs & simulations
| Course | Semester | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Science 1 | Fall semester of Junior Year Principles of Nursing Science 2.0 HS elective credit Anatomy and Physiology 1.0 HS elective credit |
AM Class: Monday • 7:40-10:00 am Tues thru Fri • 7:40-11:00 am PM Class: Mon thru Thurs • 1:40–5:00 pm Friday • 1:40-3:00 pm |
| Nursing Science 2 | Spring semester of Junior year Theory: Assessment and Health Promotion across the Lifespan 1.0 HS elective credit Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical 1.0 HS elective credit Nutrition for Nursing Students (required class in sequence that includes online component) 1.0 HS elective credit |
Students are in class Monday thru Friday in January. Clinical begins in February, meets Mon & Tues AM or PM Didactic/Class AM Class: Wed thru Fri • 7:40-11:00 am PM Class: Wed thru Fri • 1:40-5:00 pm |
| Nursing Science 3 | Summer between Junior and Senior year Theory: Pharmacology 1.0 HS elective credit Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical 1.0 HS elective credit |
Clinical meets Mon & Tues – 10 hour shift |
| Nursing Science 4 | Fall semester of Senior year* Theory: Medical Surgical Nursing Care across the Lifespan 0.5 HS elective credit Clinical: Medical Surgical Clinical Experiences 1.0 HS elective credit |
Clinical meets Mon & Tues • 6:00–10:45 am (Hours may vary depending on clinical site) Didactic/Class meets Wed, Thurs & Fri • 7:40-11:00 am |
| Nursing Science 5 | Spring semester of Senior Year* Theory: Behavioral Health across the Lifespan. Peciatric/Maternal Child, Care Delivery and Professional Attributes 0.5 HS elective credit Clinical: Behavioral Health, Leadership and Medical Surgical Clinical Experience (Peds/MaternalChild) Internship/Work-Based Learning (ACE Health) - 2.0 HS elective credits |
Clinical meets Mon & Tues • 6:00–10:45 am (Hours may vary depending on clinical site) Didactic/Class meets Wed, Thurs & Fri • 7:40–11:00 am |
*For Senior Students – if possible do not take a 4th period class at your comprehensive high school. This decreases your chances of being late to class from clinical.
Total credits = 12.0 HS elective credits.
NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Healthcare & Human Services - Physical Health
Nursing Assistant Program
Nursing Assistant
Would you like to enter the health care job market? Would you like to earn 7 college credits? Nursing Assistants are vital members of the health care team and are in high demand.
Grades: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: HLTH 1001 or HLTH 1003 may be taken as a prerequisite/corequisite with Nursing Assistant Lab and Theory Courses. However, It is strongly recommended that students complete Health 1001 OR HLTH 1003 as a prerequisite.
Additional requirements: 2.5 cumulative GPA; Completion of Directed Self-Placement (DSP) tool.
Students must be capable of performing physical requirements (see CNM Website).
Students must comply with CNM compliance and background requirements (see CNM website).
Students must have reliable transportation to and from clinical site.
Students must be 16 years old at the completion of the Nursing Assistant Program.
Fees: Students have approximately $400.00 in fees from CNM that will cover their scrubs (2 sets), stethoscope, CNM ID, badge holder, gait belt, background check, drug screening, Fitt testing, Health 1001, and registration. Students have an additional $25 lab fee for CEC to cover lab supplies, and a $25 contract for CEC issued blood pressure cuffs. The optional Certification Exam is approximately $140.
Dual Credit: Yes - CNM
This course emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of the Nursing Assistant. The course provides instruction in Nursing Assistant skills to include patient’s rights, personal care, communications with the health team, basic anatomy and physiology, infection control, nutrition, principles of growth and development, activities of daily living, safety in healthcare, home health care, care of the older person, and preparation for the state Nursing Assistant Certification Exam.
At the completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate understanding of:
- Nursing Assistant roles and responsibilities.
- Basic medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Communications with the health team.
- Basic body structure and function, infection prevention, nutrition, and principles of growth and development.
- Patient rights
- Safety in health care
The student will also be able to exhibit professional behaviors in the classroom setting. These behaviors include (but are not limited to): attendance, attention, appearance, following policy regarding cell phone usage, respect, communication, participation and teamwork.
The Overall Objectives of this course are:
- Knowledge - The student will be able to apply learned knowledge of the Nursing Assistant role in health care
- Skills - The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate use of oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrate appropriate use of basic medical terminology and abbreviations
- Apply learned knowledge of safety and patient’s rights in health care
- Behaviors - The student will be able to demonstrate application of professional behaviors
- CNM Nursing Assistant program website
- CNM Nursing Assistant Compliance website
Additional Course Information:
Enrollment: Students may submit an application on the CEC website. Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive an acceptance letter and invitation to orientation with the program manager. Students and their parent/guardian must attend orientation to receive registration information for the program. Failure to do so will result in the student being placed on the waiting list or being removed from the list of accepted applicants.
Compliance: Students must complete all compliance requirements to include all vaccinations including TB, COVID and Flu, background check and drug screening.
Physical requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health to include lifting/moving a minimum of 50lbs. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. See CNM website for guidelines.
Suggested Course Pairing**: Since the CEC Nursing Assistant Program is a one semester course, it is recommended that NA students consider backing up their semester with the CEC Work-Based Learning (WBL) Internship class. This will allow students to spend the semester before or after their Nursing Assistant semester exploring healthcare careers during a semester-long internship experience coordinated by the CEC WBL class. This is NOT required, but highly recommended. The WBL class is offered during the same session as the Nursing Assistant program. (See WBL course information in this catalog.)
| Session / Days / Times | Course Length | Credit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Session IIIC - Fall Semester Tues - Wed - Thurs 1:20-4:50 pm  |
One semester - Fall OR Spring Semester |
Total 2.33 APS elective credits:
|
| Session IIIC - Spring Semester Tues - Wed - Thurs 1:20-4:50 pm |
One semester - Fall OR Spring Semester |
Total 2.33 APS elective credits:
|
| **Suggested Nursing Assistant Program Course Pairing | |
|---|---|
| FALL SEMESTER: Fall Nursing Assistant Program Session IIIC: Tues-Wed-Thurs • 1:20-4:50 pm |
SPRING SEMESTER: Work-Based Learning Internship Class Session IIIB: Tues & Thurs • 2:55-4:50 pm (variable credits) |
| OR | |
| FALL SEMESTER: Work-Based Learning Internship Class Session IIIB: Tues & Thurs • 2:55-4:50 pm (variable credits) |
SPRING SEMESTER: Spring Nursing Assistant Program Session IIIC: Tues-Wed-Thurs • 1:20-4:50 pm |
NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Healthcare & Human Services - Physical Health
Medical Physics & Anatomy / Physiology (Pre-Med)
Medical Physics & Anatomy / Physiology (Pre-Med)
Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Successfully pass biology with a "C" or higher
Additional requirements: 3.0 GPA minimum
Fees: $15 for supplies and materials
Dual Credit: No
This course designed to provide students with the necessary skills to pursue a career in healthcare fields. Students will apply principles of normal anatomy and physiology of human body systems to the pathophysiologic processes of common health problems by identifying concepts, principles, and responses related to pathophysiologic processes that result in disease, as well as discussing clinical manifestations of selected disease processes and health problems. They will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose patient case studies, perform dissections and other lab activities, and learn about allied health professions, while integrating literacy strategies (e.g., reading, writing, research, presentations) throughout the curriculum.
| Session / Days / Times | Course Length | Credit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Session IA M, Tu & Th: Monday - 8:40-9:55 am Tues & Thurs - 8:40-10:55 am |
Full year | 1.0 credit per semester |
| Session II Mon thru Fri - 1:20-2:50 pm |
Full year | 1.0 credit per semester |
NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Healthcare & Human Services - Physical Health
Advanced Placement Biology / Biology Lab II
Advanced Placement Biology / Biology Lab II
Grades: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Successfully pass Biology, Chemistry with a "C” or higher.
Additional requirements: 3.0 GPA minimum
Fees: $15 for supplies and materials
Dual Credit: No
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in college level introductory biology based on the belief that many students are ready for college work while still in high school. This course is aligned to the College Board AP Biology Curriculum Framework and is based on four Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. Twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Investigations require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress.
Upon completion of the course students should be able to have the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Students who earn a qualifying score on the AP Biology Exam are typically eligible to receive up to eight college credits and placement in advanced science courses in college; please note that this varies by university, so please look into the qualifying AP Exams of the colleges to which you are applying.
Additional Course Information: AP biology counts as a completer (level three) course for students in a health services CTE program of study.
| Session / Days / Times | Course Length | Credit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Session IIIB Tues & Thurs - 2:55-4:50 pm |
Full year | 1.0 credit per semester |
NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Healthcare & Human Services Pathways
Interested in a career in Healthcare? Take a look at all of the possible CEC course pathways available for careers in Healthcare & Human Services!
Dual Enrollment Credit Is Not Guaranteed!
Students MUST meet the pre-requisites for any specific course AND complete the registration process through the dual credit institution (CNM, UNM, IAIA). All dual credit students must be registered in classes prior to the start of the term in which the classes are scheduled. CEC instructors and the CEC counselor will assist students in enrolling in the course in the first few days of class at CEC, but it is the student's responsibility to be sure that they are registered for the dual credit course. It is also the student's responsibility to adhere to any deadlines for dropping or adding a class through the dual credit institution. For more information about enrolling in dual credit classes, please see the CEC Dual Credit page.Revised Feb. 11, 2026