The admissions process for the Mesalands Community College CNA IET Program consists of three distinct phases designed to assess an applicant’s qualifications, readiness, and commitment to the program.:

The admissions process consists of four phases:

1. Written Application – Submitting an application with required documents.
2. Formal Interview – An interview with program officials to assess suitability.
3. Pre-Test – A test to evaluate basic knowledge and readiness for the program.
4. Determination of Admission: All 3  previous phases of this process will be scored on an admissions rubric. The cumulative outcome based on the performance of the applicant will determine their readiness for admission into the program. 
   • 16 spots are available for the spring 2025 course. Applicants not selected for this semester will be waitlisted for the following course run. 

GOALS

1. Ensure Candidate Readiness

• Assess applicants’ academic skills to assess their educational needs and readiness for the program.
• Identify students who demonstrate strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

2. Select Qualified and Committed Applicants

• Identify individuals who are genuinely interested in a healthcare career.
• Prioritize applicants with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a compassionate attitude toward patient care.

3. Maintain Fair and Transparent Admissions

• Provide clear, accessible guidelines on eligibility requirements and selection criteria.
• Ensure a fair and unbiased selection process that considers each applicant’s potential.

4. Evaluate Pre-Program Job Readiness Skills

• Assess applicants’ ability to complete necessary paperwork, such as job applications and official program documents, to ensure they can successfully navigate employment processes.
• Evaluate communication skills, including verbal and written communication, to determine their ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Phase 1: Written Application

Applicants must complete and submit a formal application, which includes personal information, educational background, and any relevant healthcare experience. Additional documentation may also be required, such as transcripts, proof of vaccinations, and background checks. The purpose of this application is to screen interested applicants and ensure they meet the core eligibility requirements to become a licensed CNA in the State of New Mexico.

Phase 2: Formal Interview 

Applicants who pass the initial application review will be scheduled for a formal interview, which can take place either in person or via Google Meet. This interview provides applicants with the opportunity to present themselves professionally to the admissions panel.

The panel will ask a series of behavioral-based questions, commonly used in professional healthcare interviews, to assess the applicant’s suitability for the program. Applicants will be provided materials to help them structure their responses using the STAR Method.

STAR METHOD: AT A GLANCE

The STAR method helps you create an easy-to-follow story with a clear conflict and resolution. Here’s what each part of the technique means:

Situation: Describe the context of a specific challenge or task. Provide relevant details about work, school, or volunteer experiences.

Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation, outlining the goal or challenge you needed to address.

Action: Detail the specific steps you took to resolve the issue, highlighting your role and decision-making process.

Result: Share the outcome of your actions, emphasizing what you learned, how you grew, and how the experience made you a stronger candidate.