GNPEC Program Guidelines
These guidelines have been developed based on industry standards, best practices from successful institutions, and accreditation standards. In addition to the guidelines below, GNPEC will evaluate the curriculum, course sequencing, and delivery methods to ensure compliance with the Minimum Standards Criteria and the institution's mission. Meeting the guidelines below does not guarantee approval.
All lab hours must be completed in person and must adequately train the student in all required skills.
Programs that require clinical lab training must include live training on a person.
All instructors must be qualified for specific programs based on Minimum Standards Criteria 3.
Program titles may not use any version of the word “Certified”.
Documentation of externship requirements (checkoffs) must be provided for any externship. Checkoffs should include both the list of skills to practice and a grading tool that assesses the student’s performance.
All programs that require an externship must provide a contract with the externship facility and a copy of the documentation that will be used to ensure the student’s externship gains the practical knowledge required for graduation. Externships must be completed at an outside facility and overseen by someone who is not an instructor for the school.
Continued authorization of a program is dependent on graduation and placement rates reported by the institution.
| Program | Hours/Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assisting | 200 Lecture, 170 Lab, 80 Hour Required Externship for a total of 450 clock hours. | NO self-paced lecture is allowed. |
| Phlebotomy | 50 Lecture, 50 Lab for a total of 100 clock hours | NO self-paced lecture is allowed. Externships, if required by the institution, must be in addition to the 100 expected clock hours. |
| EKG | 40 Lecture, 30 Lab for a total of 70 clock hours | NO self-paced lecture is allowed. Externships, if required by the institution, must be in addition to the 70 expected clock hours. |
Surgical Technician*
| 300 Lecture, 300 lab, for a total of 600 clock hours, plus required clinical externship to complete 120 live scrubs | NO self-paced lecture is allowed. *The school must have an NCCT authorized program and provide documentation of approval in the program application. |
| Patient Care Technician | 150 Lecture, 110 lab, 40-hour recommended externship for a total of 300 hours | NO self-paced lecture is allowed. If no externship is required, an additional 40 hours of lab must be focused on venipuncture/EKG/hands-on skills. |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 130 Lecture, 70 Lab for a total of 200 clock hours | Externships, if required by the institution, must be in addition to the 200 expected clock hours. |
| Dental Assistant* | 60 Lecture, 60 Lab for a total of 120 clock hours. 40-hour externship (recommended) | Externships, if required by the institution, must be in addition to the 120 expected clock hours. *If the hands-on training is being done on live patients/volunteers, the training must be overseen by a licensed Dentist. |
| Orthodontic Dental Assistant* | 60 Lecture, 60 Lab, for a total of 120 hours. 40-hour externship (recommended) | Hour expectations could vary based on entrance requirements (i.e., if students are required to be trained dental assistants prior to enrolling). *If the hands-on training is being done on live patients/volunteers, the training must be overseen by a licensed Dentist. |