Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program
Nurse assistants provide daily care to patients in the areas of performing vital signs, bathing, providing personal care, assisting patients in and out of bed, helping bedridden patients maintain their ability to move, and caring for the patient’s overall environment. Successful nurse assistants have a blend of physical stamina and compassionate communication skills. The Certified (CNA) Nursing Training Program prepares students to take the State Competency Written Evaluation for certification, which is necessary for employment as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) in various health care agencies.
Program Approval
The ECC Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Entrance Requirements
To be eligible for CNA 105, students must be at least 16 years of age. Reading minimum competency: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Math minimum competency: Grade of C or better in MTH 090 or satisfaction of other placement criteria. F-1 International students are not eligible for enrollment in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. To apply for the program complete a Health Professions Application. You will be contacted by email when a seat becomes available. Prior to the start of class, students must submit the results of a fingerprint background check and a social security number or ITIN number in order to take the Illinois certification exam, which is required to work as a nurse assistant. Please refer to the elgin.edu/CNA and the CNA Handbook for additional requirements and information.
Admission Procedures
All CNA applicants must complete the following steps prior to applying to the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program:
- Apply to ECC - how to apply
- Meet with an ECC academic advisor to ensure you have met the minimum competencies.
- If needed, request an official evaluation of prior high school or college transcripts.
- Complete and submit your health professions application by the due date, Health Professions Application | Elgin Community College (ECC).
Prior to the first day of class, students must have the following documentation on file with the CastleBranch requirement tracking system: negative drug test results, completed medical form, proof of immunizations or antibody titer results, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR certification. Any student demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the Health Professions Division.
Application Deadlines:
Summer – March 23
Fall – June 15
Spring – November 9
Program Requirements
Students must complete the required course with a minimum grade of C. Students must provide their own uniforms, gait belts, and transportation to and from all clinical sites. Students must attend the first class day of the semester and the last class day of the semester for the CNA course. Failure to do so will result in automatic withdrawal and/or failure from the program.
Policies and Procedures
Students demonstrating a positive background check will be denied admission to any Health Professions program. Before attending clinical experiences, students must have completed all of the clinical compliance requirements and program requirements and have them on file in their CastleBranch accounts. Health Professions students will be required to update their drug test and TB test on an annual basis. Students demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the Health Professions Department.
Certified Nursing Assistant Program Outcomes
- Describe the health care team and the role of the nurse assistant.
- Identify the scope of practice for the nurse assistant, including ethical and legal responsibilities to the patient/resident.
- Provide quality and safe nurse assistant care in performance of procedure skills for the patient/resident.
- Apply knowledge and skills when caring for a patient/resident with acute, chronic, or terminal health care needs.
- Demonstrate assisting with rehabilitation and restorative nursing care to the adult and older adult.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program - Basic Vocational Specialist
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNA 105 | Certified Nursing Assistant | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours | 7 | |
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program Course
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNA 105 | Certified Nursing Assistant | 7 |