The Nursing Assistant course is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the health care field. The curriculum is based on Illinois Department of Public Health Curriculum and prepares the graduate to take Illinois Nurse Aide Competency exam. The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the state of Illinois. It has not been determined whether licensing requirements for any other state will be met.
Nature of Work
A certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) provides basic cares and support to patients, while under the direction of a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. Some of the basic cares a CNA might perform are assisting clients with grooming, feeding, hygiene, transferring, and emotional needs. CNAs primarily work in inpatient departments, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, home health and rehabilitation/day care centers. Although becoming a nursing assistant is an entry-level position, it is a stepping-stone to other healthcare professions. This program is part of the Health Science Career Cluster.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of Nursing Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in nursing care and home health care services in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of health care services.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Admission Criteria
- Students must be 16 years old.
- Be able to speak and understand the English language
- Must have completed at least eight years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge.
- A physical with immunizations, including a QuantiFERON (qft.) or two-step TB test, is required prior to entry into the program.
- A live scan fingerprint background check will be required after acceptance into the program.
Admission Process
- Schedule an appointment with a Student Services Department advisor and provide verification of an 8th grade education (eg. transcripts).
- Print and complete a copy of the IDPH Health Care Worker Background Check Authorization Form.
- Register for the course. You are required to pay a minimum of 25% down upon registration of the course.
- Purchase all required textbooks and skills packet, through the SRC bookstore, approximately 1-5 days before the first day of your course. Bring these textbooks and skills packet along with you to the first day of the course.
- (Explore financial assistance through the PATH Grant for healthcare students.)
If you have questions, after reading the documents, contact Sarah Bowton – Nursing & Allied Health Office Assistant at (309) 649-6227 or email Sarah Bowton or Canton Advisor at (309) 649-6400 or Macomb Advisor at (309) 833-6069.