Nursing Assistant Program Certificate

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A certified nursing assistant's (CNA) main role is to provide basic care and comfort to patients, as well as assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own, (such as bathing) with respect and dignity.  CNA's work under the direction of licensed practical or registered nurses.

 Where do CNA's work?

• Acute Care hospital settings.          
• Long-term care facilities.
• Home Health.
• Assisted Living facilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data, employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2-4% percent from 2022-2032, faster than the average compared to other occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants will be needed to assist and care for elderly patients.

In Illinois, Certified Nursing Assistants earn, on average $17.61 per hour with an average annual wage of $36,640 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Program Options

• Illinois Valley Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program is completed in 8 weeks. 
• The 8 weeks consists of a combination of theory with a supervised clinical component for practical application. 
• The class is 8 credit hours and classes are conducted 4 out of 5 days per week, during the 8 weeks. 
• Day and evening classes are available. 
• The 8 week CNA class is offered all three semesters of the academic year. 
• After the completion of the required course, an individual will receive a college Certificate as a Nursing Assistant.  This is not the certificate that allows CNA's to practice.
• Successful completion of this course (with a "C" or better) allows the individual to take the state exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Illinois. The state exam can be taken at the IVCC Oglesby campus either electronically or paper/pencil.
• The State certificate is necessary for CNA's to practice in most settings.

Features of the Program

This program is designed for students interested in working in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals, and is a pre-requisite of the IVCC Nursing Program (RN/LPN).

This program includes 180 hours of instruction, which includes 96 hours of theory (lecture), 36 hours of laboratory, and 48 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Successful completion of this course allows the individual to take the state exam to become certified in the State of Illinois.

The State of Illinois mandates that CNA students meet the following requirements:

• A physical exam with no restrictions due the first day of class;
• A Negative TB Test. One of the following is required upon admission, with results due prior to the first day of clinical:
  • Negative two-step skin test (1-3 weeks apart) administered within the past 3 months OR
  • Negative QuantiFERON Gold blood test administered within the past 3 months OR
  • Negative T-Spot blood test administered within the past 3 months
    • If positive results, submit a clear chest x-ray administered within the past 2 years.
    • If your chest x-ray is more than 12 months old, a symptom free TB Questionnaire dated within the past 12 months is also required.
    • If previous positive results, a symptom free TB Questionnaire.
      • No yearly test will be required.
• A negative 10-Panel Drug Screen. Results must be received prior to the first day of clinical (week 3 of course).
• A clear criminal background check.
  • Fingerprints must be completed before the first day of class.
  • A misdemeanor or felony conviction may prevent an individual from working in a health care setting.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds with no restrictions.
• Perform basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply and divide.)
• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Adhere to strict attendance policies for lecture, lab and clinical classes.
• Demonstrate coping skills to safely engage in care for patients/residents.

Affordability

IVCC tuition is just one-third to one-fourth the cost of state universities and far below most private institutions. An approximation of tuition and fees and cost comparison can be found on the IVCC website at www.ivcc.edu/payment and at www.ivcc.edu/save.

This course itself does not qualify for Financial Aid due to the number of credit hours, but several scholarship and grant opportunities may be available. 

Please note - Successful completion of this course is an admissions requirement to IVCC's LPN and RN track nursing programs.