Total Credit Hours: 8

This Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program prepares individuals to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, under the training and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. This is a certificate program for students interested in a career in nursing. The certificate program helps with workforce development and allows students a stepping stone into higher education.

This certificate program prepares students to provide safe, effective, and compassionate basic nursing care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other health care settings. Graduates are eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) and be placed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry. Agencies consulted for development of the proposal: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing and Registry, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Curriculum:

Total Clock Hours: 140 (90 theory + 50 clinical)

Credit Hours: 8

• 1^st 8 weeks: Certified Nursing Assistant: Foundations (3 cr)
• 2^nd 8 weeks: Certified Nursing Assistant: Care of the Resident (3 cr)
• 2^nd 8 weeks: Certified Nursing Assistant: Clinical (2 cr)

Length: 16 weeks

Format: Classroom, skills laboratory, and supervised clinical practice

External entity providing external standards or guidelines:

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing and Registry

Graduates of the Certified Nursing Assistant program will:

1. Deliver competent, safe, and compassionate care to residents and patients across health care settings.
2. Apply infection control, safety, and emergency procedures consistent with IDPH standards.
3. Communicate effectively and respectfully with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct consistent with resident rights and legal guidelines.
5. Employ critical thinking and observation skills to support patient comfort and well-being.
6. Successfully complete the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) and qualify for inclusion on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry

Ethics is woven throughout the CNA program by:

• Including a dedicated Rights and Responsibilities module.
• Embedding ethical reflection in every clinical debriefing.
• Requiring confidentiality agreements before clinical rotations.
• Using case studies on end-of-life care, dementia, and cultural sensitivity.
• Assessing ethical competence alongside technical skills.

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
NURS 10100	Certified Nursing Assistant: Foundations	3
NURS 10200	Certified Nursing Assistant: Care of the Resident	3
NURS 10300	Certified Nursing Assistant: Clinical Practice	2
Total Hours		8

Admission requirements and procedure:

• Students must be at least 16 years of age
• A high school diploma, or successful completion of the GED preferred
• English language proficiency
• Undergo a criminal background check (fingerprinting) under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act; no disqualifying convictions for direct patient care
• Be in good physical, mental, and emotional health, able to safely engage in direct care (lifting, assisting movement, etc).
• TB test and immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, COVID-19 as required by facility)
• CPR/BLS certification prior to clinical rotation