CNA Classes Naperville, IL

As the name suggests, Certified Nursing Assistants assist nurses yet they hold a vital role on the health care team. They are the primary point of contact with residents and their families, providing basic under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. Their core duties revolve around the client and may include measuring vital signs, assisting patients with mobility constraints, answering resident call lights, assisting clients with the activities of daily living, and reporting any concerns regarding patients’ physical or mental health to nurses.

Illinois State requires prospective nurse aides to complete an approved Basic Nurse Aide Training Program and pass the State Nurse Aide Exam to be added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. While the training provides essential preparation for the role and function that nurse aides will perform there are other key factors that are essential for success in the field. Nurse aides must have excellent communication skills, demonstrate respect and empathy to the patients they care for and be strong both physically and mentally to meet the demands of the profession.

According to the United States Department of Labor, for nurse assistants, the median annual wage was $29,640 in 2019. Employment of nurse assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029.

EnVaNa Healthcare Training Center

The nurse aide program at EnVaNA includes 120 contact hours of theory and practical activities. Students will learn the fundamentals of nursing care, meeting clients’ daily physical care and comfort needs, client safety and security, and the role of the nurse aide on the health care team. Topics of study will include Alzheimer’s disease, fundamentals of rehabilitation, emergency procedures, performing oral hygiene, measuring vital signs, end of life care, introduction to health care, infection control, and calculating fluid intake and output. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 pm to 9:45 pm and Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The duration of the program is one week.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application and registration fee $60
  • Provide high school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Provide a copy of government-issued ID and social security card
  • Must be able to write, speak, and understand English
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Provide proof of negative for TB test or chest x-ray
  • Provide proof of immunization – hepatitis B vaccine, flu shot

Tuition for the program is $880.

College of DuPage

The Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program (CNATP) at the College of DuPage prepares students for entry-level employment as a CNA. The state-approved program combines classroom and clinical training with an emphasis on basic nursing skills and communication in the health care environment. The program covers 120 hours (6 credit hours) including 80 hours of theoretical knowledge and simulated practice and 40 hours of clinical application to master basic nurse assistant competencies. The program is offered in both face-to-face and hybrid formats. Program graduates will be eligible to take the Illinois State Competency Exam to be added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry. Day and evening schedules are offered. The duration of the program is 8 to 16 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete a satisfactory drug screen and TB skin test – must be completed no less than 90 days before the start of class
  • Attend a mandatory virtual CNA student orientation
  • Submit a completed application online and pay the $20 non-refundable registration fee
  • Complete the reading competency requirement for the course
  • Undergo a Health Care Worker Background Check before the program start date

Tuition costs $138 per credit for in-district students. Additional costs include textbook, Basic Life Support certification, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, gait belt, uniform, watch, fingerprinting criminal background check, Castle Branch Online Document Manager registration fee, state exam, and preadmission health requirements.

Harper College

The nurse aide program offered by Harper College is a 6 credit-hour certificate program that prepares students for entry-level employment in healthcare. Theory and practical training in basic nursing skills will give students the confidence to assist nurses in the care of patients in acute and long-term care settings. Simulated practice in the school’s modern skills lab will reinforce the theoretical principles acquired in the classroom. Graduates of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Health Regulations approved program will be eligible to sit for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend the Health Care Careers Information Meeting or the Online CNA Info Session
  • Obtain admission to Harper College
  • Must have a valid social security number
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Meet the program’s health requirements
  • Complete state fingerprinting on the first day of class
  • Complete drug screen through Complio – after registering and purchasing the “Drug Screening” package
  • Must have completed a physical within the last year
  • Complete TB testing
  • Provide documentation of tetanus (or TDaP) and flu shot
  • Must have current CPR BLS for Health Care Provider from the AHA
  • Provide proof of current health insurance

Tuition costs $133.50 per credit for in-district students. Other costs include stethoscope, gait belt, blood pressure cuff, uniforms, textbook, shoes, watch with a second hand, state exam, CPR certification, and health requirements.

Niles Township High School

The Basic Nurse Assistant Training course at Niles Township High School covers the principles that students need to function as a nurse assistant in long-term care, home health care, and hospitals. Classroom lectures will include student-centered activities and textbook assignments. Instructors will supervise students as they practice and master nursing skills during the laboratory sessions. The final component of the program will feature 50 hours of clinical experiences designed for students to apply the concepts and skills covered in the modules. The coursework includes extensive preparation for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Competency Exam, which is required for certification through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion, 8 college credits from Oakton Community College, and 2 high school science elective credits. The duration of the program is two semesters. Due to limited seating, the program has strict enrollment requirements.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 17 years old (high school seniors only)
  • Must have an outstanding high school attendance record
  • Attend an admission interview with the Director of Science
  • Must have an interest in health careers
  • Must have completed Algebra, Chemistry, Physics, Biology
  • Provide social security number
  • Minimum Reading Level (STAR IRL 6th Grade Level)

Students must purchase uniforms and supplies for the program.

Jethro Healthcare

The Basic Nursing Assistant Program offered by Jethro Healthcare includes classroom instruction and practical training to prepare students for the role and function of a nursing assistant in long-term and home health care. The training will cover basic nursing skills, nutrition, infection control, measuring vital signs, anatomy and physiology, communication, and patients’ rights and independence. The clinical sessions will be conducted at an approved nursing facility and will give students the opportunities to apply the principles learned in the classroom as they care for clients under the direction of a licensed nurse. Students must attend all classes to graduate from the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Must have a valid state ID or driver’s license and social security number
  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $25
  • Take and pass the written admission exam
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
  • Complete a 2-step TB skin test
  • Submit a satisfactory physical exam report indicating good health

The cost of attendance is $950. A flexible payment plan (3 installments) is available for all students.

Oakton Community College

Oakton Community College’s BNAT curriculum covers the basic principles needed to care for clients in long-term care, home health, and hospitals. Experienced instructors will emphasize care of the elderly and basic human needs through classroom lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on lab, and supervised patient care experiences in a skilled nursing facility. The course delivers 8 semester credit hours. Graduates will understand the role of the CNA as a member of the health care team, be able to communicate effectively, be able to perform the nursing assistant skills in a safe manner, and recognize the legal and ethical responsibilities of the nurse aide. Enrollment in the program is limited. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are offered. The duration of the program is 16 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Schedule and attend an appointment for testing and interview
  • Achieve the required scores on the reading, math, and oral comprehension tests
  • Submit a completed application to Oakton Community College
  • Meet the requirements for admission to the college
  • Submit proof of meeting the health requirements to Health Services
  • Have a valid state ID and social security card
  • Submit the report of a recent medical exam include a recent TB test and Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declination form
  • Register for BNA 100 and BNA 105 concurrently after acceptance into the program

Tuition costs $136.25 per credit for in-district students. Other costs include a stethoscope, gait belt, blood pressure cuff, uniforms, textbook, shoes, watch with a second hand, state exam, CPR certification, and health requirements.

Careers Options, Inc

The Basic Nurse Aide Training Program at Careers Option prepares students for state certification in five weeks. The curriculum includes 120 hours of instruction – 8- hours of classroom and lab and 40 hours of clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility. Course modules include Introduction to Health Care, Resident Rights and Relationships, Infection Control in the Health Care Setting, Emergency Procedures, Injury Prevention in Health Care Environment, Care of the Resident, Fundamentals of Rehabilitation and Restorative Care, End of Life Care, and Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment
  • Must demonstrate reading comprehension at the 10th-grade level
  • Must have valid social security number and state ID
  • Complete a physical exam by a licensed physician
  • Complete the required criminal background check
  • Must maintain insurance coverage for the duration of the program

The total program cost is $990. It includes tuition, lab fee, registration fee, books, uniforms, materials, equipment, certification exam, and CPR classes.

 

 

 

 

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.