CNA Classes Park Ridge, IL

The need for certified nurse assistants (CNAs), also called orderlies or attendants, is increasing in response to the demand for round the clock care for the growing senior population. As integral members of the health care team, CNAs provide direct care for the elderly under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. They maintain a clean and safe environment for patients, interact with patients, their families, and other members of the health care team, and assist patients with the activities of daily living. Nurse assistants must have an above average ability to combine medical know-how with personal interaction and be sensitive to patients’ cultural, age-specific, spiritual, and developmental needs.

CNA classes in Illinois include theory and practical instruction to prepare students for success on the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Training is essential for state certification to work in licensed health care facilities. CNA graduates will use their natural desire to care for others and the knowledge and skills to improve the lives and well-being of  patients. They might also use the training as a springboard to a career in nursing or other professions in the field of health.

Career Option Center

The nursing assistant program at Career Option Center meets the requirements of the Illinois Nursing Reform Act, so graduates are eligible to apply to the Illinois Department of Public Health for the nurse aide certification exam. The curriculum covers 80 hours of theory and lab and 40 hours of practical work in a clinical setting. Course modules include Introduction to Health Care, Resident Rights and Relationships, Infection Control in the Health Care Setting, Emergency Procedures, Injury Prevention in the Health Care Environment, Care of the Resident, Fundamentals of Rehabilitation/Restorative Care, End of Life Care, and Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to perform the minimum 21 skills including washing hands, performing oral hygiene, shaving a resident, dressing a resident, perform passive range of motion, applying and removing personal protective equipment, transferring residents to wheelchair using a transfer belt, and much more.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 16 years or older upon enrollment
  • Demonstrate a minimum 10th-grade level reading comprehension
  • Have a valid social security number
  • Submit a physical exam report conducted by a licensed physician. The report must include TB test results
  • Submit to a criminal background check (fingerprint)
  • Maintain insurance coverage through the program

Tuition costs $735 and includes lab fee and registration fee. Other expenses include books, uniform, materials and equipment, certification exam fee, and CPR classes.

Americare Technical School

The Basic Nursing Assistant Program at Americare Technical School covers a course of study that includes theory, hands-on training, and skills students need to provide competent care to patients or residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The emphasis is on the basic human needs and care of the elderly. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. Students learn how to take vital signs, feed, bathe, and dress patients, observe patients and report changes, and set up medical equipment. The curriculum covers 120 clock hours: 80 hours lecture and 40 hours of clinical practice. Graduates will be capable of providing highly competent care, understand the roles and responsibilities of nursing assistants, use safety and infection control practices, and demonstrate competency in safety and infection control, personal care procedures, nutritional requirements, elimination, exercise and activity, and end of life care.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application form
  • Provide a copy of a high school diploma or GED
  • Have negative fingerprint based Health Care Worker Criminal History Records Check
  • Current negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray
  • Complete Quantiferon TB Gold In-Tube test

Tuition costs $800. Additional costs include BNA state examination, TB test, CPR, and criminal background check.

Waubonsee Community College

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at Waubonsee Community College prepares students for the role of a nursing assistant in a variety of health care settings. The curriculum covers 120 hours of classroom theory and supervised clinical experience in a long-term care setting. Course topics include safety measures, basic nursing procedures, body mechanics, communication skills, special treatments, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, feeding and nutrition, infection control, range of motion exercises, and personal care skills. The program is approved by Illinois Department of Public Health so graduates are eligible to apply for the Nurse Aide Competency exam.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application form
  • Provide a copy of a high school diploma or GED
  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Current negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray

Use the contact information below to learn more about the program schedule and costs.

Best Step Academy

The Basic Nursing Assistant Certification at Best Step Academy is designed to be completed in 6 weeks. Students acquire the skills and knowledge to successfully pass the board certification exam. In addition to 80 hours in the classroom, students will complete at least 40 hours of clinical training in a healthcare facility. The program will cover training in the role and responsibility of nursing assistants, basic nursing skills, vital signs, observation and reporting, range of motion exercises, infection control, Alzheimer’s care, feeding and nutrition, safety and emergency care, and personal care skills. Students will learn how to perform the IDPH 21 mandated skills. Classes meet Mondays through Wednesday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for theory and labs and Thursdays and Friday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm for clinical instruction.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and understand English at an eighth-grade level
  • Be in good physical health and be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Obtain and maintain insurance coverage throughout the program.

Tuition and registration cost $900. Students are responsible for the cost of TB testing, fingerprinting, NATCEP testing, and CPR certification.

A Plus Healthcare Training

The Nurse Aide training provided by A Plus Healthcare Training is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to apply for the state competency exam to be eligible for employment as a CNA. In order to graduate from the program, students must meet the program’s requirements and expectations. A Plus maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention from instructors. Day and evening schedules are available for adults to choose a class that best fits their lifestyle.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 16 years or older
  • Be able to write and speak English proficiently
  • Sign a criminal background check agreement
  • Be free from communicable diseases
  • Complete and sign all the Healthcare Training forms
  • Sign an agreement to disclose medication information
  • Have the physical ability to multi-task and use critical thinking

Tuition costs $1,050. Additional expenses include textbook, uniform, stethoscope, workbook, BP cuff, gait belt, fingerprint, 2-step TB test, and the state competency exam.

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.