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Program Overview
Prepare for a career in patient care with the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program at one of the 4 IECC campuses. This program combines classroom instruction with clinical hours at local hospitals in order to meet the certification requirements set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health. After successfully completing the program, individuals are eligible to take a written competency test which is administered by SIU-C and available on the IECC campuses. Upon passing the required test, individuals can begin working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the healthcare field.
CNAs are responsible for basic care services such as bathing, grooming and feeding patients, assisting nurses with medical equipment, and checking patient vital signs. A CNA gives important social and emotional support to patients and also provides vital information on patient conditions to nurses.
The program is offered in the spring and fall semesters as a 16-week format, and it meets for 8 weeks during summer semesters. Classes usually meet on a weekly basis, and clinical hours are completed towards the end of the semester in the evenings or on weekends. Prior to the start of the program, students must attend a mandatory orientation on campus. Students will be provided with orientation information and details at the time of registration.
The Health Care Worker Background Check Act requires that students complete a fingerprint background check prior to the start of the program. Fingerprint background check fees will be paid for by the student.
Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website for additional information related to CNA certification in Illinois.
Program Effectiveness
Students who complete the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program through an IECC college have an excellent chance at passing the CNA exam as evidenced by the most recent pass rates:
|
College |
First Time Pass Rates |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Frontier Community |
80.0% |
78.9% |
92.5% |
|
Lincoln Trail |
93.3% |
94.4% |
100% |
|
Olney Central |
97.7% |
90.6% |
93.8% |
|
Wabash Valley |
96.9% |
100.0% |
91.2% |
Source: https://www.nurseaidetesting.com/cluster-score-reports/
Data also includes high school students (from Health Careers (C196) program.)