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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program

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HEALTH CAREERSCertificate NFACERT - Certificate

Overview Information

Course Listing

Recommended Sequencing

Program Information

Learning Outcomes

Program Information/Mission

The mission of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program is to provide the resources, curriculum, and clinical experiences to enable program completers to attain entry-level employment as nursing assistants in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other health care settings. In addition to obtaining employment, earning certification earns stackable credential toward application for the Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse Programs at the college.

Admission to Program

Program admission requirement:  Current high school student OR high school graduate

Additional requirements after program acceptance:

  • Provide a valid Social Security number, complete drug screen, criminal background check, physical exam, and meet immunization requirements

  • Participate in scheduled program registration and orientation sessions

Accreditation Information

This Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The state-approved nursing assistant training program, contains competency testing of IDPH 21 mandated manual skills, as well as written competency. Successful completers are eligible to apply for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Exam, to become certified. In Illinois, nursing assistants/aides working in licensed and or certified skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and home health agencies must be certified.

Additional Program Information

Incorporating classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction, this program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the technical skill competency of the nursing assistant, from criteria dictated by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Upon successful completion, students will be eligible for the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation to become certified as a nursing assistant in the State of Illinois and obtain employment in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, home, or community health agencies. Course content emphasizes resident/patient rights, safety, and infection control, and includes, but is not limited to, Alzheimer's/dementia, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

To Remain in and Graduate from the Program

  • Every student is required to provide a valid Social Security number, complete drug screen, fingerprint criminal background check, physical exam, and meet immunization requirements.

  • Every student is required to successfully complete American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescurer and Health Care Provider CPR certification. Certification must remain current throughout enrollment within health career program.