Academics

Nursing Assistant Program

Nursing assistants help registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with providing patient care. As a nurse assistant, you may work in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other care agency.

This program is intended to provide entry-level skills for those individuals seeking employment as a nurse assistant. Lecture/laboratory hours in addition to clinical experience are included in the program. The nurse assistant, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or LPN, functions as a member of the healthcare team in a nursing home, hospital or home health care setting. Theory and practical application in basic nursing skills, observation, and reporting of client/resident signs and symptoms, safety and communication skills are presented. Coursework is taken at Illinois Central College campuses or other offsite locations. Scheduled clinical experience is provided in the area’s long-term care facilities or hospitals. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) and become certified in the State of Illinois.

Student Resources

• Nursing Assistant Student Handbook (2019-2020)

Recertification
Recertification is available through ICC’s PDI if you were originally certified in Illinois but have not worked as a CNA for 24 months. Call (309) 999-4800 for more information.

Local Salaries

Beginning nurse assistants earn approxiamtely $8.75 to $14 per hour.

Admissions to the Program

• Accuplacer score of 44 or higher OR completion of appropriate English prerequisite with a “C” or higher.

Degree

Certificate (Certificate Program)
Total Credit Hours: 6

Program Requirements

Select a course number below to see a course description.

Required Program Courses

Course	Name	Credit Hours
HLTH 112	NURSING ASSISTANT TRAINING	5
HLTH 116	NURSE ASSISTANT: ALZHEIMER	1

Recommended Course Sequence

Semester	Courses
Fall Semester 1	HLTH 112; HLTH 116

Program Contact Information

Health Careers Department

Peoria Campus, Cedar 105

(309) 690-7530

Career Pathway

Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.

Accreditation

The Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP) is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Students enrolled in this program must meet with the BNATP Program Director to plan a specific course schedule meeting Illinois Central College and personal requirements.

Essential Skills and Abilities

In order to enroll in (or remain in) the Illinois Central College Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program, a student must be able to meet the following Core Performance Standards and must not pose a threat to the well-being of clients, other students, staff, or themselves. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) must possess capabilities and abilities in the areas of communication, motor, sensory, problem-solving, behavioral skills, and professionalism; therefore, these are the expectations for participation in the Nursing Assistant Program.

The student must possess the following capabilities and abilities:

A. Communication

• Adequate command of English language, in order to read and retrieve information from lectures, textbooks and other teaching and learning resources
• Communicate effectively in English with patients, families, and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing
• Effectively adapt communication for intended diverse needs of audience
• Interact to establish rapport with diverse population

B. Motor

• Squat, crawl, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, use standing balance, and climb stairs
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs., and exert up to 100 lbs. force or push/pull
• Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity; sufficient fine motor function
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time
• Perform CPR
• Travel to and from academic and clinical sites

C. Sensory

• Auditory ability sufficient to hear verbal communication from patients and members of the health team; includes ability to respond to emergency signals
• Discern soft sounds, such as those associated with taking a blood pressure
• Visual acuity to acquire information from electronic medical record or written documents
• Comfortable working in close physical proximity to patient

D. Critical Thinking

• Address problems or questions to the appropriate persons at the appropriate times
• Adhere to policies and procedures; including, but not limited to safety and infection control
• Use sound judgment in decision making
• Function effectively under stress
• Adapt to changing environment and inherent uncertainties
• Respond appropriately to emergencies

E. Behavioral Skills and Professionalism

• Adhere to policies and procedures required by academic and clinical settings
• Adhere to Illinois Central College Nursing Assistant Program Policies (per Nursing Assistant Program Handbook)
• Maintain patient confidentiality and abides by the guidelines set forth in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act
• Assume the role of a health care team member
• Function effectively under supervision
• Accept criticism and reflect upon provided feedback to improve performance and practice
• Display caring and compassion for others

If you have concerns that you do not meet these Core Performance Standards, please do not register for classes. You may call the Nursing Assistant Program Director at  (309) 999-4651 with questions.