Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
Certificate
Nursing assistants help registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with providing patient care by performing many day-to-day tasks such as giving patient baths, providing routine skin care, measuring vital signs, and helping patients walk or move around. Nursing assistants generally work in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other healthcare agency.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it.
Nursing assistants are in high demand by hospitals and long-term care facilities. Many of those who complete the program and pass the certification exam go on to work at an ICC clinical site partner. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant opens the door to many other careers in health care.
Admissions Office
You must be at least 16 years of age to be admitted to the program. It’s a great way to get a jump start on a healthcare career and learn from quality instructors, 100% committed to your success.
Network with fellow students in the Pre-Health Club and get leadership opportunities by participating in Student Nursing at Illinois Central College (SNICC).
Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Activity Assistant, Caregiver, Home Health Aide
COMPLETION TIME
4 Months
if Full Time
1 Semester7 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$1,120
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
20 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
The best feeling in the world is to see a student succeed, especially when they outshine their own expectations.
Lari LaBello , Instructor, Health Careers
How Do I Get Into the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program?
Whether you are in high school or wanting a career change, earning a Nursing Assistant Certificate is a great option to starting a career in health care. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Start the process by filling out a CNA Program interest form.
- Attend a registration meeting.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Visit the Student Records page to upload your documents and complete the admission process.
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- High school coursework in English, math, and science is beneficial.
- ICC has partnerships with many area high schools for eligible students to earn a Nursing Assistant Certificate.
What Can I Expect As a Nursing Assistant Student?
- Earn a Nursing Assistant Certificate in as little as five months.
- Those who complete the certificate and successfully pass the certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant are able to quickly find employment.
- Students will also earn a Basic Life Support CPR certification during the program if not already certified.
- Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant makes students more competitive when applying to other healthcare programs. (The ICC LPN and RN programs require applicants to be CNAs.)
Accreditation
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Completers are eligible to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) and become certified by the state of Illinois.
Additional Resources
Additional Opportunities
CNA Career Pathways
ICC has been awarded a grant in the amount of $204,060 from the Edwards Settlement Fund to train 100 individuals (25 per year, over four years) in our Certified Nurses Aid (CNA) Program.
Innovative Bridge to Health Careers
The Innovative Bridge to Health Careers Program is an 8-week program that will engage participants in training designed to introduce and academically prepare them for entry into the various health science career paths.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.