Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, are healthcare workers who play a vital position in any hospital and medical setting. CNA duties involve helping and giving aid to patients with direct healthcare needs. Certified Nursing Assistants can also be addressed as a nursing assistant, a patient care assistant, or a nurse’s aid because most often CNAs work under the supervision of an RN or LPN. Part of a CNAs duty also covers turning or moving patients, gathering medical supplies, grooming the patients for their physical needs, feeding the patients, assisting with medical procedures, checking wounds, monitoring the patient’s vital signs, and other similar tasks.
The number of CNAs in the United States in 2018 was around 1,564,200. The highest percentage of CNAs, at 38%, was working in nursing care institutions.
CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois
There is quite a lengthy process to follow to acquire a Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate in Illinois. The first step is completing a state-approved CNA training program and passing a written comprehensive test. Additionally, applicants who would like to get their hands on a CNA certificate should successfully complete a nursing arts course which includes Basics in Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing 101, etc. To note, nursing students who failed to complete the training programs required for LPN and RN can still apply for an Illinois CNA while resuming to go to school.
In addition, aspirants must also complete a United States military training program that necessarily includes the content of a nurse aide program.
Another important thing to note is that every written competency test that came with the said training programs must be passed as a requirement for qualifying for a Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate in Illinois.
CNA Training Programs in Illinois
The training programs for Certified Nursing Assistants mentioned above as a requirement for certification can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. These training programs cover classroom set-up discussions and online coursework. On top of that are clinical practice hours. The state of Illinois requires a 40-hour clinical practice hours minimum.
CNA training programs are offered in various community colleges, vocational schools, and nursing homes.
Just like any other course, the cost of a CNA certification in Illinois varies from school to school. As an example and basis, a training center in Chicago offered a $900 training program cost for the nurse assistant training program. The amount does not include textbooks, uniforms, test fees for certification, and fingerprinting/background checks.
CNA Examination in Illinois
The written competency examination is part of the requirements for a Certificate as a Certified Nurse Assistant in Illinois. After successfully completing the CNA training programs required, individuals will have to pass the competency exam for CNA certification in the state of Illinois. The examination mentioned comprises two parts: a written exam and a practical exam.
A professional medical proctor or observer will facilitate the practical clinical exams. Individuals will be tested for their knowledge and application skills on four random clinical skills to demonstrate to show their competency. A total of 30 minutes will be given to test takes for this part of the examination.
On the other hand, the written comprehensive examination will be taken in a group setting, in contrast to the practical clinical exam, which will be taken in a one-on-one setting with just the taker and the medical proctor. The written examination will mostly consist of multiple choice test questions, and the takers will be given an ample amount of 90 minutes to answer and complete the exam.
CNA Certification Process in Illinois
Every state has a different certification process, as each of them has set varied standards and requirements for one to be considered as a Certified Nurse Assistant. The certification process for a CNA certification in Illinois is maintained and facilitated by the state’s Department of Public Health. Each individual who wishes to acquire a CNA certificate must direct to the Health Care Worker Registry of Illinois and have the names listed under individuals to undergo a mandatory background check to be conducted pursuant to the Health Care Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46).
The process for a CNA Certificate in Illinois is a plain sailing process. Applicants would just need to pass both the required certification exams (written and practical clinical exams). A successful passing score on the necessary exams will guarantee a nurse aide certification. An Illinois-issued CNA certificate does not expire though it is important to note that 24 consecutive months after the holder’s last competency evaluation, they will lose the active CNA certification status.
CNA Certificate Renewal in Illinois
Similar to the certification process, the renewal of the CNA certificate also varies from state to state. For instance, if the individual who has been considered a CNA in Illinois fails to provide nursing or nursing-related service, the active status of the certificate will be revoked. The holder shall pass a manual skill test administered by a state-approved evaluator to rectify the status of a nurse aide’s certificate in Illinois. The individual must successfully demonstrate accurate competency in all the required skills. Additionally, the individual must submit a CNA renewal form and pay the fee.
The renewal application form can be accessed online through the Southern Illinois University website or the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing portal. You may click here to get directed.
Find The Right Training Program For CNA in Illinois
There are considerable areas in Illinois that offer different CNA training programs. Selecting an institution that is accredited and recognized by the state is crucial in obtaining a valid certificate for CNA. As part of the program to be offered by the accredited schools, you have to pass the essential courses such as Patient/Resident Rights, Patient Care, Infection Control, Communication and Documentation skills, Legal Issues for Nursing Staff, Emergencies: CPR Certificate, Roles and Responsibilities of the Health Care Team, Medical Terminology, and Medical Unit Environment – Safety and Proper Body Mechanics.
Schools Offering CNA Classes in Illinois
As previously stated, there is a considerable number of schools that offer CNA classes all around Illinois. Every student and CNAs must do their own research and check to find a program that will suit their objectives and schedules. Some of the classes being offered at institutions may have tuition fees, while others come for free. It is highly recommended to directly communicate with the institution regarding the total cost and teaching methods that are being offered.
To help you get started, note the Illinois area zip code where you reside or plan to take CNA classes. Proceed to enter the zip code on any of these two websites: Nurse Aide Testing Training Program or CNA Classes Near Me.
CNA Program in Illinois
Here are some of the schools that offer CNA programs in Illinois:
Career Training Center Of Chicago – Chicago, IL
Career Training Center of Chicago offer programs that is designed for those who are looking for Certification and employment as a Nursing Aide. The program focuses on training students to meet the required skills to function safely as CNAs. The fee for CTCC’s CNA Training Program starts at $900 which covers the registration fee of $20, a $30 lab fee, and $850 tuition fee.
Website: http://www.careertrainingcenterofchicago.com/
Parkland College – Champaign, IL
Parkland College is a state-approved and Department of Public Health institution that provides a one semester, six-credit hour day or evening classes in an environment that showcase state-of-the-art facilities. After the course, students are expected to closely observe patient’s conditions, report changes to the nursing staff, and acquire many more medical skills suited for a professional CNA.
Oakton Community College – Des Plaines, IL
Another state-approved institution is Oakton Community College, located at 3348 S Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60623. The course being offered in the community college is Basic Nurse Assistant Training, which falls under the CNA training program. Oakton Community College prepares individuals for a stimulating and vital career in public health with an honorable professional certification.
Website: https://www.oakton.edu/academics/program-listing.php
Carl Sandburg College – Galesburg, IL
Carl Sandburg College is an institution located at 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd Galesburg, IL 61401, that provides a CNA class course and training program for individuals interested in acquiring a professional certificate in nursing assistance. The students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to demonstrate basic patient care in various healthcare settings. The future CNAs will be prepared to rightfully function in the role of being nursing assistants under the close supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
The students are considered eligible to take the State Nursing Aide Competency Exam after successfully completing the Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP). The students who will pass the Nursing Aide COmpetency Exam will then be added to the Healthcare Worker Registry, and can then proceed to being officially employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Website: https://www.oakton.edu/academics/program-listing.php