Nursing Assistant
Certificate

8 Semester Hours

Nursing assistants are employed primarily in hospitals, long-term care facilities/nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, or as home healthcare aides. Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes often are the principal care givers, having far more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Because some residents may stay in a nursing home for months or years, assistants develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way. Home health aides help elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons to live at home instead of a health facility. In addition to providing personal care, the home health care nursing assistants keep records regarding services performed and the patients’ condition and progress.

At JWCC, the nursing assistant curriculum is designed to prepare the student to perform basic patient care skills. The curriculum includes both theory/classroom and clinical experience in a long-term care facility/nursing home or hospital. All courses for the nursing assistant program must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher to successfully complete the program. The program is offered regularly on a full-time, part-time, or evening basis. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission. Students are required to have a physical examination indicating good physical and mental health and with no weight-lifting restrictions. State law mandates that a criminal background check be completed for all nursing assistants.

Students completing the program receive a nursing assistant certificate (CNA), which is required in Illinois for employment in health care facilities. All successful completers of the program are required to take and pass a written competency examination to meet state and federal mandates. Locally, employment opportunities are excellent. Nationally, job opportunities are expected to grow significantly through 2010.

In Illinois, nursing assistants with current certification may receive articulation credit in practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs provided they meet admission requirements. Articulation credit will be determined on an individual basis.

Required Courses

See also Geriatric Care Specialist