Academic Program Model

Basic Nurse Assisting (NDP.NA)

Non-Degree Program

The Basic Nursing Assistant Program (NPD.NA)is a one semester, 8 credit-hour program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This program includes the Basic Nursing Assistant Course (CNA) only and is NOT financial aid eligible.

Background Check

The Health Care Worker Background Check Act requires all students in a Nursing Assistant Training Program to submit to a fingerprint-based background check before working directly with patients or residents.

Examination

Students must successfully complete the Basic Nursing Assistant course (AHE 040) with an 80% or better to be eligible to take the IDPH Competency Evaluation Examination. Upon passing the state competency examination, the student's name will be added to the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry and will be eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Course Description

AHE 040: Basic Nursing Assistant: The Basic Nursing Assistant Program includes 95 hours of theory/classroom and 40 hours of clinical practice. This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to provide instruction of basic nursing skills in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The classroom portion of the course includes: basic anatomy, medical terminology, communication skills, safety, infection control and patient rights.

This course contains substantial information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia resident/patient care and emphasizes communication and coping mechanisms fundamental to working with this patient population. The curriculum also includes proper management of resident/patient hygiene and mobility, and monitoring of vital signs. In the nursing lab, students master the 21 patient care skills mandated by IDPH. The instructor will demonstrate skills; students will then practice skills until achieving mastery level in the lab with other students. Eleven of the twenty-one skills must be performed with a patient or resident during clinical sessions.

The clinical experience provides students with the opportunity to perform supervised practice of required clinical skills, including bathing, feeding, and transfer of residents/patients.

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.

The BNA campus phone number is 217-234-5568 and the office is located in Neal Hall, room 023.