Basic Nursing Assistant

Basic Nursing AssistantThe Basic Nursing Assistant Program prepares an individual to work in the health care industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant [CNA]. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to pass the State of Illinois Nurse Aide Competency exam.

​About Certified Nursing Assistants

In today’s hospitals and extended care facilities, a Certified Nursing Assistant [CNA] is an important part of a healthcare team. The need for dependable bedside nursing care in hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities is as prevalent as ever.  Wherever there is a need for personal care, Certified Nursing Assistants are prepared to respond to the call.    

CNAs work under the direction of a nurse.  Since nurses cannot spend extended amounts of time in the room with the patient,  CNAs function as the nurses’ "eyes and ears." CNAs provide hands-on care to those who are unable to care for themselves. This includes bathing, dressing, feeding and toileting patients. Additional responsibilities include:

  • answering patients’ call bells
  • taking vital signs
  • making beds and keeping patients’ rooms neat
  • escorting patients
  • setting up equipment 
  • storing/moving supplies

CNAs ensure the safety and comfort of patients entrusted to their care, as well as reporting changes in patients’ physical or mental status. CNAs work with the elderly, with children, and every age in between!

Graduates of Wright College’s Basic Nursing Assistant Program possess the skills necessary to objectively observe, document and report pertinent information to other healthcare team members, providing patient care, comfort and safety. (Please note: A High School diploma or GED is REQUIRED for employment.)

    

Career Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, the demand for CNAs is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the US over the next ten years.     
    

Course Schedule

The Wright College Basic Nursing Assistant program runs between 10 and 16 weeks in duration. Classes are offered days, evenings and weekends. (Course offerings are based on enrollment.) Classes are offered three times a year and begin in January, June, and August.   

   

    

Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Wright College Basic Nursing Assistant program, students must:   
  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have a valid Social Security card
  • Show eligibility for Reading 125 or higher on a qualifying exam OR have passed a college-level English class with a grade of “C” or better
  • Have verbal and written English communication skills
  • Have proof of immunization for measles, German measles, varicella and a negative TB skin test within the last six months.  If there is a history of a positive TB test, a chest x-ray is required within the year.  A flu vaccine is also required for students taking classes starting in January and August /September.
  • Urine drug screening.
  • Consent to a fingerprint and criminal background check
  • Be in good physical condition (If you are pregnant or under a doctor’s care, you must have a Medical Release signed by your doctor BEFORE registering for this class.)
  • Register in person
    

Tuition and Fees

Student expenses include tuition, registration fee, books, uniform, state certification exam fee, immunizations, drug screening, and a fingerprint criminal background check fee. Additionally, all students must have a watch (with a second hand) to be used during class and clinical rotations.  
    
For more information contact Joan Fantozzi at jfantozzi@ccc.edu or (773) 481-8922.

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