Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (Certificate)

Program Description

The applicant must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Minimum of 8th grade education; 10th grade or above preferred.

Prior to starting the clinical practicum portion of the class, the applicant must show proof of the following:

  • Negative blood test for tuberculosis (Quant-Gold or T-Spot) or negative chest x-ray.
  • 2 MMR immunizations or negative titer.
  • Hepatitis B immunization series or a signed waiver.
  • Varicella immunization or history of chicken pox.
  • Physical Assessment

All students in the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program will be asked to fill out an application to grant permission to the State of Illinois and any affiliate acting on behalf of the State of Illinois to conduct a criminal history record check in accordance with the Uniform Conviction Information Act. The Health Care Worker Background Check Act prohibits individuals with disqualifying offenses from working as a certified nursing assistant. It is suggested that students check the following website, and if necessary, obtain the proper waiver prior to enrolling in NA 100.

All students must achieve grades of “C” or above in theory and application areas and complete 40 clinical hours in order to receive a certificate of completion. Students must also successfully document and meet all health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or clinical sites prior to clinical practicum.

Upon successful completion of both the classroom and the clinical skills portions of training, the student will have received a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical training. This meets the basic educational preparation to perform in the capacity of a nurse assistant in the State of Illinois. The student will then be eligible to take the Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program written and performance test (Nurse Assistant Certification Test).

NOTE: This program is not financial aid eligible.


Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

  • Display Nursing Assistant knowledge at a competent level.

Black Hawk College East Foundation CNA Scholarship Application (PDF)

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Suggested Courses

Training Curriculum

NA 100 Eight weeks in length (Fall and Spring semesters)
Nursing theory, including 4 hours CPR and 12 hours of Alzheimer’s training 108 hours
Clinical Practicum 40 hours

Total credit hours: 8

Minimum total hours required for degree: 8