Basic Nursing Assistant (429)
About Our Program
This program prepares students to enter the health care workforce. Attendance in class is mandatory to meet federal and state standards set for nursing assistants. All students must achieve grades of “C” or above in theory and complete 40 clinical hours in order to receive a certificate of completion. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible for the Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation. The program is 80 hours of theory in the classroom and 40 hours of clinical experience in an area health care facility.
Nature of Work and Employment
Nursing Assistants work as caregivers in all types of health care facilities and agencies, under the supervision of nurses. Advancement in the health care field is possible with further education.
Special Considerations
While performing the duties of a student in Highland Community College’s basic nursing assistant program, the student is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers; handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and see, talk, and hear. The student frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The student BNA must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 200 pounds with accommodations or with assistance.
Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Attend a mandatory Basic Nursing Assistant orientation.
- Two-step TB test or equivalent.
- Current health care worker background check.
- Influenza vaccine.
- Valid Social Security Card.
- Documentation of vaccines.
- Physical exam and health history.
Please visit the Illinois Nurse Aid testing site for more information about the BNA training program or testing: nurseaidetesting.com.
For more information about finger printing, criminal background check, disqualifying convictions, and waiver information, please contact program coordinator.