Nursing assistants must be certified in order to work in long-term care facilities. Job prospects for CNAs are expected to be excellent into the 21st century in direct response to the increasing long-term care needs of an aging population. The CNA program is designed for students who seek entry-level employment in the health care field. This program is also suggested for students who need direct patient care experience as an admission requirement for a higher level health care program or to test their interest in health care as a career. Students also might consider CNA training if they are interested in working in health care to support their education.
Specialized content enables CNAs to work in a rehabilitation environment.
This course is offered twice a year, in the fall and spring quarters. Certification requires successful completion of an approved nursing assistant program, Allied Health 105 or equivalent, and passing of both the manual skills test and the written competency tests administered by Southern Illinois University. Check with the Occupational and Vocational Education Division for program-specific information available for many programs. This information is also available in Counseling, Transfer and Advising Services, SRC 2044. Check the current Quarterly class schedule for testing times and locations.