Certified Nurse Assistant


  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

A nurse assistant helps with the routine care and treatment of persons who are sick, disabled, or infirm.

What Do I Need to Know About the CNA Program?

In order to be eligible for this course, students must have completed at least an 8 grade level of schooling, be at least 16 years of age, speak and understand the English language, have a valid Social Security number and provide a copy of the card, and be in good physical, mental and emotional health.

The NU 400 Program (spring and fall semesters) is now eligible for IL MAP Grant funding.  Please visit the Financial Aid Department for more detailed information.  

If you are a JJC health care program student and are seeking tutoring, financial assistance, advising or any other type of support, please visit the CASH Program for more detailed information.

All students interested in registering for NA 101 (Certified Nurse Assistant) must EITHER: 

In Person Orientation Sessions

Friday, November 8, 2024 - 9:00am or 2:00pm - BUILDING U - ROOM 3009

In-Person Orientation sessions will be held at the Main Campus. Sessions last approximately one hour; registration is not required. Students who have completed the Online NA 101 Orientation are not required to attend the In-Person Orientation session.

Viewpoint Screening

Viewpoint Screening is a required screening service that students purchase (purchase after the first day of class) to upload all of their health requirements using the NA 101 Student Health Packet for the NA 101 Program.

Viewpoint Screening
NA 101 Student Health Packet
Expense List

Thinking about becoming a nurse? After you receive your CNA certification, you can apply to our Nursing program

Learn More About the JJC Nursing Program

Vaccine Requirements

All nursing programs (CNA, RN, LPN, LPN Transition) strongly recommend that all students be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 prior to entrance into the program in order to complete the clinical requirements of the program. Proof of other immunity and/or vaccination, a drug screen and criminal background check are also required and will be communicated to applicants when provisionally accepted into the program. If a student is accepted into the program and fails the criminal background check and drug screen and/or does not have the mandatory vaccinations, the student will be removed from the program.

Fingerprinting Requirements

All students registered for NA 101 must be fingerprinted before the first day of class. Please review the fingerprinting document below for important instructions, dates and times. Students must bring a driver's license/state ID and a copy of their signed Social Security card to the session, this is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

 2025 Spring Fingerprinting Information

 HealthCare Worker Background Check Form

What Will I Learn?

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training or NA 101 course prepares students to administer patient care as a member of a nursing team in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other extended care facilities. Students who successfully complete NA 101 are eligible to receive the Nurse Assistant Certificate of Completion, NU 400.

The NA 101 course follows the curriculum required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Some of the topics include: the roles and responsibilities of a nurse assistant; HIPAA laws; how to prevent infection/promote safety; transfers; assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding; specimen collection; how to care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias.

Spring 2025 Class Schedule 

Fall 2024 Class Schedule
 

What is Unique About Our Program?

Our program, which is approved by the IDPH, exceeds the minimum hours required in the classroom/lab and clinical setting. The additional time allows for reinforcement of key concepts, skills practice, and preparation for the state competency exam. Our pass rate on the state competency exam is above the state average for community college programs.

JJC's Illinois Nurse Assistant State Competency Exam Pass Rate

Pass rate includes scores from JJC's Main and Romeoville campuses:

  • 2023: 98% (Main), 97% (Romeoville)
  • 2022: 98% (Main), 100% (Romeoville)
  • 2021: 98% (Main), 100% (Romeoville)
  • 2020: 93% (Main), 100% (Romeoville)

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Degree

What Are My Career Opportunities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than other occupations. Potential employers include:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Rehabilitation
  • Independent and Assisted living
  • Memory care
  • Hospice
  • Home health