John A. Logan College CNA Training Program

Looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare without years of schooling? The Nursing Assistant Certificate program at John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois offers an efficient path into the medical field that can be completed in just one semester. This Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved program prepares students for immediate employment in various healthcare settings while providing essential patient care skills.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, career changer, or someone looking to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, the CNA training at John A. Logan College equips you with the practical skills needed to succeed. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the state certification exam and begin working as a certified nursing assistant in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments throughout Illinois.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 7 credit hours, one semester (offered in 8-week, 14-week, or 16-week formats)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,601.10 total (includes tuition, fees, textbooks, and supplies)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date information
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple sections offered each semester with day and evening options

CNA Training Structure

The Nursing Assistant Certificate program at John A. Logan College is structured to provide comprehensive training through a single 7-credit hour course (NAD 101) that combines classroom learning, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience.

Classroom Learning

The curriculum covers essential healthcare knowledge including:

• Body mechanics and transfer techniques
• Basic anatomy and physiology
• Personal care of patients
• Vital signs
• Rehabilitation techniques
• Special treatments
• Communication skills
• Alzheimer patient care
• Death, dying, and post-mortem care
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Clinical Experience

Clinical practice is a required component of the program and takes place in area nursing homes including The Anchor in Marion and Manor Court in Carbondale or Parkway Manor in Marion. The clinical schedule varies by section:

• For 8-week sections: Clinical experience occurs during the latter part of the course
• For 14-week sections: Clinical days are typically scheduled on Saturdays
• For 16-week sections: Clinical days are scheduled during weekdays

Students complete four 11-hour clinical days, providing hands-on care under supervision in real healthcare environments. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from all clinical and classroom experiences.

Exam Preparation

The program is specifically designed to prepare students for the Illinois state certification examination. This certification is necessary for employment as a nursing assistant in Illinois healthcare facilities. The cost of this certification test is included in the course fee.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Nursing Assistant program at John A. Logan College, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: Minimum 16 years of age
• Reading Proficiency: Must achieve qualifying placement scores in reading (ACCUPLACER NEXT-GEN – 233 or better, ACT – 19 or better, SAT – 480 or better) taken within the past three years
• Background Check: Must complete a Health Care Worker Background Fingerprint Check with no disqualifying convictions prior to enrollment
• Documentation: Must provide a valid social security number and card
• Health Requirements: Prior to clinical, students must provide proof of:
  • Negative two-step TB skin test or QuantiFERON gold TB blood test
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) titer
  • Signed physician release for any physical restrictions, including pregnancy

Students with certain criminal convictions may be disqualified from working as a nursing assistant. Those with potentially disqualifying convictions should apply for a waiver from the Illinois Department of Public Health before beginning the program.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

John A. Logan College offers several scheduling options to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Spring 2025 Schedule Options:
  • Section 80: 8-week format (January 14 – March 6, 2025)
    • Lecture/Lab: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00AM-4:30PM
    • Clinical: Monday & Wednesday, 7:00AM-6:00PM (Feb 3 – Mar 5)
  • Section 81: 14-week format (January 28 – May 8, 2025)
    • Lecture/Lab: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00PM-8:30PM
    • Clinical: Saturdays, 7:00AM-6:00PM (Apr 5 – May 7)
  • Section 82: 8-week format (March 18 – May 8, 2025)
    • Lecture/Lab: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00AM-4:30PM
    • Clinical: Monday & Wednesday, 7:00AM-6:00PM (Apr 14 – May 7)

All classes meet on the JALC Carterville campus in Room D279 for lecture and lab components, with clinical experiences at local nursing facilities.

Important: Attendance at ALL class sessions is required. Registration for all sections is by appointment only (except during designated walk-in dates), and classes fill quickly, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Understanding the full costs of your CNA education helps with proper planning. Here’s a breakdown of expenses for the John A. Logan College Nursing Assistant Certificate program:

Tuition and Fees: $1,275.00

• Tuition: $1,015.00 ($145 per credit hour for 7 credit hours)
• Technology fee: $35.00 ($5 per credit hour)
• Course fee: $160.00
• Student Activity fee: $65.00 (for fall/spring terms)

Required Materials and Supplies: $326.10

• Textbook: $71.10
• Basic supplies (paper, pens, notebook, 3-ring binder): $20.00
• Health Care Worker Background Fingerprint Check: $50.00
• Ceil colored scrubs for clinical: $50.00
• Clean supportive shoes (no open toe/heel or clogs): $50.00
• Watch with second hand: $20.00
• Stethoscope (recommended): $35.00
• Goggles (recommended): $10.00
• Gait belt: $20.00

Total Estimated Cost: $1,601.10

Additional Possible Expenses:

• Two-step TB skin test (if needed): $40.00
• QuantiFERON gold TB blood test (if needed): $178.00
• MMR titer (if needed): $55.00-$78.00

Note: Some costs may be covered by the Trades Grant for eligible students during the Spring 2025 semester while funds are available. All costs are subject to change.

The Nursing Assistant Program course may not qualify for Federal or State grants. Please discuss financial aid options with your advisor during registration.

How to Apply

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at John A. Logan College? Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Placement Test
   • Contact Testing Services at (618) 985-2828 Ext. 8520 or [email protected] to schedule your reading placement test
   • Bring a photo ID and your JALC student ID number
   • Achieve the required reading score (ACCUPLACER NEXT-GEN – 233+, ACT – 19+, or SAT – 480+)
2. Complete the Background Check
   • Arrange for a Health Care Worker Background Fingerprint Check through an approved vendor
   • Provide proof of fingerprinting if not already on the Health Care Worker Registry
   • Submit a copy of your Social Security Card to Testing Services
3. Register for the Course
   • Schedule an appointment with Testing Services for registration
   • Select your preferred course section based on your schedule
   • Pay close attention to fee due dates to avoid being dropped from the course
4. Prepare for Clinical Requirements
   • Schedule and complete the required TB test and MMR titer before clinical begins
   • Obtain any necessary medical clearances from your physician
   • Purchase required uniforms, supplies, and textbooks

For personalized assistance with your application, contact Testing Services at (618) 985-2828 Ext. 8520 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Institution Name: John A. Logan College

Main Campus Address: 700 Logan College Drive Carterville, Illinois 62918

Program Contact: Crystal Young, BSN, RN Assistant Professor of Certified Nursing Assistant Phone: (618) 985-2828 Ext. 8105 Email: [email protected] Office: G218 B

Testing Services: Phone: (618) 985-2828 Ext. 8520 Email: [email protected]

Website: John A. Logan College Nursing Assistant Program

Additional Resources

• Nursing Assistant Certificate Program Guide – Provides an overview of the program requirements and curriculum
• Spring 2025 Course Schedule – View available course sections and meeting times
• Tuition and Fees Schedule – Detailed breakdown of current tuition and fee rates
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Information about CNA certification requirements and background check waivers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Nursing Assistants – Occupational outlook and salary information

Summary and Next Steps

John A. Logan College’s Nursing Assistant program offers an accessible, affordable pathway into the healthcare field with excellent job prospects. In just one semester, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, or home health settings.

As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll play a vital role in patient comfort and welfare while working under the supervision of licensed nurses or physicians. The skills you learn at John A. Logan College will prepare you not only for immediate employment but could also serve as a stepping stone for further education in healthcare if you choose to advance your career.

Don’t wait to start your healthcare journey! Classes fill quickly, so reach out to Testing Services today to schedule your placement test and begin the registration process. With multiple course sections offered throughout the year and both day and evening options available, you can find a schedule that works for your life.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals. Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.