Kaskaskia College CNA Training Program

The Nurse Assistant Certificate program at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois provides an excellent entry point into the medical field that can be completed in just one semester. This Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved program prepares you with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone looking to change careers, CNA training at Kaskaskia College equips you with practical, hands-on skills that are in high demand. As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll become the backbone of the healthcare industry, often spending more time with patients than other team members while providing vital care services. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the state certification exam and begin working as a CNA in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 7 credit hours, one semester (can be completed in 8 or 16 weeks)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,934 total (includes tuition, fees, books, 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 with day and evening options across various campus locations

CNA Training Structure

The Nurse Assistant Certificate program at Kaskaskia College is comprehensive and designed to prepare you for success in healthcare settings through a single 7-credit hour course (NAST 160).

Classroom Learning

The curriculum covers essential healthcare knowledge including:

• Introduction to the healthcare system and healthcare team
• Basic anatomy and physiology
• Abbreviations and common medical terminology
• Legal, ethical, and spiritual aspects of care
• Growth and development
• Patient environment management
• Vital signs and their significance
• Aseptic techniques
• Personal care procedures (bathing, feeding)
• Nutrition fundamentals
• Body mechanics
• Moving and transporting patients
• Habilitation and rehabilitation techniques
• Admission and discharge procedures
• Specimen collection
• Special procedures and observations
• Reporting and recording techniques
• Death and dying care
• Home care needs
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care (12 dedicated hours)

Clinical Experience

The program requires 40 clinical hours that are completed in area long-term care facilities. Clinical days and times may differ from the scheduled lecture and lab hours depending on clinical site availability. These practical experiences may include early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends.

Clinical rotations provide hands-on application of classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments, giving you the confidence and skills necessary for professional practice. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical sites.

Exam Preparation

The entire program is designed to prepare students for the state certification examination. The cost of this certification exam ($95) is included in the course fees. All 7 credit hours must be completed for students to be eligible to take the state CNA exam.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Nurse Assistant program at Kaskaskia College, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old to become a CNA
• Education Prerequisites: Must have completed a minimum of 8 years of grade school or provide equivalent knowledge
• Reading Proficiency: Placement at ENGL 100 or higher, or completion of ENGL 099 or ENGL 100 A with a C or better
• Application: Complete a Kaskaskia College application
• Documentation: Must have a valid social security card at the time of registration
• Health Requirements: Physical exam and TB test required (cost approximately $100)

Please note that this certificate program requires approximately 8 or 16 weeks of study including classroom theory, laboratory practice, and clinical assignments.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Kaskaskia College offers multiple scheduling options to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Location Options:
  • Main Campus (Centralia)
  • Greenville
  • Salem
  • Trenton
  • Vandalia
• Format Options:
  • Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters
  • Regular and late-starting sections
  • Day and evening options
  • Hybrid format with both on-campus and clinical components
• Important Notes:
  • All sections require a mandatory orientation
  • Spring 2025 orientations are held on January 6th or March 4th (depending on section)
  • Clinical days may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends
  • Sections have limited enrollment (typically 1-16 seats available per section)

For the most current schedule options and availability, check the course schedule on Kaskaskia College’s website or contact the Admissions office.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Understanding the full costs of your CNA education helps with proper planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown of expenses for the Kaskaskia College Nurse Assistant Certificate program:

Tuition and Fees: $1,162.00

• Tuition (7 credit hours): $980.00
• Student services fee (7 credit hours): $182.00

Program-Specific Costs: $421.00

• Lab fee: $148.00
• Books: $191.00
• Insurance: $23.00
• CNA Kit: $55.00
• Certification exam: $95.00

Additional Requirements: $260.00

• Physical exam and TB test: $100.00
• Uniform, watch, shoes: $160.00

Total Estimated Cost: $1,934.00

Financial Assistance Options: Kaskaskia College offers funding support through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Health Care Workforce Program (PATH). This grant can provide:

• FREE tuition for the CNA course for eligible students
• Academic scholarships for healthcare program students

The PATH grant gives priority funding to:

• Minority populations
• Economically disadvantaged students
• First-generation college students
• Current healthcare employees seeking additional certificates or degrees

For more information about financial assistance, contact Kimberly Basch at 618-545-3431 or [email protected].

How to Apply

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Kaskaskia College? Follow these steps:

1. Complete a Kaskaskia College Application
   • Visit the Apply page on the Kaskaskia College website
   • Fill out and submit the general application form
2. Take the Placement Test
   • Schedule a placement test to demonstrate reading ability at the 8th-grade level
   • Tests must be within five years of your application date
   • ACT scores can substitute for the KC Placement Test
3. Submit Required Documentation
   • Provide a copy of your social security card
   • If receiving financial aid, submit high school transcripts or HEC documentation
4. Register for NAST 160
   • Select your preferred course section based on location and schedule
   • Register early, as classes fill quickly
   • Pay attention to the mandatory orientation date associated with your section
5. Complete Health Requirements
   • Schedule a physical examination and TB test before clinical rotations begin
   • Purchase required uniform items (scrubs, watch, shoes)

For personalized assistance with your application, contact the Admissions office at 618-545-3040 or [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Institution Name: Kaskaskia College

Main Campus Address: 27210 College Road Centralia, IL 62801

Admissions Office: Phone: 618-545-3040 Email: [email protected] Fax: 618-545-3393 Location: Health and Business, HB 100

PATH Grant Contact: Kimberly Basch Phone: 618-545-3431 Email: [email protected] Office: Nursing, N 119

Website: Kaskaskia College Nurse Assistant Program

Additional Campus Locations:

• Greenville Campus
• Salem Campus
• Trenton Campus
• Vandalia Campus

Additional Resources

• Allied Health Applications – Access application forms and documentation for health programs
• Modes of Instruction Guide – Information about different instructional formats at Kaskaskia College
• Student Nurse Organization – Student organization for nursing students
• Bookstore Website – Purchase required textbooks and supplies

Summary and Next Steps

Kaskaskia College’s Nurse Assistant program offers an accessible pathway into the healthcare field where you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In just 8-16 weeks, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career providing compassionate care to patients. As a CNA, you’ll become an essential part of the healthcare team, often spending more time with patients than any other healthcare professional.

With multiple campus locations throughout the region, flexible scheduling options, and potential tuition assistance through the PATH grant, Kaskaskia College makes it convenient and affordable to pursue your CNA certification. The program’s comprehensive training combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience to ensure you’re well-prepared for the state certification exam and ready to enter the workforce with confidence.

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