Malcolm X College CNA Training Program

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at Malcolm X College in Chicago, Illinois prepares students to enter the growing healthcare field as Certified Nursing Assistants. This comprehensive program introduces students to the fundamentals of patient care and the essential role of nursing assistants in healthcare settings. Designed for career changers, recent high school graduates, and working adults seeking stable employment with purpose, the CNA program offers hands-on training and practical experience that leads to eligibility for the Illinois state certification exam.

With dedicated instructors and real-world clinical experiences at both hospital and long-term care facilities, Malcolm X College’s CNA program in Chicago provides the foundation you need to start your healthcare career. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and a curriculum aligned with Illinois Department of Public Health standards.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 8 weeks (160 total hours comprising 120 hours of classroom/skills lab instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice)
• Cost of Program: Tuition plus additional costs for books, uniforms, physical examination, Healthcare Worker Background Check, CPR class, and state exam
• 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: Day sessions (9:00 am – 2:30 pm) and evening sessions (4:00 pm – 9:30 pm), Monday through Thursday

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

Students receive thorough instruction in the discipline of nursing and basic approaches to patient care. The classroom component includes lectures, active learning exercises, electronic presentations, worksheets, and tutoring opportunities. Topics covered include basic nursing skills, medical terminology, and patient care fundamentals.

Clinical Experience

Students complete a minimum of 40 clinical hours in external healthcare facilities. Clinical instruction consists of hands-on care to residents and patients in both hospital and residential settings, supervised by IDPH-approved Registered Nurses. During clinical rotations, students practice essential care skills in authentic healthcare environments.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for the State Competency Examination administered by Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Upon successful completion of both theory and clinical components, students become eligible to sit for the state certification exam, which leads to recognition as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois.

Admission Requirements

• Eligible for English 96 and Reading 125
• Eligible for Math 98 or higher
• Submit completed medical examination documentation
• Submit official/sealed college transcripts to Malcolm X College Registrar’s Office
• Pass a Healthcare Worker Background Check
• Attend a mandatory virtual information session (held Mondays via Zoom from 9:30 am – 11:30 am and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
• Complete drug screening within 90 days of the first day of class

Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all submitted transcripts have been evaluated and posted by a CCC Registrar on the student’s PeopleSoft academic history.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The program offers both morning and evening sessions to accommodate various schedules:

• Morning sessions: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
• Evening sessions: Monday through Thursday, 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Classes are held at two locations: the main Malcolm X College campus at 1900 W Jackson and the West Side Learning Center at 4624 W Madison Street. Five program offerings are scheduled each year—two in the spring, two in the fall, and one during the summer.

Students must complete all required theory and clinical hours. Theory classes meet 3-4 days per week for 5.5 hours each day, followed by scheduled clinical hours at external sites.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The program costs include:

• Tuition
• Additional expenses for:
  • Books and supplies
  • Uniforms
  • Physical examination
  • Healthcare Worker Background Check
  • CPR certification class
  • State examination fees

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.

How to Apply

To apply for the Malcolm X College CNA Program, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: New students should meet with Admissions to complete their application to the college. Current students can meet with college advising to confirm all program prerequisites are met.
2. Step 2: Attend a virtual Mandatory Information Session. Sessions are held every Monday (except holidays and when the campus is closed) via Zoom from 9:30 am – 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Sign up through the BNA Information Session registration page.
3. Step 3: Complete the BNA Medical Examination Form with a medical professional. The drug screen should be completed within 90 days of the first day of class.
4. Step 4: Download the completed BNA medical examination form and all other documents to Castle Branch before attending the orientation session (instructions provided at the information session).
5. Step 5: Once academically cleared and the Healthcare worker background check is approved, students will receive permission to self-enroll.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Malcolm X College (City Colleges of Chicago)
• Address: 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
• Secondary Location: West Side Learning Center, 4624 W Madison Street, Chicago, IL
• Phone Number: (312) 850-7159 (Nursing Department)
• Email: For specific program contacts, reach out to:
  • Lorita Collins, BNA Coordinator: [email protected], (312) 850-4639
  • Lorraine Cross, Coordinator of Health Careers-Nursing: [email protected], (312) 850-7195
• Website: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/departments/pages/-nursing-assistant-(basic)-.aspx

Additional Resources

Students are provided with a comprehensive Student Handbook that covers:

• Training program policies
• Attendance requirements
• Clinical protocols
• Grading scale
• Exam procedures
• Behavioral expectations
• Dress code guidelines
• Social media policies

The BNA program also offers tutoring services to support student success.

Summary and Next Steps

Malcolm X College’s CNA Program in Chicago provides a supportive pathway to enter the healthcare field with purpose and practical skills. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the state certification exam and begin your career as a valued member of the healthcare team. The program’s combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience gives you the confidence and competence needed to provide quality patient care.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Chicago, take the first step by attending an information session and beginning the application process. The healthcare industry needs dedicated professionals like you, and Malcolm X College is here to help you succeed.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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