McHenry County College CNA Training Program

The Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate program at McHenry County College in McHenry, Illinois provides comprehensive training for those looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. This seven-credit-hour program is designed for career changers, recent high school graduates, and working adults seeking to enter the healthcare field with practical skills and valuable experience. Students receive thorough instruction in basic nursing skills through classroom learning, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience in healthcare settings.

Upon successful completion of the program, students become eligible to take the Illinois Nursing Assistant Competency Exam. Passing this exam places graduates on the Healthcare Worker Registry, qualifying them to work as Certified Nursing Assistants in various healthcare environments. The program’s combination of theory and practical experience provides an excellent foundation for understanding both the art and science of nursing care.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 16 weeks (136 total hours of instruction approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health)
• Cost of Program: $1,535.75 for in-district students ($3,437.58 out-of-district, $4,285.07 out-of-state or international)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date information
• CNA Program Schedule: Full semester format (Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters available)

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The program includes comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential nursing assistant skills and knowledge. Students learn through lectures and interactive instruction that prepares them for their role in healthcare settings. The classroom component provides the theoretical foundation needed to understand patient care fundamentals and nursing principles.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 48 hours of clinical experience in area healthcare facilities. This hands-on training allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments under supervision. The clinical component is essential for developing practical skills and understanding how to provide compassionate, effective patient care.

Exam Preparation

The program is designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nursing Assistant Competency Exam. When students successfully complete the program with a minimum grade of C in theory/lab and a satisfactory rating in clinical, they become eligible to take the state certification exam. The program’s curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for this important step toward certification.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old by the course start date
• Minimum of an eighth-grade education
• Meet one of the following reading requirements:
  • ACT Reading test score of 18 or higher
  • Accuplacer Reading placement score of 226 or higher
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 320 or higher
  • ENG 151 with a grade of C or higher
• Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Submit a physical examination completed within 30 days prior to the first day of class
• Complete a two-step TB test, negative TB blood test, or chest X-ray (if positive) within six months prior to class
• Provide a copy of a valid Social Security card
• Comply with current CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccination status

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Basic Nursing Assistant program is offered during Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters, with specific start dates for each term:

• Summer 2025 Semester: Classes start in May (Registration deadline: May 12)
• Fall 2025 Semester: Classes start in August (Registration deadline: August 4)
• Spring 2026 Semester: Classes start in January (Registration deadline: January 5)

The program follows a full-semester format spanning 16 weeks. Students should register early as there are specific deadlines and requirements that must be completed before the class begins.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

Total costs for the Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate program are:

• In-district students: $1,535.75
  • Tuition: $850.50
  • Additional costs: $685.25 (includes uniform, white shoes, watch with sweep second hand, and exam fees)
• Out-of-district students: $3,437.58
• Out-of-state/international students: $4,285.07

Additional Expenses

Students will need to purchase:

• Uniform (specific requirements provided on the first day of class)
• White shoes
• Watch with a sweep second hand for clinical experiences
• State certification exam fee (approximately $70)

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

How to Apply

1. Apply to McHenry County College
   • Complete the MCC application if you haven’t taken a class at MCC before
   • If you’ve previously applied, you don’t need to complete another application
   • To transfer college credits from another institution, request transcript evaluation
2. Meet Academic Prerequisites
   • Provide proof of reading proficiency through ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, or previous coursework
   • Take the Accuplacer English placement test if necessary
3. Complete Online New-Student Orientation
   • Required for full-time students (12+ credit hours)
   • Optional for part-time students
4. Register Early for the Class
   • Register online, by phone at (815) 455-3766, or in person at the Registration office
   • Note that registration ends early due to requirements that must be completed before class
5. Complete Required Preparation Steps
   • Submit healthcare worker background check form by the specified deadline
   • Complete fingerprinting approximately one week before the start of class
   • Obtain physical exam within 30 days prior to the first day of class
   • Complete TB testing within six months prior to the first day of class
   • Have a copy of your Social Security card ready for the first day of class
   • Ensure compliance with COVID-19 vaccination requirements
6. Pay Tuition and Purchase Books
   • Complete payment through MCC’s tuition payment options
   • Purchase required textbooks through the college bookstore

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: McHenry County College
• Address: 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
• Phone Number: (815) 455-8710 (Nursing Department)
• Email: [email protected]
• Program Contacts:
  • Betsy Schnowske, DNP, RN, Director of Nursing: (815) 479-7534
  • Dr. Jill Stonecliffe, DNP, RN, MSEd, CNE, Department Chair: (815) 479-7849, [email protected]
• Website: www.mchenry.edu/nae

Additional Resources

McHenry County College offers several helpful resources for prospective and current CNA students:

• Basic Nursing Assistant Admission Process and Guidelines
• Requirements and deadlines due before class
• Medical form for physical and TB test
• Basic Nursing Assistant Frequently Asked Questions

These resources provide detailed information about the application process, medical requirements, and answers to common questions about the program.

Summary and Next Steps

McHenry County College’s Basic Nursing Assistant program offers a solid foundation for those looking to begin a fulfilling career in healthcare. With its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and Illinois Department of Public Health approval, the program prepares students to provide compassionate, skilled care to patients in various healthcare settings.

What sets MCC’s program apart is its expanded 136 hours of instruction (exceeding the state’s 120-hour requirement), which allows students to gain greater competency in their skills. The program not only prepares you for CNA certification but can also serve as a stepping stone toward other healthcare careers or educational pathways.

After completing the program and passing the state exam, graduates can pursue employment in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and skilled nursing facilities. Many students have gone on to become medical technologists or advanced to other healthcare roles. For those considering further education, CNA certification can provide valuable patient contact hours required for physician assistant programs and some medical schools.

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