Morton College CNA Training Program

The Nursing Assistant Program at Morton College in Illinois provides a thorough foundation for students seeking to enter the healthcare field as Certified Nursing Assistants. This program is designed for individuals who want to deliver compassionate care while building essential healthcare skills. Whether you’re a career changer, a recent high school graduate, or someone looking to advance in the healthcare field, Morton’s CNA training prepares you to provide skilled, compassionate care that enhances patients’ quality of life.

Upon successful completion of Morton College’s Basic Nursing Assistant Training course (NUR 105) and passing the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Nurse Aide Competency Examination, graduates can become Certified Nursing Assistants. This certification opens doors to employment in hospitals, extended care facilities, and home health settings, while also providing a strong foundation for further career advancement in healthcare.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (7 credit hours)
• Cost of Program: $130 per credit hour for in-district residents ($910 for the program), plus additional fees including: $10 application fee (first-time enrollees only), $10 registration fee, $13 comprehensive fee per credit hour, and $14 technology fee per credit hour
• 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: Contact the program directly for current class schedule options

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training course (NUR 105) covers essential nursing assistant theory and skills development. Students learn about the organization of healthcare facilities, roles of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and the responsibilities of nursing assistants. The curriculum includes instruction on providing basic healthcare services, developing accurate communication skills with healthcare team members, and understanding ethical and moral behaviors in patient care.

Clinical Experience

The program includes a hands-on clinical component consisting of one 8-hour clinical experience per week for several weeks at an off-site location. During clinical rotations, students apply their theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills in actual patient care environments. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for the Illinois Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Competency Examination. Upon successful completion of NUR 105 with a minimum grade of “C” (78%) or better in theory and a “satisfactory” rating in clinical and laboratory skills, students become eligible to take the state certification exam. The $65 examination fee is due during the last week of the NUR 105 course.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must take Morton College placement tests with minimum scores of 64 for English/Reading and 50 for Arithmetic
• Must have a valid Social Security number
• Successfully pass a mandatory criminal background check (required by Illinois Department of Public Health)
• Undergo fingerprinting within the first ten days of the NUR 105 class
• Complete the following health requirements:
  • Medical history/Physical exam
  • 10 Panel urine drug screen
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test
  • Two-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test (if positive, chest x-ray required)
  • Documentation of verified immunity to varicella, rubeola, rubella, measles, mumps through blood titers
  • Hepatitis B vaccine (series of three) or proof of positive titer
  • Influenza vaccine (required October through May)
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
• Provide proof of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers (CPR)

Note: A high school diploma or GED is not required for admission.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Information regarding specific class schedules, including day, evening, or weekend availability, is not explicitly provided on the website. For the most current information about the CNA program schedule and flexibility options, please contact Morton College directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

• In-District Resident: $130 per credit hour ($910 for the 7-credit program)
• Out-of-District Resident of Illinois: $258 per credit hour ($1,806 for the program)
• Out-of-State or International Student: $322 per credit hour ($2,254 for the program)

Additional Fees

• Application Fee: $10 (first-time enrollees only)
• Registration Fee: $10 (per semester)
• Comprehensive Fee: $13 (per credit hour)
• Technology Fee: $14 (per credit hour)
• Late Registration Fee: $50 (per semester)
• State Exam Fee: $65 (due the last week of NUR 105 course)

Required Supplies

Students will need to purchase:

• Morton teal uniform scrub top
• White or grey scrub pants
• White nursing shoes or white sneakers
• Name tag
• Watch with second hand
• Stethoscope
• Gait belt
• Protective goggles

Payment Options

Morton College offers the following payment options:

• Cash, personal check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) at the Cashier’s Office
• Online payment through the college website
• Nelnet Payment Plan for deferred payments (requires a $30 non-refundable enrollment fee per semester)

How to Apply

The website does not provide detailed application steps for the Nursing Assistant program specifically. However, prospective students should:

1. Apply to Morton College (if not already a student)
2. Complete the required placement tests to ensure minimum scores of 64 for English/Reading and 50 for Arithmetic
3. Register for the NUR 105 Basic Nursing Assistant Training course

For specific details about the application process, deadlines, and required documentation, please contact Morton College’s Admissions Office directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Morton College
• Address: 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
• Phone Number: (708) 656-8000, Ext. 2388 (for Basic Life Support Certification information)
• Email: Contact the school directly for program email address
• Website: https://www.morton.edu/academics/programs/nursing-assistant/

Additional Resources

Morton College offers several resources for prospective and current CNA students:

• Student Handbook for Nursing Assistant and Advanced Bedside Care Technician Programs (PDF) – Provides detailed program policies, expectations, and guidelines
• Nursing Assistant Program Webpage – Contains general program information and links to additional resources

Summary and Next Steps

Morton College’s Nursing Assistant Program offers a valuable entry point into the healthcare field, providing both the skills and knowledge needed to deliver compassionate, effective care as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Graduates of the program find employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, and home health agencies.

The program not only prepares you for immediate employment as a CNA but also provides a strong foundation for career advancement in healthcare. Many students use this program as a stepping stone to further education and expanded healthcare roles.

As a CNA graduate from Morton College, you’ll be equipped to provide skilled care that makes a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. The program emphasizes both technical competence and compassionate care, ensuring you’re ready to meet the diverse needs of patients in today’s healthcare environment.

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