Oakton College CNA Training Program

Oakton College’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training (BNAT) program prepares you for an exciting and in-demand healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or making a career change, this program offers the foundational skills needed to provide compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings. Located in Skokie, Illinois, Oakton’s BNAT program is designed for students seeking hands-on healthcare experience and a valuable professional certification. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Competency Exam and begin your journey in the healthcare field.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (can be completed in one semester)
• Cost of Program: $136.25 per credit hour for district residents (plus $175 course fee for BNA 100 and $20 course fee for BNA 105)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms; offers in-person, online, and hybrid options

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The BNAT curriculum offers a comprehensive study of principles and procedures used by nurse assistants in skilled/rehab nursing facilities, home health care, and acute care hospital settings. The program focuses on basic human needs and care for individuals of all ages, with special attention to elder care. Students learn essential nursing assistant skills, medical terminology, infection control, and patient care fundamentals.
• Clinical Experience Students acquire critical hands-on skills through clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. The program includes lab practice where students can master techniques before applying them in real-world settings. These clinical experiences are essential for developing practical skills in patient care and understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of a CNA.
• Exam Preparation Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Competency Exam. Those who complete the program will be eligible to participate in the Illinois Nurses Aide Competency exam. The current cost to take the exam is $75.

Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or High School Equivalency Certificate
• Official high school transcript with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, or college transcripts within 10 years and a minimum grade point average of 2.0, or placement into EGL095 or EGL089 through Oakton’s Limited Enrollment Health Career Accuplacer Reading Placement Test
• Valid social security number that will be placed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry
• Interview with the BNAT program chair (call 847.635.1461 to schedule)
• Completion of an application to Oakton College
• Criminal background check with no disqualifying convictions (must be initiated before entering the program and obtained before the first day of class)
• Medical requirements including:
  • Recent physical exam and eye exam by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner
  • Recent TB test
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or a signed Hepatitis B declination form
  • Confidential medical history form
  • Record of flu vaccination during flu season
  • COVID vaccination compliance

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Oakton’s BNAT program is offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms with flexible learning options. The program is available in three different instruction types:

• In-Person: Traditional classroom and hands-on learning
• Online: Distance learning options for theoretical components
• Hybrid: A combination of online and in-person instruction

Students must register for BNA 100 and BNA 105 concurrently after acceptance into the BNAT Program. Please contact the program directly for specific class schedules, start dates, and options for day, evening, or weekend classes.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $136.25 per credit hour for district residents ($1,090 total for 8 credit hours)
• Course Fees:
  • BNA 100: $175
  • BNA 105: $20
• Additional Expenses:
  • Criminal background check
  • Health assessment
  • Immunizations
  • Health insurance
  • State exam fee ($75)

Oakton College offers various ways to make education affordable. According to their website, 99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt. Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce costs. The college also offers payment options that allow students to spread payments over the course of the semester.

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

How to Apply

To enroll in the BNAT program at Oakton College, follow these four steps:

1. Call the BNAT office at the Skokie campus (847.635.1461) to schedule an appointment for an interview with the BNAT program chair.
2. Complete a general application to Oakton College, meeting all admission requirements.
3. After acceptance into the BNAT Program, register for BNA 100 and BNA 105 concurrently.
4. Pay for your classes by the deadline date that you receive when you register to secure your seat.

It’s recommended that prospective students view the Information Session video on the Oakton website prior to applying.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Oakton College
• Address: Skokie Campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
• Phone Number: 847.635.1461 (BNAT office)
• Email: [email protected] (Jhosa Pagulayan, Department Chair)
• Website: https://www.oakton.edu/academics/list-of-programs/basic-nurse-assistant.php

Additional Resources

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

• Information Session video available on the website
• Career assessment tools through Oakton’s Career Coach
• BNAT Career Day where graduates can interview with multiple employers
• Support resources for enrollment, academic advising, and financial aid

Summary and Next Steps

Oakton College’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training program in Skokie, Illinois provides an excellent starting point for your healthcare career. In just one semester, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in hospitals, nursing facilities, or home health settings. The program’s combination of classroom learning, hands-on clinical experience, and job preparation ensures you’ll be ready to make a difference in patients’ lives.

Graduates of Oakton’s BNAT program have been very successful in obtaining employment, with many finding jobs through the program’s Career Day. For those interested in advancing their healthcare education, CNA certification is a prerequisite for continuing nursing studies at the college.

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