Parkland College CNA Training Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois offers a practical entry point into the medical field that can be completed in just one semester. This state-approved program equips you with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate patient care while working under the supervision of licensed nurses or physicians.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking for your first career step or someone seeking a meaningful career change, Parkland’s nurse assistant training prepares you for a role where you’ll make a direct difference in patients’ lives every day. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to take the state certification exam and begin working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout Illinois.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Name: Nursing Assistant Training (NAS 111)
• Program Length: One semester (6 credit hours)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,564 for in-district students, $2,903.50 for out-of-district students
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple sections offered throughout fall, spring, and summer semesters

CNA Training Structure

Parkland College’s CNA program provides comprehensive training through a balanced combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.

Classroom Learning

The curriculum covers essential healthcare fundamentals including:

• Body mechanics and transfer techniques
• Basic anatomy and physiology
• Personal care of patients
• Vital signs
• Proper patient care and safety measures
• Communication skills
• Basic nursing procedures
• Moving and transporting residents/patients
• Special procedures
• Observation, reporting, and recording
• Death and dying care
• Home care needs
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Clinical Experience

Clinical practice is a required component of the program, giving you hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Students will need to satisfy specific health requirements before beginning clinical rotations, including immunizations, background checks, and health screenings. During clinical experiences, students will apply classroom knowledge while working directly with patients under supervision.

Exam Preparation

The program is designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The entire course must be completed successfully to be eligible to take the certification exam. The Illinois Department of Public Health certification exam fee is included in the program costs.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for enrollment in Parkland College’s CNA program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Reading Proficiency: Must place into CCS 099 or higher on the Parkland College placement test
• English Proficiency: Must place into ENG 099 or higher
• Math Proficiency: Must place out of MAT 059 within the past 2 years
• Background Check: Health Care Worker Background Check Authorization must be completed prior to enrollment
• Documentation: Valid state-issued ID and Social Security card required
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to meet the Essential Qualifications for the program, which include cognitive, affective, psychomotor, communication, sensory/observation, behavioral/emotional, and professional conduct requirements

Students with specific academic needs are encouraged to discuss accommodations with the course instructor and Accessibility Services prior to beginning the program.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Parkland College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Multiple course sections are available during fall, spring, and summer semesters
• The program follows different formats depending on the semester:
  • Fall and Spring: 16-week or accelerated 6-week formats
  • Summer: 8-week format

A mandatory orientation session is required for all students at the beginning of the semester. Clinical experiences generally follow classroom schedules but may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on clinical site availability.

Important Note: Attendance at ALL class sessions is required. Missing orientation or exceeding allowable absences will result in being dropped from the program without full refund eligibility.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Understanding the full costs of your CNA education is important for proper planning. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated expenses for Parkland College’s Nursing Assistant program:

In-District Students: $1,564.00 Total

• Tuition (6 credit hours): $1,071.00
• Additional fee: $156.00
• Books: $81.00
• Required supplies:
  • 2 sets of scrubs (color to be determined in class): $80.00
  • Black pen: $1.00
  • Small memo pad: $3.00
  • Socks: $10.00
  • Watch with second hand: $20.00
  • White athletic or nursing shoes (toes and heels covered): $50.00
  • Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: $75.00

Out-of-District Students: $2,903.50 Total

• Tuition (6 credit hours): $2,410.50
• Additional fees and supplies remain the same as for in-district students

For specific financial aid information and scholarship opportunities, please contact the Parkland College financial aid office. Castle Branch is the designated repository for health record information, background checks, drug screen results, and Basic Life Support certification for health professions students at Parkland College.

How to Apply

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

1. Apply to Parkland College
   • Submit an application at www.parkland.edu/apply
   • If you have not taken classes at Parkland in the past year, you will need to reapply
2. Submit Required Transcripts
   • Send high school or GED transcripts
   • Send transcripts from any colleges other than Parkland
   • Transcripts must be sent directly from the original institution to Parkland Admissions
3. Complete Assessment Testing
   • Schedule testing at www.parkland.edu/assessment
   • Meet placement requirements for reading, English, and math
4. Meet with an Academic Advisor
   • Schedule an appointment with an Academic Success Advisor for pre-Health Professions
   • Review assessment scores and create a plan of study
5. Complete Health Care Worker Background Check
   • Visit the Nurse Assistant website at www.parkland.edu/cna
   • Complete the Health Care Worker Background Check form
   • Schedule a 15-minute appointment to meet with program staff
   • Bring your completed background check form, state-issued ID, and official Social Security card
6. Complete Fingerprinting
   • Fingerprints must be completed within 10 days of receiving the Livescan Request
   • Complete the process by returning required documentation to finalize registration

For questions about the application process, contact:

• Nancy Roth, Interim Nursing Assistant Program Director – [email protected]
• Cindy Reynolds, Administrative Assistant – [email protected]

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Institution Name: Parkland College

Main Address: 2400 W. Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61821

Program Location: Health Professions Department 1309 North Mattis Avenue, Room H-131 Champaign, IL 61821

Contact Information:

• Phone: (217) 351-2219 (Academic Advising)
• Email: [email protected] (Health Requirements)
• Website: www.parkland.edu/cna

For program-specific questions, contact:

• Nancy Roth, Interim Nursing Assistant Program Director Email: [email protected]
• Cindy Reynolds, Administrative Assistant Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 353-2760

Additional Resources

• Health Care Worker Background Check Form – Required form for background check authorization
• Essential Qualifications for CNA Program – Detailed information about required skills and abilities
• Health Forms and Immunization Records – Required health documentation forms
• Castle Branch Information – Platform for submitting health records and background checks

Summary and Next Steps

Parkland College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offers an accessible pathway into the healthcare field with excellent job prospects. In just one semester, you can gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career providing direct patient care in various healthcare settings.

The role of a CNA is vital to the healthcare team, as you’ll often spend more time with patients than any other medical professional. This position not only provides meaningful employment opportunities but can also serve as an excellent foundation for further advancement in healthcare if you choose to continue your education.

Take the first step toward your healthcare career by applying to Parkland College today. With flexible scheduling options and comprehensive training from experienced faculty, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the state certification exam and begin making a difference in patients’ lives. Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, Parkland College can help you achieve your goal of becoming a certified nursing assistant in Champaign, Illinois.

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