Richland Community College CNA Training Program

At Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois, the Certified Nursing Assistant program provides essential training for those looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. This nurse assistant training program is perfect for compassionate individuals seeking entry-level healthcare positions, recent high school graduates, or career changers drawn to patient care. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for the Illinois Competency Evaluation Exam and can begin working as CNAs in various healthcare settings. The CNA program in Decatur, Illinois offers a clear pathway to employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, and private residences.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One year or less (Academic Certificate)
• Cost of Program: $153 per credit hour for in-district residents (includes tuition and fees)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health
• CNA Program Schedule: Please contact the program directly for information about class schedules

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The Nurse Assistant Training program at Richland Community College offers instruction in basic nursing skills through comprehensive theory and laboratory components. Students learn essential skills needed to provide quality patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. The program prepares participants to function effectively as members of healthcare teams in various settings including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and home care environments.
• Clinical Experience Students receive practical training in clinical settings where they apply the nursing skills learned in classroom and laboratory sessions. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing proficiency in patient care techniques. Please contact the program directly for more information about specific clinical hour requirements.
• Exam Preparation The program prepares students for the Illinois Competency Evaluation Exam. Successful completion of all course requirements, including meeting the Health Care Worker Background Check Act criteria, makes students eligible to apply for this exam. Those who pass are added to the Illinois Department of Public Health Health Care Worker Registry and can begin working as Certified Nursing Assistants.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Meet eligibility requirements for admission to the College
• Successfully complete Nurse Assistant reading and math pre-tests or approved alternate assessments
• Students must have a background clear of any disqualifying convictions as verified by a fingerprint-based background check or obtain a waiver from the Illinois Department of Public Health before attending clinical

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options, including information about daytime, evening, or weekend classes, as well as part-time or full-time enrollment options.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $153 per credit hour for in-district residents (includes $139 tuition, $12 Academic/Technology Fee, and $2 Registration Fee per credit hour)
• Total Program Cost: The Nurse Assistant program requires 8 credit hours, bringing the estimated total cost to $1,224 for in-district students

Please note that certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid. Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.

How to Apply

To enroll in the Nurse Assistant program at Richland Community College:

1. Meet the prerequisites to apply (16+ years of age, successful completion of reading and math pre-tests, etc.)
2. Complete the college application process
3. Ensure your background is clear of disqualifying convictions through a fingerprint-based background check, or obtain a waiver from the Illinois Department of Public Health

For more specific information about application deadlines and procedures, please visit the Richland Community College website or contact the admissions office directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Richland Community College
• Address: One College Park, Decatur, IL 62521
• Website: https://www.richland.edu/academics/programs-degrees/certified-nursingassistant-cna/

For additional contact information including phone numbers and email addresses, please visit the program website or contact the college directly.

Additional Resources

Richland Community College provides several resources for prospective and current CNA students:

• Course catalog with detailed information about graduation requirements and course offerings
• Health profession programs projected costs page
• Career opportunities information through Illinois WorkNet
• Application assistance

To access these resources, visit the links provided on the program website.

Summary and Next Steps

Richland Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program in Decatur, Illinois offers an excellent starting point for your healthcare career. This Illinois Department of Public Health-approved program prepares you for success in long-term care, hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, and private residences. With hands-on clinical training and comprehensive classroom instruction, you’ll gain the skills needed to provide compassionate patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Upon program completion and passing the state competency exam, you’ll be placed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry and ready to begin your career as a CNA. Ready to take this important first step toward a meaningful healthcare career? Apply today through Richland Community College’s website or contact the admissions office to learn more about enrollment.

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