Southwestern Illinois College CNA Training Program

Looking for a quick path into the healthcare field? The Nurse Assistant Certificate program at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville, Illinois offers you an excellent entry point into a rewarding medical career. This Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved program can be completed in just one semester, making it ideal for recent high school graduates, career changers, or anyone seeking a stable profession with meaningful patient interaction.

Upon completion of SWIC’s nurse assistant training in Belleville, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Nurse Assistant Competency Examination for Certification, putting you on track for immediate employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies throughout Illinois. With classes available at multiple SWIC campuses, certified nursing assistant training has never been more accessible.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One course, one semester (16 weeks for regular sessions, 6 weeks for accelerated format, or 8 weeks for summer sessions)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,324 total (includes tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, and equipment)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• Starting Salary: $24,000 per year (plus benefits)
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple sections offered across various campuses with morning, day, and evening options available

CNA Training Structure

SWIC’s Nurse Assistant program (HRO 105) provides comprehensive training through a single 7-credit hour course that combines classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences.

Classroom Learning

The curriculum covers essential healthcare knowledge including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology
• Personal care of patients
• Body mechanics
• Vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration)
• Special treatments
• Food/fluid intake and output measurement

Clinical Experience

Clinical practice is a required component of the program and takes place in area nursing homes and hospitals. For 16-week courses, clinical experience occurs in the last 10 days, while in the 6-week format, clinicals are scheduled during the last eight classes. Students must provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

Clinical experiences generally follow the same schedule as classroom times, with the exception of HRO 105-001 in fall and spring semesters, which schedules clinicals in the morning (different from regular class times).

Exam Preparation

The program is specifically designed to prepare students for the Nurse Assistant Competency Examination for Certification required by the state of Illinois. Graduates of the program can apply for this examination, which is necessary for employment as a certified nurse assistant in Illinois.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the SWIC Nurse Assistant program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: Minimum 16 years of age
• Education Prerequisites: Completion of at least 8 years of grade school or proof of equivalent knowledge
• Reading Proficiency: Must take the reading portion of the placement test and score high enough to enroll in ENG 94
• Physical Requirements: Good physical and emotional health, with interpersonal communication skills
• Criminal Background Check: Required for all healthcare workers with direct patient contact (conducted on the first day of class)
• Medical Requirements: Physical examination and certain immunizations required

Students must pass the background check to remain in the course, be eligible for certification, and gain employment as a CNA. Those with disqualifying convictions will be dropped unless they have an Illinois Department of Public Health waiver.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

SWIC offers multiple scheduling options to accommodate diverse student needs:

• Fall and Spring Semesters:
  • Regular 16-week format
  • Accelerated 6-week options
  • Various times and days of the week available
• Summer Semester:
  • 8-week format
  • Multiple time slots and days of the week
• Campus Options:
  • Classes available at Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City, Red Bud, and East St. Louis campuses
  • Each section generally accommodates 10-20 students

Registration periods open in April for summer and fall courses, and in November for spring semester courses. Classes fill extremely quickly, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Important: Attendance at ALL class sessions is required. Students missing the first day (mandatory orientation) will be dropped and will not qualify for a full refund.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Understanding the full costs of your CNA education helps with proper planning. Here’s a breakdown of expenses for SWIC’s Nurse Assistant Certificate program:

Tuition and Fees: $924.00

• Tuition: $861.00 ($123 per credit hour for 7 credit hours)
• Technology Fee: $42.00 ($6 per credit hour)
• Activities Fee: $21.00 ($3 per credit hour)

Additional Fees: $175.00

• Nurse Assistant course lab fee: $125.00
• Immunizations: $50.00

Required Supplies and Equipment: $90.00

• Uniforms and shoes: $60.00
• Watch with second-hand: $15.00
• Gait Belt: $15.00

Required Textbooks: $135.00

Total Estimated Program Cost: $1,324.00

Additional Post-Graduation Expense:

• CNA examination fee: $85.00 (paid upon graduation)

Note: All costs are subject to change. Additional costs may apply for out-of-district or out-of-state students not covered by a cooperating agreement.

For students enrolled at the Red Bud Campus, please note that drug testing is required for clinical placements.

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Southwestern Illinois College? Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Reading Placement Test
   • Contact Academic Advising to determine your placement testing needs
   • Visit the Testing Center with a photo ID and your SWIC student ID number
   • Achieve a reading score high enough to qualify for ENG 94
2. Register Early
   • For summer and fall courses: Register in April
   • For spring courses: Register in November
   • Classes fill quickly, so early registration is essential
3. Attend the Mandatory First Day
   • All students must attend the first day of class (mandatory orientation)
   • Background check paperwork will be collected during this session
   • Fingerprint checks are conducted on the first day
4. Complete Required Documentation
   • Physical examination form
   • Required immunizations
   • Background check (facilitated during orientation)

New SWIC students are encouraged to complete the New Student Orientation for additional support and information.

For personalized assistance with your application, contact the program coordinator directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Institution Name: Southwestern Illinois College

Main Campus Address: 2500 Carlyle Avenue Belleville, IL 62221-5899

Additional Campus Locations:

• Sam Wolf Granite City Campus
• Red Bud Campus
• East St. Louis Campus

Program Coordinator: Stephanie Reid Phone: 618-641-5906 Email: [email protected]

Health Sciences & Homeland Security: Phone: 866-942-7942, ext. 5268 Local: 618-235-2700, ext. 5268 Fax: 618-235-2052

Website: SWIC Nurse Assistant Program

Additional Resources

• Criminal Background Check Form – Required form for all CNA students
• Health Sciences Student Medical Exam Form – Required physical examination documentation
• Student Nurse Functions – Details about essential job functions for nurse assistants
• Nurse Assistant Cost Sheet – Complete breakdown of program expenses
• IDPH List of Disqualifying Convictions – Information about background check requirements and disqualifications
• Illinois Nurse Aide Testing – Details about certification testing requirements, locations, and schedules

Summary and Next Steps

Southwestern Illinois College’s Nurse Assistant program offers you a quick, affordable pathway into the healthcare field with excellent job prospects. In just one semester, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career providing essential care to patients in various healthcare settings.

With starting salaries around $24,000 plus benefits and projected job growth much faster than average, becoming a CNA through SWIC is a smart career move. The job outlook is excellent, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 17% growth between 2014 and 2024.

Don’t wait to start your journey in this fulfilling healthcare career. Classes fill quickly, so contact SWIC today to secure your spot in an upcoming session. Whether you’re taking your first step into healthcare or changing careers, Southwestern Illinois College can help you achieve your goal of becoming a certified nursing assistant in Belleville, Illinois.

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