Waubonsee Community College BNA Training Program

Looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare without years of schooling? Waubonsee Community College’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training program offers you a direct pathway into the medical field in just one semester. Located with campus options in Sugar Grove and Aurora, Illinois, this program equips you with the essential skills to become a valued caregiver in various healthcare settings.

If you’re drawn to a career that combines meaningful patient interaction with practical medical knowledge, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant could be your ideal first step. Whether you’re a young adult starting your professional journey or someone seeking a fulfilling career change, Waubonsee’s program is designed to help you succeed in this growing field.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Name: Basic Nurse Assistant Training – Certificate of Achievement
• Program Code: 427B
• Duration: One semester (16 weeks)
• Credits Required: 6 credit hours
• Certification: Prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Nurse Aide Competency Examination
• Format: Includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences
• Approval: Program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• Success Rate: Over 80% pass rate on the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (2021)
• Locations: Available at Waubonsee’s campus locations in Sugar Grove, Aurora, and Plano
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,541 (includes tuition, fees, materials, and testing)

CNA Program Overview

Waubonsee Community College has developed its Basic Nurse Assistant Training program to meet the growing healthcare demand for skilled, compassionate caregivers. As the need for round-the-clock personal medical services continues to rise, CNAs have become essential team members in various healthcare environments.

The program equips graduates with the competencies needed to work as nurse assistants in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. It’s approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and meets all requirements of the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1979.

What You’ll Learn

The comprehensive curriculum covers fundamental caregiving skills that prepare you for real-world patient care:

• Basic nursing procedures and treatments
• Proper body mechanics and safety measures
• Food service and nutritional support
• Effective communication skills
• Specialized care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Your education takes place in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, with hands-on clinical experiences provided in long-term care facilities. This practical approach ensures you’ll graduate with both confidence and competence.

Expert Instruction

At Waubonsee, you’ll learn from highly trained faculty members who bring valuable expertise to the classroom. Their guidance contributes to the program’s impressive success rate, with over 80% of students passing the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam in 2021.

Admission Requirements

Waubonsee’s CNA program has special admission and registration processes that prospective students need to follow. While the specific requirements aren’t fully detailed in the program information, the Health Professions and Public Service office can provide complete guidance.

For the most current admission requirements, please contact:

• Phone: (630) 870-3900
• Email: [email protected]

For a comprehensive understanding of current course requirements and expectations, you can also review the Nurse Assistant Student Handbook (PDF) available on Waubonsee’s website.

CNA Program Curriculum

The Basic Nurse Assistant Training program follows a straightforward curriculum designed for completion in just one semester through Waubonsee’s Career Ready Pathway.

Required Course

• NAS101 – Basic Nurse Assistant Training (6 credit hours)
  • This comprehensive course covers all essential nurse assistant competencies
  • Requires a minimum grade of C for program completion

Program Total: 6 credit hours

The Career Ready Pathway allows you to complete the entire certificate within a 16-week timeframe, making this an efficient route into the healthcare field.

Guided pathways are recommended course sequences for earning a certificate or degree. Waubonsee’s academic and career advising and counseling professionals are available to guide students throughout their educational journey.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Waubonsee offers multiple enrollment opportunities for the Basic Nurse Assistant Training program during both fall and spring terms. The program follows a Career Ready Pathway that can be completed in a single semester (16 weeks).

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options, including specific days, times, and upcoming start dates.

CNA Program Costs

Understanding the full financial commitment helps you plan properly for your education. Waubonsee Community College provides a transparent breakdown of expected program expenses:

Total Estimated Cost: $1,541

Tuition and Fees:

• Class and student fees (for in-district student, 6 credit hours): $983

Required Materials:

• Textbooks: $158
• Uniforms/Shoes: $43
• Supplies: $132

Testing and Requirements:

• Drug screen: $121
• Fingerprint background check: $29
• Illinois Nurse Aide Testing Fee: $75

Financial Assistance Options: If you’re between 18-24 years old and need financial help, you may qualify for the Waubonsee Works program, which could cover your tuition, fees, books, and supplies. This opportunity makes the CNA program even more accessible for younger students starting their healthcare careers.

For more information about costs and payment options, visit Waubonsee’s Costs and Payments page.

How to Apply

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Waubonsee Community College? Follow these steps to get started:

1. Request Information Visit Waubonsee’s information request page to receive detailed program materials.
2. Visit Campus Schedule a campus visit through Waubonsee’s visit page to tour the facilities and meet with program representatives.
3. Contact the Health Professions Office Reach out to the Health Professions and Public Service office at (630) 870-3900 or email [email protected] for guidance on the special admission process.
4. Review Program Requirements Read through the Nurse Assistant Student Handbook to understand course expectations and requirements.
5. Complete Enrollment Follow the enrollment steps at Waubonsee’s enrollment page.

Multiple enrollment opportunities are available in both fall and spring terms, giving you flexibility in when you begin your training. The sooner you start the application process, the closer you’ll be to launching your healthcare career!

Contact Information

Program Contact

Health Professions and Public Service Office

• Phone: (630) 870-3900
• Email: [email protected]

Campus Locations

• Sugar Grove Campus Route 47 @ Waubonsee Drive Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9454 (630) 466-7900
• Aurora Downtown Campus 18 S. River St. Aurora, IL 60506-4134 (630) 801-7900
• Aurora Fox Valley Campus 2060 Ogden Ave. Aurora, IL 60504-7222 (630) 585-7900
• Plano Campus 100 Waubonsee Drive Plano, IL 60545 (630) 552-7900

Still Have Questions?

Waubonsee’s staff is happy to help! Visit their Contact Us page for additional contact options.

Additional Resources

• Nurse Assistant Student Handbook (PDF)
• Career Ready Pathway – Basic Nurse Assistant Training Certificate
• Student Achievement Data – Program Review
• Waubonsee Works Financial Assistance Program
• Licensure Requirements by State and Program
• Faculty Directory

Summary & Next Steps

Waubonsee Community College’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training program offers you an efficient, direct path into a healthcare career that’s both meaningful and in high demand. In just 16 weeks, you can gain the skills, knowledge, and certification needed to begin making a significant difference in patients’ lives.

As a CNA, you’ll be more than just a healthcare worker. You’ll be the friendly face patients see each day, providing comfort during difficult times and supporting their journey to better health. The role combines the satisfaction of helping others with the stability of working in an essential, growing field.

Whether you’re just beginning your professional journey or looking to change careers, Waubonsee’s supportive faculty, modern facilities, and proven track record of success can help you achieve your goals. The first step is yours to take. Reach out to Waubonsee’s Health Professions office today to learn more about upcoming enrollment opportunities and begin your path to becoming a certified nursing assistant.

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