Nursing Aide

Program Type

Certificate Available

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About the Program

The Nursing Aide Certificate Program prepares students to enter the health care workforce and a pathway to allied health and nursing careers. A flexible program of schedule options includes morning, afternoon, or evening sessions. Mandatory health requirements must be met. Students who complete the program with a grade of ā€œCā€ or better are eligible for the Nurse Training Competency Evaluation. The program has a mandatory requirement of 80 hours of theory in the classroom and 40 hours of clinical experience in a healthcare facility. Classroom, skill labs, and clinical attendance are required. This course is a prerequisite for the Nursing A.A.S. Degree program.

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

Program Pathways

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

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Certified Nursing Assistant at RVC

Check out this short video to learn more about the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at RVC! 

The Certified Nursing Assistant Program at Rock Valley College meets the state education requirements for a certified nursing assistant in the State of Illinois. Rock Valley College has not determined if the CNA program at Rock Valley College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.  Requirements for each state can be found on each states Department of Public Health websites.  

Illinois Department of Public Health approval

All students interested in the Nursing Aide program must view the CNA Information Session online. This is mandatory and must be completed in order to register for this course.

Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check

  • Information is provided in the mandatory CNA Information Session
  • Requires a valid Social Security Number and a photo ID
  • Cost: $34.50 (subject to change)
  • It is possible that a student's criminal background will prevent participation in clinical practice, thereby preventing program admission.
The nursing aide program provides clinical education at various long-term care facilities. The nursing aide program must adhere to these facilities' requirements.  All admitted students will be required to provide the following at the expense of the student.
  • Physical exam with NO lifting restrictions
  • COVID vaccine
  • TB 2-Step or blood test
  • Seasonal flu vaccine
  • COVID vaccine
  • Other: uniform/shoes, criminal background check, textbooks, state exam 

Students are required to attend all days of the Nursing Aide program. This is mandated by IDPH.  This includes attendance to orientation days, lectures, skills lab and clinical. All students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.

NOTE:  Students should plan for at least a 30 minute travel time between clinical site and the main campus if they have scheduled classes either before or after NAD 101.

This Nursing Aide course requires a "C", which is 80% to pass.

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Aide program, students will sit for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Examination to earn the credentials of CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). This process has additional fees ā€“ approximately $85.

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