CNAs perform basic nursing functions such as personal care, taking vital signs, and ambulation under the supervision of a registered nurse.
CNAs work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, or in a patient’s home and always under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).
$18,000 to $24,000 in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Will I get a job when I’m done?
Yes, there is a great need for CNAs, although nobody can promise anyone a job. The graduates of this program have been very successful in obtaining employment. Many graduates find jobs at the BNAT Career Day where they can interview with as many as 25 employers.
What do I have to do to get into the CNA program at Oakton?
Complete an interview with BNAT Program faculty and pass required reading, math and listening comprehension assessment tests.
Submit the results of a recent physical exam done by a doctor (M.D.) or a nurse practitioner.
Only students who have been accepted into the course by the BNAT faculty can register for the course.
How much will it cost to take the program at Oakton?
Cost: (Link here to the Tuition and Fees page.)
(* fees include lab supply fee, graduation, criminal background check, textbook, uniform, CPR and state exam fee and JT fee.)
Daytime classes meet from 9AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday, plus five additional Fridays for ten weeks.
The intensive week-end program meets Friday evening 4 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm for sixteen weeks.
There is an evening CNA program given through the Alliance for Lifelong Learning. However, COLLEGE CREDIT IS NOT GIVEN FOR THIS COURSE.
For information: (847) 635-1416
What if I move out of the state?
You will need to contact the state to which you are moving and request reciprocity. It is a good idea to take care of the paperwork involved well ahead of any move as the process could take some time.
Remember that you must complete all the requirements to be a CNA in Illinois before you are eligible for reciprocity. Most states will accept Illinois certification.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
Daytime program is 10 weeks long
Weekend program is 16 weeks long. (weeks may not be consecutive due to holiday weekends)
Do I need to take a test after passing the course to work as a CNA?
Yes, you must take and pass the Illinois State Competency Exam to be entered into the Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Nurse Aide Registry. The cost of this exam is included in your course fees.
Does Illinois require a criminal background check? .
Yes, by law a criminal background check must be initiated by the college at the beginning of the program. The cost is included in your fees. In order to become a certified nursing assistant in the State of Illinois and be employed as a CNA a student must complete a criminal background check.
Can I take BNA100 without taking BNA l05?
No, BNAl05 is a co-requisite and is taught concurrently with BNA100.
When can I begin the CNA course at Oakton?
The daytime CNA course is offered four times a year. Classes begin early in October, January, April and July. The weekend course is offered twice a year. Classes begin in January and August.
Copyright © 2001 Oakton Community College. Last update 10/2/01.