Basic Nurse Assistant (BNA) Program

Overview

The BNA program is a 7-credit course (NUR 105) with classroom/lab time and clinical hours. Students complete clinical hours at a local health care facility under the supervision of an ECC instructor. The BNA course covers topics such as the rights and responsibilities of nursing assistants, how to care for patients/residents, emergency care, infection control, and caring for people with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

How do I Register for the Basic Nursing Assistant Program?

After completing the health professions online application, students can register for the BNA Program (NUR 105) if seats are available. To be eligible for NUR 105, students must be at least 16 years of age. Before the start of class, students must submit the following:  Results of a fingerprint background check and drug test, a completed Health Professions Personal Medical History Form - PDF signed by a licensed medical provider including proof of required immunizations and 2-step TB test, proof of health insurance, and current BLS CPR certification. All students who register for NUR 105 must attend a BNA orientation day, which will take place before the actual ECC semester, to begin to learn strategies to be successful in the program. The state of Illinois requires that all BNA students be at least 16 years old and have a social security number for a required background check at the start of the program. After a student registers for NUR 105, the ECC Health Professions office will send an email with information about these requirements.

Our Training Standards

Earn an industry-recognized credential that local employers highly value. The Illinois Department of Public Health approves ECC's BNA program. Graduates of the program who pass the Illinois State Competency Written Evaluation will become Certified Nursing Assistants and be placed on the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

About 220,200 job openings for Nursing Assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Future employment for Basic Nurse Assistants is expected to be strong, as the demand for health care services is projected to grow due to an aging population and an increase in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding similar occupations and compensation.