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 nursing assistant rights, responsibilities, and proper patient or resident care in various healthcare settings. It also includes emergency care, infection control, and caring for people with dementia or 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: Applicants must submit the results of a fingerprint background check and a drug test. They are also required to complete the Health Professions Personal Medical History Form - PDF, signed by a licensed medical provider. This form must include proof of required immunizations and a 2-step TB test. In addition, applicants must provide proof of health insurance and a current BLS CPR certification. All students registered for NUR 105 must attend a BNA orientation day held before the start of the ECC semester. This orientation introduces strategies to help students succeed in the program. Illinois requires BNA students to be at least 16 years old and have a Social Security number for background checks. 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 who pass the Illinois State Competency Written Evaluation will become Certified Nursing Assistants. They will also 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. Healthcare service demand is expected to grow due to an aging population and rising chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding similar occupations and compensation.