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SWIC's nurse assistant course, HRO 105, prepares graduates for the nurse assistant competency examination and employment as a nurse assistant. Certified nurse assistants work under the supervision of a nurse. They help patients or residents perform basic daily activities and provide simple, routine nursing care procedures.
Duties may include the following:
• Taking temperatures, blood pressure, pulse and respiration
• Measuring food/fluid intake and output
• Assistance with feeding, walking, and grooming activities
While employment requirements vary from state to state, Illinois requires that nurse assistants graduate from an approved nurse assistant course and pass a written competency examination to qualify for employment.
For more information regarding the nurse assistant course, please contact Nurse Assistant Coordinator Pat Falkenhein at 618-235-2700, ext. 8142.
Education Program
Nurse Assistant Certificate (025A)
This course is offered at the college’s Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud campuses. It is offered in sixteen-week and accelerated six-week formats with both classroom and clinical training.
The SWIC nurse assistant course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which allows our graduates to apply for the nurse assistant competency examination for certification.
Attendance to all class sessions is required. Students missing the first day of class will be dropped and will not qualify for a full refund of tuition/fees
Criminal background checks are also required for all health care workers with direct patient contact. Checks are completed on the first day of class. Students must pass the background check in order to remain in the course, be eligible to take the certification exam and to become employed as a certified nurse assistant (CNA). Refer to the IDPH website for a list of disqualifying convictions and further information regarding requirements to become a CNA in the State of Illinois.
Career Opportunities
Certified nurse assistants primarily work in long-term patient care facilities, although employment opportunities are also available in home health care, hospitals and other medical facilities.
Starting salaries are generally $18,000-$20,000 plus benefits.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statics, the certified nurse assistant profession is one of the fastest growing careers in health care.