Students in McHenry County College’s Basic Nursing Assistant program received record high first-time pass rates in their competency exam, the capstone assessment needed for students to be certified to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois. MCC’s hybrid online program scored a 97% and the traditional face-to-face format scored a 94%, representing some of the highest scores in the area.
The capstone competency exam is designed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which provides authority, oversight, and monitoring to state-wide Basic Nurse Assistant Training Programs. The exam verifies students’ competency on the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to perform as a CNA. These tasks include communicating information; performing basic nursing skills, personal care skills, and basic restorative skills; and providing mental health needs, service needs, and residents’ rights.
“I am continually moved by the unwavering dedication, relentless effort, and remarkable diligence displayed by our students,” said Dr. Jill Stonecliffe, department chair, program coordinator, and dual credit liaison for MCC’s Nurse Assistant Education program. “Our students' passion for caregiving and quest for learning exemplify the core values of MCC. I am honored to be a part of their journey toward becoming exemplary professionals.”
MCC has seen recent growth in both their CNA and Dual Credit programs. Enrollment in the Nurse Assistant Education program has grown 22% over the last five years and 40% in the last year alone.
The College also offers flexible class formats and scheduling, as well as on-site educational partnerships with Marengo, Crystal Lake, and Woodstock high schools. Enrollment in these programs also grew by 40% last year and included 630 credit hours of high school students in 2023.
“There is a significant need for CNAs in our community and this certificate program serves as a great pathway into a healthcare profession,” said Dr. Betsy Schnowske, DNP, RN, Director of Nursing at MCC. “We have had tremendous success with our local high school partners adding an on-site option for their students to take this course and earn dual credit.”
MCC is currently enrolling students for the Fall in their CNA program.
“Certification as a nursing assistant is a great option for self-directed, intelligent students with an interest in exploring health care careers,” said Stonecliffe. “Successful students are ready for a fast-paced learning environment that culminates in an immediately employable role as a certified caregiver.”
The CNA program is also a pre-requisite to MCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.