Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate

This seven-credit-hour course is designed to prepare nursing assistants to work under the direction of a licensed professional nurse to provide care in various healthcare settings. Coursework includes the development of basic nursing skills through lectures, laboratory demonstration and practice, and 48 hours of clinical experience. The Illinois Department of Public Health has approved the course for a total of 136 hours of instruction.

After you successfully complete the Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate Program, you are eligible to take the written State Nursing Aide Competency Exam. When you pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, your name is added to the Healthcare Worker Registry, and you can be employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

An individual will be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry when:

Requirements and Deadlines

Summer 2025 Semester (classes start in May)

  • Note: Early registration deadline - The last day to register is May 12.
  • The Health Care Worker Background Check form is due May 14. Check your MCC student email on May 13 to complete it online.
  • Fingerprinting is on May 21 at MCC. Details will be sent to your MCC student email.

Fall 2025 Semester (classes start in August)

  • Note: Early registration deadline - The last day to register is August 4.
  • The Health Care Worker Background Check form is due August 6. Check your MCC student email on August 5 to complete it online.
  • Fingerprinting is on August 13 at MCC. Details will be sent to your MCC student email.

Spring 2026 Semester (classes start in January)

  • Note: Early registration deadline - The last day to register is January 5.
  • The Health Care Worker Background Check form is due January 7. Check your MCC student email on January 6 to complete it online.
  • Fingerprinting is on January 14 at MCC. Details will be sent to your MCC student email.

Contact (815) 455-8710 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $1,535.75

Credit Hours to Complete: 7

Weeks to Complete: 16


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Career Outlook

Related Programs

  • Nursing, AAS Prepare to function as a professional nurse in a variety of healthcare settings.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS Put your compassionate nature and great interpersonal skills to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS Learn how to help patients improve mobility and relieve pain, and how to prevent or limit physical disability through the use of therapeutic techniques.

What you need to know about getting your Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate (CIP 51.3902)

Total Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $850.5 $2,752.33 $3,599.82 $3,599.82
Additional Costs $685.25 $685.25 $685.25 $685.25
Program Total $1,535.75 $3,437.58 $4,285.07 $4,285.07

What makes MCC's Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate program better than, or distinct from, similar programs at other institutions?

  • The State of Illinois requires a nursing assistant program to be 120 hours. MCC's program offers 136 hours, allowing students to gain more competency in their skills.

How will MCC's Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

  • Many universities require 2,000 patient contact hours before admission in their physician assistant programs. Some medical schools are beginning to require patient contact hours too. CNA certification provides this patient contact and may assist you in earning income as you work toward your degree.
  • An applicant to MCC's Nursing AAS program must be a CNA with documentation of good standing on the Illinois Health Care Worker registry.
  • MCC offers a Clinical Medical Assistant Program that requires students to be in good standing on the Illinois Health Care Worker registry.
  • MCC offers ECG technician training designed for students who have completed their CNA.

What have graduates gone on to do?

  • Students have gone on to become medical technologists, and work in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and skilled nursing facilities.

Outside of the Classroom

  • This course includes theory, lab practice, and a clinical component. Working with patients in a clinical setting teaches you how to work and communicate with people.
  • Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate Program is to develop students who are skilled to perform competently in the role of a certified nursing assistant (CNA). MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery of the Program Learning Outcomes.

  • Program Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    1. Demonstrate proficiency in the 21 plus required skills per IDPH guidelines.
    2. Think critically and act appropriately in health care settings.
    3. Communicate clearly and appropriately in health care settings.
    4. Develop an awareness of, and commitment to, ethical behavior in health care settings.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.