Nursing Assistant Certificate (NUA)

Overview

The Nursing Assistant Program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform basic care services for a patient (acute care setting) or resident (long-term care setting). The program trains students to function in the role of nursing assistant under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Individuals completing the program and meeting eligibility requirements for certification can continue in nursing or other health careers. For specific requirements regarding certification, including residency or employment provisions, contact: IDPH, 535 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761, [phone], www.idph.state.il.us.

The basic nursing assistant proficiency examination is the State-approved competency evaluation, with both written and manual skills components.The course requires the student to complete classroom lecture/lab hours, perform clinical hours in accordance with IDPH requirements, and successfully demonstrate 21 manual patient/resident care skills. Students must also attend a 2-hour orientation before the class begins.

Program Prerequisite Courses

This course does not have prerequisite courses.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Nursing Assistant program is accredited by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Add the same info as listed on Page 3 of the catalog (IDPH info). 

After successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam in Illinois.Each student must be in compliance with criteria for state certification, which includes a cleared state background check without disqualifying convictions, and a passing score on the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.Students are responsible for scheduling and purchasingtheir seat for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. 

Clinical Requirements

Students are required toparticipate in clinical experiences that meet both accreditation standards and state graduation requirements. These clinical experiences take place off-site, and students are responsible for their own transportation and any costs associated with participation. Prior to the start of clinical internships, students are required to complete a background check, 10-panel drug screening, physical exam, and other health requirements. A social security number is required tocomply with the Health Care Worker Background Check. See the Basic Nursing AssistantTraining Handbook for more information. 

Admission

Students are admitted into the Nursing Assistant Programevery semester. All prospective students must meet the requirements listed on the nursing assistant department website in order to be considered for admission. Admission to the program is highly competitive and enrollments are limited each year. All admission requirements must be met for enrollment consideration. Students accepted in the Nursing Assistant Program are held accountable to the current policies and procedures outlined in the Handbook for the Basic Nursing AssistantTraining Program (found on the department website).

Admission is selective, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. All admission requirements must be completed prior to final acceptance. Preference is given to in-district applicants and residents from districts with a current Joint Agreement with Morton College. Complete applications that meet program requirements and are submitted by the application deadline will be considered based on program capacity. For the most up-to-date admission information for the current application cycle, visit the program webpage. 

Essential Functions 

The curriculum leading to the nursing assistant requires students to engage in diverse, complex experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential nursing assistant skills and functions. Unique combinations of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to satisfactorily perform these functions. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of the requirements of the nursing assistant, these functions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of clients, fellow students, faculty, and other healthcare providers. Please refer to the program website to find additional information about the program, current program handbooks, and current admission cycle requirements. 

Requirements

Semester One

NUR 105	Basic Nursing Assistant Training	7
Total Credit Hours:		7