If you are contemplating becoming a nurse aid in the state of Illinois, you would first have to know what is required for CNA certification in Illinois. There are a lot of ways in which you can apply to take the CNA exam in this state and one would only need to possess either of these requirements. The good thing about being a nurse aide in this state is that the license does not expire if you do not fail to have a job as a nurse aid for 2 consecutive years.
One of the first steps in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Illinois is to undergo a state-approved program. They use the federal standards for these trainings and would require a minimum set of hours for both classroom work as well as practical training.
You can also apply for a certification in Illinois if you have completed the required semester for basics of nursing or nursing fundamentals if you are currently taking a nursing program. You would also need to have at least 40 hours of clinical training together with the required course work.
Those who have completed military training with course work similar to that of a nurse aid training program may also apply for certification. There is also a required 40 hours of practice or experience in the field before one can proceed with the application for exam. You would also need to present evidence of employment in military medical service or of service as military corpsman.
If you have finished training for nursing aides in another country and would like to apply for certification in Illinois, you can also do so. You would only need to submit the necessary transcript of records of your completion of that program, your diploma and also complete the required hours of practical training. Those who are currently holding a nurse aide certificate from another state may also apply for reciprocity. They would have to submit the necessary documents such as the certificate issued as well as pass the background check on that state.
Those who possess any of the above-mentioned may apply to take the state exam. The test is conducted by the Southern Illinois University for the written part. If the candidate fails the exam three times, he or she would have to undergo training again before he may be allowed to retake the test.
The skills test would be conducted by a manual skills evaluator which can be found at a community college or at your particular area. One should also pass the required state and federal background check before his license could be issued. The state does not however, give out any paper certification or credentials to the candidate. What the state does is enter the applicant’s name in their online registry to certify that they have passed the CNA exam. The recertification would only be required if you have not had any paid work as a nurse aid for the past 24 months or 2 years. If you were able to work for that duration, you would not have to renew your license ever. Click here to learn more abut the nursing assistant registry in Illinois and how to search for workers with valid certification status.
Click this link to find the currently available state approved CNA classes in Illinois.
Om Om says
I am interrested inn learning if there are any pre-college programs in the area of CNA that are available in Chicago, Illinois. Potential participant is my grand-daughter and is currently in her senior year in High-school.
admin says
Hi,
You can visit this link to find all of the nursing assistant programs in Chicago that are available right now.
Good luck,
Brooke