Nurse Assisting Certificate

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Help nurses and care for patients and residents

Form meaningful relationships with patients, residents and families

Become an in-demand assistant to licensed nurses and provide trustworthy care to elderly individuals with this 7-credit nurse assisting program offered at ��. As a nurse assistant, you complete a myriad of patient care duties every day. This program provides on-the-job knowledge and compassionate skills you need to succeed in the rigors and stresses associated with a career in health care.

After you complete this program, you will be eligible to sit for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination (INACE) to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The CNA certification is a prerequisite for the Nursing Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program.

This program is approved by the .
525 West Jefferson Street, 4th Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Admission requirements
To get started with the Nurse Assisting program, you must meet
1. The prerequisites listed in the
2. The following health and safety requirements:
Questions about health and safety requirements? Contact:
Student Health & Wellness Services
Phone: (847) 543-2064
Fax: (847) 543-3064
Location: C176, Grayslake Campus
Email: healthcenter@clcillinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ready to get started at ��?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the on-boarding process.
Workforce requirements
To earn state certification in this field, you must possess the following:
- Social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
NOTE: Individuals with an ITIN who have successfully completed the program and achieved CNA certification are not currently eligible to work as a CNA in the State of Illinois, according to state law.
Please contact the Biological and Health Sciences Division Office for more information.

What can you do with a Nurse Assisting Certificate?

This certificate prepares you to work in long-term care (nursing homes), hospitals, home health and other related areas.

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Program Length: 2 to 4 Months

Complete your CNA in as few as 8 weeks as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
ICAPS Program

Transition to college and the workforce through this Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at ��. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.05%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  91.31%
  
  Doctorate
  
  8.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  95.23%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,456
  
  Median
  
  $91,676
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,587
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.90
  
  Median
  
  $44.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  35.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.28%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56,014
  
  Median
  
  $100,930
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,291
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.93
  
  Median
  
  $48.52
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  4.76%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  57.14%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $75,626
  
  Median
  
  $118,109
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $224,177
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36.35
  
  Median
  
  $56.78
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107.77
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.57%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.14%
  
  Some college
  
  3.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.71%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  46.43%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $117,172
  
  Median
  
  $240,118
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $295,469
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56.33
  
  Median
  
  $115.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $142.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  44.44%
  
  Doctorate
  
  55.56%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
NUR 110	NUR 110 Nurse Assisting Class Description In this course, students will learn basic nursing skills to assist the older adult with bathing, grooming, eating, elimination, and moving. Students will also learn techniques for making beds, answering call lights, taking measurements such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, and performing other cares as directed by the licensed nurse. While performing all cares, students will learn how to incorporate communication and observational techniques, principles of infection control, safety precautions, and resident rights. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of the CNA as a member of the healthcare team along with the legal and ethical implications of the role. This course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and prepares students to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).	7	Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	NUR 110
Course Title	NUR 110 Nurse Assisting Class Description In this course, students will learn basic nursing skills to assist the older adult with bathing, grooming, eating, elimination, and moving. Students will also learn techniques for making beds, answering call lights, taking measurements such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, and performing other cares as directed by the licensed nurse. While performing all cares, students will learn how to incorporate communication and observational techniques, principles of infection control, safety precautions, and resident rights. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of the CNA as a member of the healthcare team along with the legal and ethical implications of the role. This course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and prepares students to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
Credits	7
Dual credit options available

Total Credit Hours

7

Nursing at ��

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study nursing. Get the bigger picture�degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Nursing Program Overview

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at ��.

Frequently asked questions

You benefit from an excellent education at an affordable price. Enjoy small class sizes while building meaningful relationships with your classmates and instructors. You have access to a variety of campus resources�like career services, counseling, fitness facilities and more.
You learn how to:
- transfer and transport patients and residents
- collect specimens
- take temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure
- perform activities of daily living, including bed, bath, showers, dressing and personal hygiene as directed by a nurse
Yes�well, most of them. Clinicals are conducted in person at local long-term care facilities. Day, evening, weekend and blended classroom options are available. Classes are offered at all �� campuses.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work in nurse assisting in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at �� to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about ��

Johnnie Lovelace
Graduate
�What I liked about the nursing program here was that it was a small community. You feel more at home in a smaller group.�
After graduating from ��'s nursing program, Johnnie worked in emergency rooms, ICUs, clinics and home health settings. She is CEO of three assisted living facilities in Atlanta.
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��������

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes

Help nurses and care for patients and residents

Form meaningful relationships with patients, residents and families

Accreditation

Information for prospective students

Admission requirements

Workforce requirements

What can you do with a Nurse Assisting Certificate?

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

Career Certificate

Program Length: 2 to 4 Months

WIOA Program

ICAPS Program

Career Outlook

Acute Care Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Critical Care Nurses

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Health Informatics Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical and Health Services Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Nurse Anesthetists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Nursing at ��������

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Why study Nurse Assisting at ��������?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

Where can I work in nurse assisting?

How much does this program cost?

What students say about ��������

Johnnie Lovelace

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at ��������

Request info

Visit us

Get started

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Nursing at ��

What students say about ��

Be debt-free at ��