Nursing Assistant Training Program

Program Description

1 Year Program

The Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) prepares high school juniors and seniors for careers and post-secondary education in healthcare through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience. Students learn the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, effective, and compassionate patient care while preparing to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) through the Illinois Department of Public Health certification process. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, patient care procedures, human body systems, medical terminology, infection control, vital signs, personal care skills, healthcare communication, professional ethics, sterile processing, and healthcare workplace practices. Performance is evaluated through written assessments, practical skill demonstrations, laboratory activities, clinical performance, professional behavior, safety, attendance, and employability skills. Students complete hands-on training in the classroom and lab before applying their skills during a 40-hour clinical experience in local healthcare facilities under the guidance of Registered Nurse instructors. The program also offers dual credit opportunities through the College of DuPage in nursing fundamentals, sterile processing, and healthcare ethics. Throughout the program, students develop technical expertise, communication, teamwork, compassion, critical thinking, and professionalism, preparing them for certification, employment, or continued education in nursing and other healthcare professions.