College of DuPage Basic Nursing Assistant Program Achieves 100 Percent Pass Rate

Students in College of DuPage's Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Illinois state Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) exams offered in 2016.

"The faculty members and support staff involved with the Basic Nursing Assistant training program are extremely pleased with the state certification exam results and are encouraged by the efforts of our BNA to CNA learners," said BNA Program Coordinator and instructor Karen Batke. "Historically, the graduates from the College of DuPage BNA program have always done well on the certification exam, but reaching the 100 percent mark is a true accomplishment."

Designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills and abilities required to safely perform the job of a nursing assistant, the NATCEP certification exam is the final test a nurse aide student must pass in order to become eligible for employment and to be listed on the Health Care Worker Registry of Illinois.

According to Basic Nursing Assistant program staff member Denise Kissee, recent program changes are bringing positive results.

"In the past year, under the guidance and leadership of College of DuPage Associate Dean of Nursing Marianne Hunnicutt, we have instituted mandatory orientation sessions for enrolled nursing students," Kissee said. "This provides students with very valuable information and sets the standard for what will be expected in the classroom. They start classes completely prepared."

Batke said the success of this year's BNA to CNA students can be attributed to their motivation to learn work skills that will result in good jobs, as well as the dedication of a supportive team of instructors and staff.

"Some graduates of the program will become CNAs while others may pursue degrees in a health-related profession," she said. "Regardless, the College's BNA to CNA participants can apply what they have learned to their life and career and touch the lives of others in need of care. Our program is supported by talented College staff members in admissions, advising and the Nursing program sub-division office, as well as the faculty who are all dedicated nurses who are passionate about healthcare."

The BNA training program at College of DuPage prepares students for employment as entry-level certified nurse assistants (CNA) through a combination of classroom and hands-on clinical education. This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and emphasizes basic nursing assistant skills and related knowledge.

Click here for more information about the BNA program at College of DuPage. Click here for more information about the College's Nursing program.

College of DuPage is an accredited community college that serves more than 29,000 students each term. The College, which grants nine associate degrees and more than 170 certificates in 100 areas of study, is the second largest provider of public undergraduate education in Illinois.