Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Aurora University’s Certified Nursing Assistant program prepares students to provide patient care as part of a nursing team in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other extended care settings. Through this 8-week program, you will gain the foundational knowledge and hands-on training needed to work in the healthcare field.
By successfully completing the CNA program at AU, you will be eligible to take the Certified Nursing Assistant exam through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Our CNA program follows the curriculum required by IDPH, covering topics such as the roles and responsibilities of a nurse assistant, HIPAA laws, infection prevention and safety, transfers, activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, and feeding), specimen collection, and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
AU’s CNA program is approved by IDPH and exceeds the minimum required hours in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting. This additional time allows you to reinforce key concepts, practice essential skills, and prepare for the state competency exam.
This non-credit program focuses on hands-on training and prepares students for CNA certification rather than academic credit.
CNA Program FAQs
The summer module I cohort of the CNA program takes place Mondays–Thursdays from May 11–July 4, 2026, with coursework at the AU main campus (Theory in Alumni 233, Lab in Alumni 231) and clinical rotations at external sites.
Mondays
Clinical (Begins on June 1): 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays
Theory/Lab: 9 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Wednesdays
Theory/Lab: 9 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Thursdays
Theory/Lab: 9–11:30 a.m.
CPR certification is required for those without an American Heart Association BLS card. Skills testing will be offered on Thursday, May 14, from noon–2 p.m. Those participating must complete the online training portion through the American Heart Association before this date. Any other type of CPR card will not be accepted. If you are unsure if your card is acceptable as proof of certification for the CNA program, please email a copy to schoolofnursing@aurora.edu.
To be eligible for the CNA program, students must:
- Have a valid Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number and provide a copy of the signed card.
- Complete a fingerprint criminal background check through an IDPH-approved Live Scan vendor.
- Complete a TB test.
- Undergo a urine drug screening.
Additional costs related to the program (subject to change):
- American Heart Association BLS Class Fee: $65
- Drug Test, Background Check, and Health Requirements: $150*
- IL Nurse Aide Testing Fee: $85
- Lab Fees: $60
- Textbooks: approximately $100
- Uniform and Shoes: approximately $50
*Students are responsible for any additional costs not covered by health insurance.
Fees beyond the program registration cost (such as certification, testing, and health requirements) are paid directly to third-party providers and are subject to their policies. As a non-credit offering, the CNA program is not eligible for financial aid, tuition coverage, or payment plans.
To support a focused, hands-on learning environment, each cohort is limited to 16 students.
While we understand that plans can change, refunds are not available once the program has begun. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify the program as early as possible, as available options can only be considered before the start date.
Refunds will not be issued for additional costs outside of Aurora University, such as Uniform and Shoes, IL Nurse Aide Testing Fee, Drug and Background Check, etc.
We are not currently accepting new applications for the CNA program. To be notified if applications reopen, please email your contact information and preferred start term (fall, spring, or summer) to Alison Sanders, administrative assistant, at aksanders@aurora.edu.