Nursing Assistant

The Nursing and Allied Health department at Spoon River College offers many opportunities for a rewarding career in the nursing field. The SRC Nursing program features an option of completing a practical nursing certificate at the end of the first year, affording the individual eligibility to take the Practical Nursing licensing examination. Students may continue to the second year of the program, and after completion, are eligible to receive an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and to write the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure. The College also offers a Nursing Assistant course that is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the health care field. The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the state of Illinois.  It has not been determined whether licensing requirements for any other state will be met.

Nature of Work

Nursing is a dynamic combination of art and science applied to meeting the health care needs of individuals and families in the communities in which we live. Nurses promote wellness, assist with the restoration and maintenance of health, and provide comfort to the dying. Nurses primarily work in inpatient and outpatient departments, care centers, and social assistance agencies, as well as in-home healthcare, educational, and employment services. This program is part of the Health Science Career Cluster.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of Nursing Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in nursing care and home health care services in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of health care services. 

Admission Criteria

• Students must be 16 years old
• Be able to speak and understand the English language
• Must have completed at least eight years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge.
• Students are required to take a 50-minute reading comprehensive test before registering for the program.
• A physical with immunizations, including a two-step TB test, is required prior to entry into the program.
• A live scan fingerprint background check will be required after acceptance into the program.

Admission Process

• Review the NA110 Syllabus, Student Handbook and Information document
  
• Arrange to take the pre-entrance SDRT test by calling the Student Services Department
  Canton: (309) 649-6400
  Havana: (309) 543-4413
  Macomb: (309) 833-6069
  Rushville: (217) 322-6060
• When you return your SDRT test to the proctor, schedule an appointment with a Student Services Department advisor.
• Schedule the appointment for your physical, be sure to have your physician complete the NA Physical form.
• Register for the course. You are required to pay a minimum of 25% down upon registration of the course.
• Purchase all required textbooks and skills packet, through the SRC bookstore, approximately 1-5 days before the first day of your course. Bring these textbooks and skills packet along with you to the first day of the course.

If you have questions, after reading the documents, contact Sherry Nelson - Senior Nursing Office Assistant at (309) 649-6227 or sherry.nelson@src.edu or Canton Advisor at (309) 649-6400 or Macomb Advisor (309) 833-6069.

Certificates​​