Excelsior Healthcare Academy offers a four-week Basic Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to begin a career in healthcare. The program focuses on bedside patient care, meeting both federal and state requirements, and prepares students to sit for the Illinois Department of Public Health CNA certification exam.
The program is structured to include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students complete 100 hours of theoretical learning, covering essential topics such as infection control, assisting with mobility, and patient hygiene. An additional 20 hours are dedicated to clinical practice, where students gain real-world experience working with patients under supervision.
Program Highlights
- Tuition and Fees: The total cost is $1,400, including tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and exam costs.
- Duration: The program lasts four weeks.
- Location: Classes are held at 523 S Halsted St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Excelsior’s program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, ensuring that it meets state standards for CNA training. However, the academy is not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, which means students may not be eligible for financial aid or credit transfers.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the CNA program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old or have written parental permission.
- Hold a high school diploma, GED, or pass a Basic Skills Test with a 70% score in both verbal and math.
- Complete a personal interview and application for admission.
- Provide proof of a negative TB skin test and chest X-ray.
- Submit to a criminal background check.
- Provide documentation of Hepatitis B immunity.
- Sign an enrollment agreement and pass placement tests in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and basic math.
Unique Features
- Accelerated Timeline: The program’s four-week duration is ideal for individuals seeking quick entry into the healthcare field.
- Transparent Costs: Tuition includes books, lab fees, and certification exam costs, ensuring no hidden expenses.
- Supportive Staff: The academy emphasizes personalized attention, helping students achieve success through small class sizes and a caring faculty.
Considerations
While Excelsior Healthcare Academy provides a fast-track option to becoming a CNA, it does not offer financial aid, so students must pay out-of-pocket or secure alternative funding. Additionally, the lack of national accreditation may limit future credit transfers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,400 |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Not listed – Full Time |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Requirements | 18 years old, high school diploma or GED, background check, TB test, Hepatitis B immunity, and placement tests. |
| Address | 523 S Halsted St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 |
| Phone | (773) 297-2417 |
| advisor@excelsiorhealthcareacademy.com | |
| Website | Excelsior Healthcare Academy |
Student Testimonials
Mrs. MaCarthy is an AMAZING instructor she’s very hands on and one on one! She will TEACH you! No games! I passed my CNA board FIRST TIME. This teacher and class will get you where you have to go, trust me. 5/5 stars thank you so much!!!
Tia High
I PASSED THE STATE BOARD EXAM TWICE ON THE FIRST TRY!!!!!! I went to Excelsior to obtain my CNA and Ms. McCarthy and her partners are very hands on and involved in your learning and success. The curriculum and discipline that she provides in her program is much needed! I passed the state board exam the first time on the first try back in 2020 and I ended up having to take the test again after 2 years to renew my license. Ms. McCarthy guided me through the renewal process and got me back on track right away and by studying the information she has in her program I PASSED AGAIN, FOR THE SECOND TIME, ON THE FIRST TRY!!! The program is rigorous yet doable and if you want to PASS THE TEST ON THE FIRST TRY AS LONG AS YOU STUDY THE INFORMATION LOOK NO FURTHER!!! I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS PROGRAM !!! Thank you again Ms.McCarthy !
Brie Scott
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