Certified Nursing Assistant Student Program - AU October 2025 Cohort

Northwestern Medicine is a system of 11 hospitals across Chicagoland; we are dedicated to providing the most advanced health care to the communities and patients we serve. At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. Ready to join our quest for better?

Are you interested in joining an organization that is committed to supporting your education so you can start your career in healthcare?

Northwestern Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity to help you enter the healthcare field as a patient care technician (PCT).

Upon hire, you would start our job training program for candidates who are interested in becoming a PCT and earning their certification as a nursing assistant.  

The program will provide pay and benefits as you start your training program supported by Northwestern Medicine and Aurora University.

Successful applicants will be enrolled in the 8 week training program at no cost and will be paid for their time in training.  Following the successful completion of the mandatory program, candidates will transition into a PCT with additional support as they become independent in their role. The minimum service requirement is two years. 

Training program date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

• Training Program Shift: 1st shift
• Training Location: Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, IL
• Clinical Rotation Location: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, Illinois

PCT work location after program completion: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, Illinois

• PCT Shift: Days
• Required to work every other weekend and holiday.

PCT Responsibilities:

• Performs basic nursing care activities as delegated and supervised by an RN, including monitoring vital signs, taking blood glucose measurements, and recording intake and output. 
• Assists patients with tending to personal care and activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming and eating.
• Reports abnormal findings or changes in physical, mental and emotional conditions to nursing staff. 
• Assists with keeping patient rooms clean and orderly.
• Demonstrates flexibility, organization, and multi-tasking. Able to function under stressful situations.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills to successfully demonstrate the ability to prioritize and complete unit work quickly as the needs of the unit, patients and staff change.
• Serves as liaison between patient care units and all other patient related departments.
• Answers telephone, intercom and call lights in a polite manner using appropriate telephone etiquette and communicates information to the appropriate staff/family/patient.
• Manages the overall unit workflow in concert with the charge RN and/or assistant manager, on an as needed basis.
• Performs pre-census and validates daily admission, discharge and census lists, on an as needed basis.

*IF YOU ALREADY HAVE YOUR CNA LICENSE - PLEASE APPLY TO ONE OF OUR OPEN PCT ROLES. THIS PROGRAM IS TO RECEIVE YOUR CNA LICENSE. Thank you!

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Physical ability to perform functional requirements as detailed. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• A strong interest in entering the healthcare field to provide hands-on care to patients
• Commitment to completing the required training program & becoming certified

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.