Certified Nursing Assistant Program-October 2026 Cohort Full-Time Nights Only

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach 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 health care within the Northwestern Medicine system.

About the Role

Northwestern Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity to enter the healthcare field as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) through a paid training program. Upon hire, you will start a job training program designed for candidates interested in becoming a PCT and earning their certification as a nursing assistant. The program is supported by Northwestern Medicine and Valparaiso University.

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

Training Program Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
• Shift/Duration: 2nd shift (Night), 5-week program, Monday-Friday
• Training Location: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, Illinois
• Clinical Rotation Location: Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Geneva, Illinois

Post-Training Details:

• Work Location: Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Geneva, Illinois
• Shift: Nights
• Required to work every other weekend and holiday.

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 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, and functions effectively under stressful situations.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills to prioritize and complete unit work quickly as needs change.
• Serves as a liaison between patient care units and other patient-related departments.
• Answers telephone, intercom, and call lights politely, using appropriate etiquette, and communicates information to the appropriate staff, family, or patient.
• Manages overall unit workflow in concert with the charge RN and/or assistant manager, as needed.
• Performs pre-census and validates daily admission, discharge, and census lists, as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Physical ability to perform functional requirements, including:
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • 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 and becoming certified.

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. Benefits include:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.

For more details, visit our Benefits section.

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check, including criminal history, on newly hired team members and internal transfers. If offered a position, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form for the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.