If you are looking for CNA training classes in Illinois, this is the post for you. Here we’ll review the requirements of nursing schools in Illinois, how much does it cost to attend a program, and what length of time will be required for completion? Read on to find out more.
CNA Training Classes in Illinois
There are a few types of classes that you can take in Illinois. The first type is an offline CNA program, where you would study at a school or college for a set amount of hours each day and do homework as assigned. With this type, there will be longer wait-list periods but it may be more affordable than the other options because many of the costs are covered by financial aid.
The next type is an online CNA program that allows you to work full-time while studying from home but before you start looking, make sure that your computer has excellent speed and stability because some programs are very memory/processing intensive. Finally, there are evening classes for those who have to balance their education with their work schedule.
Some of the most well-known institutes for nurse aide training in Illinois are
- Advanced Medical and Technical Institute in Chicago
- Niles and Schaumburg
- Americare Home Health Group Nurse Aide Course in Chicago
- Bloomington Area Vocational Center in Bloomington
- Central Community High School Nurse Aide Program in Breese
- Chicago Community Learning Center Nurse Aide Course.
Where can you find Free CNA training in Illinois?
There are a few different options for free CNA training in Illinois. To find what you’re looking for, the first option is to contact local hospitals and nursing homes to see if they offer CNA training. The second option is to employ an agency that provides this service or look into receiving reimbursement if you currently work at a hospital or nursing home. The third option is joining the armed forces and they provide substantial education benefits including tuition assistance for future training programs during your service period.
The following are the names of Nursing Institutes that may offer free CNA training in Illinois:
| Nursing Homes | Address | Contact No. |
| Momence Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center | 500 South Walnut Street Momence, IL 60108 | (815) 472-2423 |
| Abbott House | 405 Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 | (847) 432-6080 |
| Alden North Shore | 5050 West Touhy Avenue, Skokie IL 60077 | (847) 679-6100 |
| Care Center of Abingdon | 801 West Martin, Abingdon, IL 61410 | (309) 462-2356 |
| Evenglow Lodge | 215 East Washington Street Pontiac, IL 61764 | (815) 844-6131 |
| Hamilton Memorial Hospital District | PO Box 429, 611 South Marshall Avenue, McLeansboro, IL 62859 | (618) 643-2361 |
| LaSalle County | Etna Road Complex707 East Etna Road Ottawa, IL 61350-1047 | (815) 434-8202 |
| Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | 12450 Walker Road Lemont, IL 60439 | (630) 243-0400 |
| Norwood Crossing | 6016 North Nina Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631 | (773) 631-4856 |
| Oaklawn Respiratory & Rehabilitation Center | 9525 South Mayfield, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 | (708) 636-7000 |
| Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center | 300 Waukegan Road Deerfield, IL 60015 | (847) 945-4600 |
| Presbyterian Homes | 3200 Grant Street, Evanston, IL 60201 | (847) 492-7348 |
How to Become a CNA in Illinois?
Become a certified nurse assistant in Illinois by completing the following steps.
- Select an accredited program.
- Meet prerequisite requirements at the institution of your choice.
- Complete CNA training program.
- Take and Pass the CNA Exam administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Prerequisites for CNA Courses in Illinois
- To be at least 16 years old
- To be at least eight-grade education
- Have to pass a criminal background check
- Having a negative two-step TB test
- Having a medical exam report
- Having Current immunization records
- Having Good communication skills (both reading & writing)
What You Will Learn During The Training?
The CNA coursework is divided into two sections. One part of the class consists of classroom work, and the other half are practical sessions in which you learn hands-on skills like how to use a wheelchair or help someone with an IV drip. The final session covers clinical experience where students get used to patients, nurses, and healthcare providers while working under supervision from instructors who can answer any questions they might have on these new experiences.
| Classroom Session |
|
| Clinical Session |
|
How Long Does It Take To Become a CNA in Illinois?
The course program is made up of 120 to 150 hours, depending on the institute. Students must complete at least 80 classroom lectures and 40 practicals before 12 hours covering dementia are taken into account as well.
| Classroom Session | 80 hours |
| Clinical Session | 40 hours |
| Others Session | 12 hours |
| Total | 132 hours |
Procedure for The CNA State Exam
After completing a CNA course, you’ll be required to pass the Illinois certification exam. This includes two parts: an 85-question multiple-choice written test section and clinical skills evaluation in which five randomly selected tasks are performed before being evaluated by the administrator for mastery.
| Exam Type | Question Type | Given Time |
| Written Test | 85 Multiple Choice | 90 Minutes |
| Practical Test | 5 Random Selected Skill |
How Much Does Illinois CNA Program Cost?
The cost of an Illinois CNA Program ranges from $500 to $1800, depending on the institute. Generally, the higher end programs are those that provide additional preparation outside of work hours. The cost also varies by training duration and whether or not any discounts are available for military veterans and other organizations or individuals.
Is Financial Aid Available for CNA Program in Illinois?
Yes! There are many forms of financial aid available for CNA programs in Illinois, including state-based and college sponsored. Community colleges can also sponsor their own programs, but you should check with your specific school to see what types of funding they offer. Also be sure to ask the hospital you will be working at if they offer any scholarships or tuition waivers that might apply.
How Much Does a CNA Make in Illinois?
In Illinois, the need for these professionals is high. Every year, at least 1,700 new CNAs are needed in various healthcare settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities to serve our growing population. Depending on your experience level and skillset, salaries can range from $19K-$38k per annum; however an average salary stands around $14.31 a hour and $$29,760 a year which exceeds both state and national averages! With a more significant forecast for job openings in the next five years, salaries can only get better.
Listed below is the average annual salary of CNA working in different industries for nursing aides.
| Designation | Average Annual Income |
| Psychiatric Aide | USD 36,000 |
| Pediatric Care Nurse Assistant | USD 35,000 |
| Hospital or Nursing Home Nurse Aide | USD 26,000 |
| Nurse Aides working in Long Term Care Facilities | USD 32,000 |
| Home Health Aide in Patients Home | USD 20,000 |
We hope we’ve helped you find the answers to some of your CNA training questions. If not, visit our CNA FAQ post where we answer many questions other people have asked us! You can also email us any additional questions you might have about your options as well. We look forward to hearing from you!
