Illinois is the fifth most populated state of America and in many ways is considered as microcosm of the entire country. All the characteristic patterns that you will find in the United States can be found in the state of Illinois as well; it is a perfect representation of the spirit of the nation. CNA nursing schools in Illinois also have this character when it comes to nurse aide training.
As the name of the profession suggests that those trained in this trade have to assist the registered nurses (RN); certified nursing assistants assist patients in basic healthcare requirements under the guidance of RN or doctors. Most health insurance companies are of the view that use of trained nurse aides in medical field decreases the cost of healthcare considerably as you will not need RNs who draw a much higher salary, to be involved in routine tasks and can divert their energies towards core medical issues.
Some of the most well know 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 and Chicago Community Learning Center Nurse Aide Course. Chicago is the biggest metro of the state and plays a big role in imparting nursing assistant training for the aspiring candidates in the state.
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Free Nursing Assistant Program
Nursing Homes | Address | Contact No. | Fax No. | Official Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capitol HealthCare and Rehabilitation Centre | 555 West Carpenter Street Springfield, IL 62702 | (217) 525-1880 | – | http://capitolhrc.com |
Momence Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center | 500 South Walnut Street Momence, IL 60108 | (815) 472-2423 | (815) 472-6212 | http://www.momencemeadows.com |
Abbott House | 405 Central Avenue,Highland Park, IL 60035 | (847) 432-6080 | (847) 432-3255 | http://www.abbotthousenursing.com |
Alden North Shore | 5050 West Touhy Avenue, Skokie IL 60077 | (847) 679-6100 | – | http://www.aldennorthshore.com |
Care Center of Abingdon | 801 West Martin, Abingdon, IL 61410 | (309) 462-2356 | (309) 343-4556 | http://www.carecenterofabingdon.com |
Evenglow Lodge | 215 East Washington Street Pontiac, IL 61764 | (815) 844-6131 | – | http://evenglowlodge.org |
Hamilton Memorial Hospital District | PO Box 429, 611 South Marshall Avenue, McLeansboro, IL 62859 | (618) 643-2361 | – | http://www.hmhospital.org |
LaSalle County | Etna Road Complex707 East Etna RoadOttawa, IL 61350-1047 | (815) 434-8202 | – | http://www.lasallecounty.org |
Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | 12450 Walker RoadLemont, IL 60439 | (630) 243-0400 | (630) 243-0896 | http://lemontcenter.com |
Maple Ridge Care Center | 2202 North Kickapoo StreetLincoln, IL | (217) 735-1538 | – | http://mapleridgelincoln.com |
Norwood Crossing | 6016 North Nina Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631 | (773) 631-4856 | (773) 631-4850 | http://www.norwoodcrossing.org |
Oaklawn Respiratory & Rehabilitation Center | 9525 South Mayfield, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 | (708) 636-7000 | (708) 801-0181 | http://www.oaklawnrehab.com |
Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center | 300 Waukegan RoadDeerfield, IL 60015 | (847) 945-4600 | (847) 580-8480 | http://www.whitehallofdeerfield.com |
Presbyterian Homes | 3200 Grant Street, Evanston, IL 60201 | (847) 492-7348 | – | http://www.presbyterianhomes.org |
Becoming a nursing assistant in Illinois
After fulfilling these requirements, all you have to do is get trained at a CNA program in Illinois which is accredited by the health department of the state and on completion of the program pass the state competency test. This test consists of one theory paper and one skills demonstration paper and you must pass both these papers for certification.
If you have a RN or LPN license of the state that is active, you can work as a CNA without passing the exam. Nurse aides from other states are deemed to be qualified in Illinois and you have to fill the registration form; once the nurse aide registry approves of your certification you can practice in the state as a nursing assistant.
Nurse aide programs in Illinois
You can find training programs in Illinois which can cost you from $500 to $1800. You must check the details of the cost before enrolling; some schools advertise that they conduct low cost programs, but the cost does not include uniform cost and cost of study material or practice equipments. Some costly programs cover for all these costs and additionally include the state certification exam fee as well.
If you find the cost too high you can research for some local hospitals or facilities; if they have vacancies for nurse aides they will offer you free training if you are willing to fill up the vacancies. For cheap CNA classes you might look for community colleges where the cost is usually low; other provide for financial aid at almost zero interest rates.
Opportunities for nursing assistants in Illinois
CNA nursing schools in Illinois offer comprehensive training to pass the state competency exam and once you get certified you name will be listed on the nurse aide registry for all your life and you will not have to renew your certification as long you practice for minimum 24 hours a year.
Additional Resources
- Illinois State Board of Nursing
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing Program
- Illinois Nurse Aide Registry
- Illinois Nurses Association (INA)
- Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN)
- Student Nurses Association of Illinois (SNAI)
- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC)