CNA Classes in Charleston, Illinois

Charleston CNA Training - Illinois

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Charleston, Illinois

About Charleston

Charleston, Illinois, is a charming city located in Coles County. Known for its friendly community and rich history, Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University and several beautiful parks, including Lake Charleston and Morton Park. For more information about the city, visit the official Charleston website.

CNA Training Programs in Charleston, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Charleston, Illinois, there are several local programs and courses available to help you get started:

1. Lake Land College
   • Location: Mattoon, IL (approximately 10 miles from Charleston)
   • Program Details: Lake Land College offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program is designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Lake Land College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System
   • Location: Mattoon, IL (approximately 10 miles from Charleston)
   • Program Details: Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System provides a CNA training program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program is aimed at preparing students for immediate employment in healthcare settings.
   • Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System CNA Program
3. Eastern Illinois Area Special Education
   • Location: Charleston, IL
   • Program Details: This program offers CNA training as part of its vocational education services. It includes both classroom and clinical training to ensure students are well-prepared for the certification exam.
   • Eastern Illinois Area Special Education CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Charleston

Once you have completed your CNA training, several healthcare facilities in Charleston, Illinois, offer employment opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants:

1. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System
   • Location: Mattoon, IL (approximately 10 miles from Charleston)
   • About: A regional healthcare provider offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently hire CNAs for various departments.
   • Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Careers
2. Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Charleston, IL
   • About: A long-term care facility providing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They regularly seek CNAs to join their team.
   • Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Careers
3. Charleston Rehab & Healthcare Center
   • Location: Charleston, IL
   • About: This facility offers rehabilitation and long-term care services, employing CNAs to support their residents’ daily needs.
   • Charleston Rehab & Healthcare Center Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, you must meet specific certification requirements set by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). These include:

1. Completing an approved CNA training program.
2. Passing the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
3. Undergoing a criminal background check.
4. Getting listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Charleston, Illinois, is a rewarding decision. With several local CNA programs and ample employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to begin your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Illinois may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Charleston?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Charleston usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Charleston will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Charleston?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Illinois, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Illinois, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Charleston is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Illinois CNA Salary info.