CNA Classes in Chester, Illinois

Chester 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 Chester, IL

About Chester

Chester, IL, is a charming city located along the Mississippi River in Randolph County. Known for its picturesque views and rich history, Chester is famously recognized as the hometown of Elzie Segar, the creator of Popeye the Sailor Man. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the Chester Bridge, which provides stunning river views, and the Chester Welcome Center, which offers insights into the city’s storied past. For more information about Chester, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Chester, IL

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Chester, IL, several local schools offer excellent nursing assistant programs. Here are three options to consider:

1. Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) – Red Bud Campus
   • Location: Red Bud, IL (approximately 20 miles from Chester)
   • Program Description: SWIC offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction, laboratory skills, and clinical practice. The program is designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Website: SWIC Red Bud Campus CNA Program
2. Kaskaskia College – Vandalia Campus
   • Location: Vandalia, IL (approximately 50 miles from Chester)
   • Program Description: Kaskaskia College provides a robust CNA training program that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and safety procedures. The program includes hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
   • Website: Kaskaskia College CNA Program
3. John A. Logan College
   • Location: Carterville, IL (approximately 60 miles from Chester)
   • Program Description: John A. Logan College offers a detailed CNA program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills training. The program prepares students for the Illinois CNA certification exam and entry-level employment in healthcare settings.
   • Website: John A. Logan College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Chester

Chester, IL, has several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Memorial Hospital
   • Location: Chester, IL
   • Description: Memorial Hospital is a full-service healthcare facility providing a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient care. The hospital frequently hires CNAs to support patient care.
   • Website: Memorial Hospital Employment Opportunities
2. Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home
   • Location: Chester, IL
   • Description: Three Springs Lodge is a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care, rehabilitation services, and specialized nursing care. CNAs play a crucial role in providing day-to-day care for residents.
   • Website: Three Springs Lodge Employment Opportunities
3. Randolph County Care Center
   • Location: Sparta, IL (approximately 15 miles from Chester)
   • Description: Randolph County Care Center provides comprehensive nursing care services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. The center offers various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Website: Randolph County Care Center Employment Opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, you must meet the following state-specific certification requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
4. Registry Listing: Get listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

For more 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 Chester, IL, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With the right training and dedication, you can make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step towards your new career.

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 Chester?

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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester?

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