CNA Classes in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago 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 Chicago, Illinois

About Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, known as “The Windy City,” is a bustling metropolis located on the shores of Lake Michigan. With its iconic skyline, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and Wicker Park, Chicago offers a unique blend of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. For more information about this vibrant city, visit the official City of Chicago website.

CNA Training Programs in Chicago, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Chicago, Illinois, there are several excellent local schools offering comprehensive CNA programs:

1. City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College
   • Located in the Near West Side neighborhood, Malcolm X College offers a well-respected nursing assistant program that prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. For more information, visit the Malcolm X College CNA Program page.
2. Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology
   • Situated in the Albany Park neighborhood, this institution provides a CNA program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for entry-level healthcare positions. Learn more about their offerings on the Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology website.
3. Healthcare Training Institute
   • Located in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, the Healthcare Training Institute offers a comprehensive CNA course that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. For details, visit the Healthcare Training Institute CNA Program page.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Chicago

Chicago boasts a wide array of healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment. Here are some of the major employers in the city:

1. Northwestern Memorial Hospital
   • Located in the Streeterville neighborhood, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. For employment opportunities, visit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Careers page.
2. Rush University Medical Center
   • Situated in the Illinois Medical District, Rush University Medical Center is known for its high-quality patient care and innovative medical research. Explore job opportunities at Rush on their Careers page.
3. University of Chicago Medical Center
   • Located in Hyde Park, this renowned medical center offers numerous opportunities for CNAs. Check out the University of Chicago Medical Center Careers page.

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a program that is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
3. Register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Chicago, Illinois, is a rewarding and fulfilling path. With numerous training programs and employment opportunities available, there’s no better time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA courses and how you can begin your journey in the healthcare field.

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 Chicago?

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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago?

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