CNA Classes in Columbia, Illinois

Columbia 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 Columbia, Illinois

About Columbia

Columbia, Illinois, is a charming city located along the Mississippi River, just a short drive from St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Columbia offers a blend of small-town charm and easy access to urban amenities. For more information about Columbia, visit the City of Columbia’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Columbia, Illinois

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, Illinois, you’ll be pleased to know there are several excellent training programs available nearby. Here are three top options:

1. Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC)
   Located in Belleville, just 15 miles from Columbia, SWIC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   SWIC Nursing Assistant Program

2. St. Louis Community College (STLCC)
   Situated in St. Louis, about 20 miles from Columbia, STLCC provides a Nurse Assistant program that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the healthcare field. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   STLCC Nurse Assistant Program

3. Midwest Institute
   Also located in St. Louis, approximately 20 miles from Columbia, Midwest Institute offers a Certified Nursing Assistant course that covers essential patient care techniques and prepares students for the state certification exam.
   Midwest Institute CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia

Columbia and its surrounding areas boast several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find rewarding employment opportunities. Here are a few notable options:

1. Red Bud Regional Hospital
   Located in Red Bud, about 15 miles from Columbia, this hospital offers a range of healthcare services and frequently seeks qualified CNAs to join their team.
   Red Bud Regional Hospital Employment Opportunities

2. Oak Hill Nursing Home
   Situated in Waterloo, just 10 miles from Columbia, Oak Hill Nursing Home provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often have openings for nursing assistants.
   Oak Hill Nursing Home Employment Opportunities

3. Mercy Hospital South
   Located in St. Louis, approximately 20 miles from Columbia, Mercy Hospital South is a major healthcare provider with numerous job opportunities for CNAs.
   Mercy Hospital South 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:

• Completing an approved CNA training program.
• Passing the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
• Undergoing a criminal background check.
• Being 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 Columbia, Illinois, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With several excellent CNA training programs nearby and numerous employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today and begin your journey towards a meaningful 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?

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