CNA Classes in Galena, Illinois

Galena 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 Galena, IL

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Galena, IL, you’re in the right place. Becoming a CNA is a great way to enter the healthcare field, offering opportunities to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. This guide will walk you through CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in Illinois, specifically in the charming town of Galena.

About Galena

Galena, located in the northwest corner of Illinois, is a picturesque town known for its rich history, well-preserved 19th-century architecture, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. A popular tourist destination, Galena offers a small-town feel with plenty of cultural and outdoor activities. If you want to learn more about the town, visit the official Galena website.

CNA Training Programs in Galena, IL

While Galena itself may not have a large number of CNA programs, there are several options nearby where you can receive your training and start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Here are some programs in the surrounding area:

1. Highland Community College – Freeport, IL
   • Location: Freeport, IL (approximately 40 miles from Galena)
   • Program Overview: Highland Community College offers a state-approved CNA program that prepares students to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • More Information: Highland Community College CNA Program
2. Northeast Iowa Community College – Peosta, IA
   • Location: Peosta, IA (about 15 miles from Galena)
   • Program Overview: This college offers a CNA program designed to provide students with the skills necessary to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. The program includes both classroom and clinical training.
   • More Information: Northeast Iowa Community College CNA Program
3. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College – Fennimore, WI
   • Location: Fennimore, WI (approximately 40 miles from Galena)
   • Program Overview: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers a CNA training course that prepares students for the Wisconsin CNA certification exam. The course includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • More Information: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Galena

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, you’ll find several healthcare facilities in and around Galena where you can apply your new skills. Below are some local healthcare facilities and nursing homes that regularly hire CNAs:

1. Galena Stauss Senior Care Community
   • Location: Galena, IL
   • Overview: Galena Stauss Senior Care Community offers a variety of services, including long-term care, rehabilitation, and assisted living. It’s a great place for CNAs to find employment in a supportive environment.
   • Employment Opportunities: Galena Stauss Senior Care Community Careers
2. Midwest Medical Center
   • Location: Galena, IL
   • Overview: Midwest Medical Center is a local hospital offering a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, inpatient services, and outpatient care. CNAs play an essential role in providing patient care at this facility.
   • Employment Opportunities: Midwest Medical Center Careers
3. MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center
   • Location: Dubuque, IA (about 15 miles from Galena)
   • Overview: MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center is a large regional hospital offering various healthcare services. CNAs are frequently needed in departments like long-term care, medical-surgical units, and rehabilitation.
   • Employment Opportunities: MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a CNA training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The program must include at least 120 hours of training, with a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice.

2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of both a written and a skills test.

3. Submit to a Background Check: Illinois requires all CNA candidates to undergo a criminal background check before being added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

4. Get Listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the competency exam and complete the background check, you will be added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information on CNA certification in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a fulfilling and impactful career path, and Galena, IL, is a great place to start your journey. Whether you’re looking to work in a local nursing home or at a nearby hospital, the demand for CNAs is strong. Reach out to one of the schools listed above to begin your training and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare today!

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 Galena?

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 Galena 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 Galena 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 Galena?

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