CNA Classes in Highland Park, Illinois

Highland Park 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 Highland Park, Illinois

About Highland Park

Highland Park, Illinois, is a vibrant suburban city located along the shores of Lake Michigan, just 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. Known for its lush landscapes, historic architecture, and cultural attractions like the Ravinia Festival, Highland Park offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. For more information about the city, visit the City of Highland Park official website.

CNA Training Programs in Highland Park, Illinois

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Highland Park, Illinois, you’ll find several reputable schools offering nursing assistant programs and courses nearby. Here are three options to consider:

1. Oakton Community College
   • Location: Des Plaines, IL (approximately 10 miles from Highland Park)
   • Description: Oakton Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Training Program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Program Information: Oakton Community College CNA Program
2. College of Lake County
   • Location: Grayslake, IL (approximately 15 miles from Highland Park)
   • Description: The College of Lake County provides a Nursing Assistant Certificate Program that includes both theoretical and practical training. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Program Information: College of Lake County CNA Program
3. Harper College
   • Location: Palatine, IL (approximately 20 miles from Highland Park)
   • Description: Harper College offers a Nursing Assistant Training Program that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become a CNA. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Information: Harper College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Highland Park

Highland Park and its surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you might find job openings:

1. NorthShore University HealthSystem – Highland Park Hospital
   • Location: Highland Park, IL
   • Description: Highland Park Hospital is part of the NorthShore University HealthSystem and offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments. They frequently hire CNAs for various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: NorthShore University HealthSystem Careers
2. Alden Estates of Evanston
   • Location: Evanston, IL (approximately 10 miles from Highland Park)
   • Description: Alden Estates of Evanston is a skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation and long-term care services. They often seek CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Alden Estates of Evanston Careers
3. Lake Forest Place
   • Location: Lake Forest, IL (approximately 7 miles from Highland Park)
   • Description: Lake Forest Place is a retirement community that provides a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. CNAs play a vital role in their care team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Lake Forest Place 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 Training Program: You must complete a nursing assistant training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
4. State Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to 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 Highland Park, Illinois, is a rewarding choice. With various local CNA training programs and abundant job opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above to start your journey towards becoming a CNA 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 Highland Park?

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 Highland Park 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 Highland Park 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 Highland Park?

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