CNA Classes in Hillsboro, Illinois

Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro, IL

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Hillsboro, Illinois, you’re on the right path toward joining a rewarding and in-demand healthcare profession. CNAs, also referred to as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in providing essential care to patients in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of becoming a CNA in Hillsboro, IL, and explore local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Hillsboro, IL

Hillsboro is a charming small town located in Montgomery County, Illinois. Known for its rich history and tight-knit community, Hillsboro offers residents a peaceful lifestyle while being just a short drive away from larger cities like Springfield and St. Louis. The town is home to popular landmarks like the Historic Courthouse Square and Hillsboro Lake, making it an ideal place for those who enjoy a blend of history and nature. For more information about Hillsboro, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Hillsboro, IL

To become a CNA in Hillsboro, IL, you need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant program. Below are some local options for CNA courses near Hillsboro:

1. Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) – Litchfield Campus
   • Location: Litchfield, IL (Approximately 15 miles from Hillsboro)
   • Program: LLCC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Certificate program that prepares students for the Illinois CNA certification exam. The program covers essential skills such as patient care, infection control, and basic nursing techniques.
   • Learn more about the LLCC CNA program.
2. Kaskaskia College – Vandalia Campus
   • Location: Vandalia, IL (Approximately 30 miles from Hillsboro)
   • Program: Kaskaskia College provides a CNA program designed to equip students with the skills needed to pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences.
   • Learn more about the Kaskaskia College CNA program.
3. Capital Area School of Practical Nursing (CASPN)
   • Location: Springfield, IL (Approximately 50 miles from Hillsboro)
   • Program: CASPN offers a CNA program that focuses on the practical skills necessary to care for patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training.
   • Learn more about the CASPN CNA program.

These programs provide the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need to succeed in your CNA career in Hillsboro, IL.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Hillsboro

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and obtained certification, you’ll find several employment opportunities in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the top healthcare facilities where CNAs are in demand:

1. Hillsboro Area Hospital
   • Location: Hillsboro, IL
   • About: Hillsboro Area Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital offering a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The hospital regularly hires CNAs to assist with patient care in various departments.
   • Visit the Hillsboro Area Hospital Careers Page.
2. Montgomery Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Hillsboro, IL
   • About: This long-term care facility provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care services. CNAs are integral to the day-to-day care of residents, assisting with daily activities, personal care, and health monitoring.
   • Visit Montgomery Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
3. Heritage Health – Litchfield
   • Location: Litchfield, IL (Approximately 15 miles from Hillsboro)
   • About: Heritage Health is a skilled nursing facility that offers rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice services. CNAs at Heritage Health play a key role in providing compassionate care to residents.
   • Visit the Heritage Health Careers Page.

These facilities offer excellent opportunities for newly certified CNAs to gain experience and grow in their 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 graduate from a program that is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your CNA program, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. This exam consists of both a written and a practical skills test.

3. Background Check: You will be required to undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting.

4. Placement on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the competency exam and meet all other requirements, you will be placed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health CNA page.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Hillsboro, IL, is a fantastic way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With local CNA programs, numerous employment opportunities, and a supportive community, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today to learn more about their nursing assistant programs and courses, and begin your journey toward becoming a certified nursing assistant.

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 Hillsboro?

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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro?

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