CNA Classes in Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee 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 Kankakee, Illinois

About Kankakee

Kankakee, Illinois, situated along the Kankakee River, offers a blend of small-town charm and vibrant community life. Known for its beautiful parks, historic architecture, and cultural events, Kankakee is a great place to start your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For more information about the city, visit the official Kankakee website.

CNA Training Programs in Kankakee, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a CNA in Kankakee, Illinois, there are several excellent local programs to help you get started. Here are three notable options:

1. Kankakee Community College (KCC)
   • Location: Kankakee
   • Program: KCC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences.
   • Link: KCC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Olivet Nazarene University
   • Location: Bourbonnais (approximately 5 miles from Kankakee)
   • Program: While primarily known for its nursing programs, Olivet Nazarene University offers courses and resources that can support aspiring CNAs, including foundational healthcare education and clinical practice.
   • Link: Olivet Nazarene University Nursing Programs
3. Joliet Junior College (JJC)
   • Location: Joliet (approximately 35 miles from Kankakee)
   • Program: JJC provides a state-approved Nursing Assistant Training Program that includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical practice to prepare students for certification.
   • Link: JJC Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Kankakee

Once certified, there are numerous healthcare facilities in Kankakee where you can seek employment. Here are some prominent options:

1. Riverside Medical Center
   • Location: Kankakee
   • Description: Riverside Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. It provides excellent opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Link: Riverside Medical Center Careers
2. AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee
   • Location: Kankakee
   • Description: Part of the AMITA Health system, St. Mary’s Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services and has a strong demand for certified nursing assistants to support patient care.
   • Link: AMITA Health Careers
3. Heritage Woods of Manteno
   • Location: Manteno (approximately 10 miles from Kankakee)
   • Description: A supportive living community offering a range of services for seniors, Heritage Woods of Manteno frequently hires CNAs to provide compassionate care.
   • Link: Heritage Woods of Manteno 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: This includes at least 120 hours of training, divided between classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: Administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, this exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry to be eligible for employment.

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 CNA in Kankakee, Illinois, is a rewarding decision that opens doors to numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. Take the first step towards your new career by contacting a local school today and enrolling in a nursing assistant program. Your journey to becoming a certified nursing assistant starts now!

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 Kankakee?

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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Kankakee is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Illinois CNA Salary info.