CNA Classes in Oak Forest, Illinois

Oak Forest 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 Oak Forest, Illinois

About Oak Forest

Oak Forest, Illinois, is a charming city located in Cook County, known for its welcoming community and rich history. Positioned approximately 24 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Oak Forest offers a blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities. The city is home to the scenic Oak Forest Heritage Preserve and the popular George W. Dunne National Golf Course. For more information about Oak Forest, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Oak Forest, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oak Forest, Illinois, several local schools offer excellent CNA programs. Here are three options to consider:

1. South Suburban College
   • Location: South Holland, IL (approximately 10 miles from Oak Forest)
   • Program Description: South Suburban College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Program that prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Page: South Suburban College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Moraine Valley Community College
   • Location: Palos Hills, IL (approximately 8 miles from Oak Forest)
   • Program Description: Moraine Valley Community College provides a Nursing Assistant Certificate Program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel as CNAs. The program includes theoretical coursework and practical training in a clinical setting.
   • Program Page: Moraine Valley Community College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Richard J. Daley College
   • Location: Chicago, IL (approximately 15 miles from Oak Forest)
   • Program Description: Richard J. Daley College offers a Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program that prepares students for certification and employment in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes patient care, safety, and communication skills.
   • Program Page: Richard J. Daley College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Oak Forest

Once you have completed your CNA training, several healthcare facilities in Oak Forest and nearby areas offer employment opportunities for nursing assistants. Here are some major employers:

1. Advocate South Suburban Hospital
   • Location: Hazel Crest, IL (approximately 5 miles from Oak Forest)
   • Description: Advocate South Suburban Hospital is a leading healthcare facility providing a wide range of medical services. They frequently hire CNAs to support patient care.
   • Employment Page: Advocate South Suburban Hospital Careers
2. Oak Forest Health Center
   • Location: Oak Forest, IL
   • Description: Oak Forest Health Center is a part of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, offering various healthcare services, including long-term care. They offer numerous opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: Cook County Health Careers
3. ManorCare Health Services
   • Location: Palos Heights, IL (approximately 6 miles from Oak Forest)
   • Description: ManorCare Health Services provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. They are known for hiring CNAs to assist in patient care and rehabilitation efforts.
   • Employment Page: ManorCare Health Services 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.
2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
3. Undergo a criminal background check.
4. Get listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information on certification requirements, 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 Oak Forest, Illinois, is a rewarding and impactful choice. With several excellent CNA programs and ample employment opportunities in the area, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools mentioned above to learn more about their programs and begin your journey toward a fulfilling 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 Oak Forest?

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 Oak Forest 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 Oak Forest 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 Oak Forest?

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