CNA Classes in Ottawa, Illinois

Ottawa 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 Ottawa, Illinois

About Ottawa

Ottawa, Illinois, is a charming city located at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers. Known for its rich history and beautiful parks, Ottawa offers a welcoming community for those pursuing a career in healthcare. The city is home to several historical landmarks, such as the Reddick Mansion and Washington Square, where the first Lincoln-Douglas debate took place. For more information about Ottawa, visit the official Ottawa website.

CNA Training Programs in Ottawa, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ottawa, Illinois, there are several local programs available to help you achieve your goal. Here are three reputable CNA training programs in or near Ottawa:

1. Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC)
   • Location: Oglesby, IL (approximately 10 miles from Ottawa)
   • Program Description: IVCC offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • IVCC CNA Program
2. Joliet Junior College (JJC)
   • Location: Joliet, IL (approximately 40 miles from Ottawa)
   • Program Description: JJC provides a Nursing Assistant Training Program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for a CNA. The program includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • JJC CNA Program
3. Kishwaukee College
   • Location: Malta, IL (approximately 50 miles from Ottawa)
   • Program Description: Kishwaukee College offers a Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program designed to equip students with the skills needed to provide quality care in various healthcare settings.
   • Kishwaukee College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
   • Location: Downtown Ottawa
   • Description: A leading healthcare provider in the region, OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center offers a wide range of medical services and is a great place for CNAs to start their careers.
   • OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center Employment
2. Pleasant View Lutheran Home
   • Location: West Ottawa
   • Description: Pleasant View Lutheran Home is a long-term care facility that provides a variety of services, including skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. It is known for its supportive work environment for CNAs.
   • Pleasant View Lutheran Home Employment
3. Heritage Woods of Ottawa
   • Location: South Ottawa
   • Description: Heritage Woods of Ottawa is an assisted living community that offers a range of services to its residents. It provides excellent opportunities for CNAs to work in a compassionate and caring environment.
   • Heritage Woods of Ottawa Employment

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 an approved CNA training program that includes at least 120 hours of instruction, with 80 hours of classroom and lab training and 40 hours of clinical experience.

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

3. Submit to a Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check as part of the certification process.

4. Register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you have passed the competency exam and background check, you must register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

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

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ottawa, Illinois, is a rewarding career choice with numerous opportunities. Start your journey today by enrolling in a local CNA training program. Contact a school today to get more information and take the first step towards 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

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