CNA Classes in Park Forest, Illinois

Park 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 Park Forest, Illinois

About Park Forest

Park Forest, Illinois, is a charming village located in Cook and Will counties. Known for its rich history and community spirit, Park Forest offers a welcoming environment for individuals looking to start a career in healthcare. The village is home to various parks, recreational facilities, and a vibrant arts scene. For more information about Park Forest, visit the official Park Forest website.

CNA Training Programs in Park Forest, Illinois

For those interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Park Forest, several local schools offer comprehensive nursing assistant programs. Here are three notable options:

1. Prairie State College
   • Location: Chicago Heights, IL (approximately 5 miles from Park Forest)
   • Program Description: Prairie State College offers a state-approved CNA program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Prairie State College CNA Program
2. South Suburban College
   • Location: South Holland, IL (approximately 12 miles from Park Forest)
   • Program Description: South Suburban College provides a Nursing Assistant certification course that covers all essential skills and knowledge required for entry-level nursing assistants. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • South Suburban College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Moraine Valley Community College
   • Location: Palos Hills, IL (approximately 20 miles from Park Forest)
   • Program Description: Moraine Valley Community College offers a CNA program that prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry exam. The course includes lectures, lab work, and clinical practice in local healthcare facilities.
   • Moraine Valley Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Park Forest

Park Forest and its surrounding areas are home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major employers:

1. Advocate South Suburban Hospital
   • Location: Hazel Crest, IL (approximately 10 miles from Park Forest)
   • Description: Advocate South Suburban Hospital is a leading healthcare provider offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently hire CNAs to support their patient care teams.
   • Advocate South Suburban Hospital Careers
2. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
   • Location: Olympia Fields, IL (approximately 3 miles from Park Forest)
   • Description: Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing a variety of medical services. They are known for their commitment to quality care and often have openings for nursing assistants.
   • Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Careers
3. ManorCare Health Services – Homewood
   • Location: Homewood, IL (approximately 7 miles from Park Forest)
   • Description: ManorCare Health Services offers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. They regularly seek qualified CNAs to join their dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
   • ManorCare Health Services Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a nursing assistant program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
   • IDPH Approved CNA Programs
2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: After completing the training program, candidates must pass the competency exam to be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.
   • Illinois Nurse Aide Registry
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.

4. Health Requirements: Meet the health requirements, including a physical examination and immunizations.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Park Forest, Illinois, is a rewarding and fulfilling path. With several local training programs and ample employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above to get started on your journey towards becoming a CNA.

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