CNA Classes in Pontiac, Illinois

Pontiac 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 Pontiac, Illinois

About Pontiac

Pontiac, Illinois, is a charming city located in Livingston County. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Pontiac offers a welcoming environment for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The city is home to the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and the Livingston County War Museum, making it a unique place to live and work. For more information about Pontiac, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Pontiac, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Pontiac, Illinois, there are several local options for CNA training programs. Here are three notable programs available nearby:

1. Heartland Community College
   • Location: Normal, IL (Approximately 30 miles from Pontiac)
   • Program Description: Heartland Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Certificate program. The course includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
   • Program Details: Heartland Community College CNA Program
2. Illinois Valley Community College
   • Location: Oglesby, IL (Approximately 50 miles from Pontiac)
   • Program Description: Illinois Valley Community College provides a Nursing Assistant Training Program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Program Details: Illinois Valley Community College CNA Program
3. Kankakee Community College
   • Location: Kankakee, IL (Approximately 45 miles from Pontiac)
   • Program Description: Kankakee Community College offers a Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP) that equips students with the skills necessary to provide quality care to patients. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical practice.
   • Program Details: Kankakee Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Pontiac

Pontiac, Illinois, has several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment opportunities. Here are some of the major employers in the area:

1. OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center
   • Location: Pontiac, IL
   • Description: OSF Saint James is a full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: OSF Saint James Careers
2. Evenglow Lodge
   • Location: Pontiac, IL
   • Description: Evenglow Lodge is a senior living community that provides assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. They offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Evenglow Lodge Careers
3. Good Samaritan Home of Pontiac
   • Location: Pontiac, IL
   • Description: Good Samaritan Home of Pontiac offers long-term care and rehabilitation services. They are known for their compassionate care and often seek dedicated CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Good Samaritan Home Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, you must meet specific state requirements. These include:

1. Completion of a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a training program that is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
2. Passing the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
4. State Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, 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 Pontiac, Illinois, is a rewarding choice. With several local training programs and ample employment opportunities, you can begin your journey to becoming a CNA today. Contact a school now to start your education and take the first step 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 Pontiac?

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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac?

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