CNA Classes in River Forest, Illinois

River 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 River Forest, Illinois

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in River Forest, Illinois? This guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a CNA, the local training programs available, and the employment opportunities in the area.

About River Forest

River Forest is a charming village located in Cook County, Illinois. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic architecture, River Forest offers a tranquil suburban lifestyle with easy access to the bustling city of Chicago. The village is home to several parks, excellent schools, and a close-knit community. For more information about River Forest, visit the official website.

CNA Training Programs in River Forest, Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in River Forest, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Here are some local options:

1. Triton College
   • Location: River Grove, IL (approximately 3 miles from River Forest)
   • Program Description: Triton College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Learn more: Triton College Nursing Assistant Program
2. West Suburban Medical Center School of Nursing
   • Location: Oak Park, IL (approximately 2 miles from River Forest)
   • Program Description: This program provides rigorous training in both theoretical and practical aspects of nursing assistance. Students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
   • Learn more: West Suburban Medical Center School of Nursing
3. Malcolm X College
   • Location: Chicago, IL (approximately 8 miles from River Forest)
   • Program Description: Part of the City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in healthcare environments. The program includes both classroom learning and clinical practice.
   • Learn more: Malcolm X College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in River Forest

After completing your CNA training, you’ll find a variety of employment opportunities in River Forest and the surrounding areas. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes:

1. Rush Oak Park Hospital
   • Location: Oak Park, IL
   • Description: Rush Oak Park Hospital is a leading healthcare provider offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently seek CNAs to join their dedicated team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Rush Oak Park Hospital Careers
2. West Suburban Medical Center
   • Location: Oak Park, IL
   • Description: This full-service hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services to the community. They offer various job opportunities for CNAs in different departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: West Suburban Medical Center Careers
3. Belmont Village Senior Living Oak Park
   • Location: Oak Park, IL
   • Description: Belmont Village offers assisted living and memory care services. They value compassionate CNAs to support their residents’ daily needs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Belmont Village Senior Living 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 both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam: Administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as required by the state.
4. Register with the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you have passed the competency exam, you must register with 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 River Forest, Illinois, is a fulfilling choice. With the right training and dedication, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Contact a local school today to begin your journey toward 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 River 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 River 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 River 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 River 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 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 River Forest is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Illinois CNA Salary info.