CNA Classes in Rockford, Illinois

Rockford 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 Rockford, Illinois

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rockford, Illinois, you’re making a great choice. This rewarding profession offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of patients while also providing a stable and fulfilling career path. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a CNA in Rockford, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Rockford

Rockford, known as the “Forest City,” is the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. Nestled along the Rock River, Rockford boasts beautiful parks, a vibrant arts scene, and historic landmarks like the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. For more information about Rockford, visit the official Rockford website.

CNA Training Programs in Rockford, Illinois

Several reputable institutions in Rockford offer CNA training programs to help you get started on your journey:

1. Rock Valley College
   • Location: Mulford Road, Rockford
   • Program Description: Rock Valley College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Rock Valley College CNA Program
2. Rockford Career College
   • Location: East State Street, Rockford
   • Program Description: The Nursing Assistant program at Rockford Career College provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare field. The curriculum includes hands-on training and prepares students for certification.
   • Rockford Career College CNA Program
3. OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing
   • Location: North Mulford Road, Rockford
   • Program Description: OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing offers a Nursing Assistant course that emphasizes patient care, safety, and communication skills. The program includes both classroom and clinical components.
   • OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Rockford

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are numerous employment opportunities in Rockford’s healthcare facilities:

1. SwedishAmerican Hospital
   • Location: South Bell School Road, Rockford
   • Description: SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, is a leading healthcare provider in Rockford. They offer a range of employment opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • SwedishAmerican Hospital Careers
2. Mercyhealth Hospital-Rockton Avenue
   • Location: Rockton Avenue, Rockford
   • Description: Mercyhealth is a multi-regional health system with a hospital in Rockford. They provide numerous job opportunities for CNAs in different specialties.
   • Mercyhealth Careers
3. Alden Debes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
   • Location: South Mulford Road, Rockford
   • Description: Alden Debes offers rehabilitation and long-term care services. They frequently hire CNAs to provide quality care for their residents.
   • Alden Debes 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: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you are prepared for the role.

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

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

For more 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 Rockford, Illinois, is an excellent choice. With a variety of local training programs and ample employment opportunities, you’re well on your way to a rewarding career in healthcare. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step toward your new career.

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 Rockford?

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 Rockford 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 Rockford 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 Rockford?

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