CNA Classes in West Chicago, Illinois

West Chicago 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 West Chicago, Illinois

About West Chicago

West Chicago, Illinois, is a vibrant city located in DuPage County, known for its rich history and diverse community. The city offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities, making it an ideal place to start a career in healthcare. Notable landmarks include the West Chicago City Museum and the Reed-Keppler Park. For more information about the city, visit the official West Chicago website.

CNA Training Programs in West Chicago, Illinois

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in West Chicago, Illinois, there are several local schools offering nursing assistant programs. Here are three notable options:

1. College of DuPage
   • Location: Glen Ellyn, IL (Approximately 10 miles from West Chicago)
   • Program Overview: The College of DuPage offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Website: College of DuPage CNA Program
2. Waubonsee Community College
   • Location: Aurora, IL (Approximately 15 miles from West Chicago)
   • Program Overview: Waubonsee Community College provides a Nursing Assistant Certificate program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. The program includes hands-on training and theoretical knowledge.
   • Website: Waubonsee Community College CNA Program
3. Elgin Community College
   • Location: Elgin, IL (Approximately 18 miles from West Chicago)
   • Program Overview: Elgin Community College offers a CNA program that covers essential nursing assistant skills and prepares students for the state certification exam. The program includes both classroom and clinical training.
   • Website: Elgin Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in West Chicago

West Chicago and the surrounding areas offer various employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes:

1. Central DuPage Hospital
   • Location: Winfield, IL (Near West Chicago)
   • Overview: Central DuPage Hospital is a leading healthcare facility offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Website: Central DuPage Hospital Careers
2. West Chicago Terrace Nursing Home
   • Location: West Chicago, IL
   • Overview: West Chicago Terrace provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They offer employment opportunities for CNAs who are passionate about patient care.
   • Website: West Chicago Terrace Careers
3. Delnor Hospital
   • Location: Geneva, IL (Approximately 10 miles from West Chicago)
   • Overview: Delnor Hospital is part of the Northwestern Medicine network and provides comprehensive healthcare services. They regularly hire CNAs to support their medical staff.
   • Website: Delnor Hospital Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, you must meet specific state requirements. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) oversees the certification process. Here are the key steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete an IDPH-approved CNA training program.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both written and skills tests.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. Get Listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam and background check, your name will be added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

For more details, 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 West Chicago, Illinois, is a rewarding decision. With numerous CNA training programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to learn more about their programs and start 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 West Chicago?

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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago?

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