To become a CNA (certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide) in Illinois you need to pass an accredited program as well as meet some other requirements specific to the state. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, we’ve assembled a list of potential CNA programs near Chicago to help you find a program to help you on your educational and career search.
Highlights:
- CNA classes can be completed in as little as 4 weeks.
- Most CNA classes in Chicago cost about $1,000.
- Most programs provide job placement assistance.
- Chicago CNAs earn 5.5% more in wages than the national average (according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Illinois CNA Requirements
Class requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state, but the numbers below indicate the total number of training hours required to become a CNA in Illinois and the breakdown of classroom versus clinical hours.
- 120 total hours
- 80 classroom hours
- 40 clinical hours
Requirements for being a certified CNA in Illinois include:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Have up to date immunization records
- Pass a criminal background check
- Proof of graduating a state-certified CNA program
- Pass the state CNA exam
- Being listed on the state CNA registry
CNA Programs in Chicago
There are a number of CNA programs in Chicago for you to choose from as you look to begin your career in healthcare. If you’re looking for free CNA classes in Chicago, IL, you’ll want to contact these listings individually to see if they offer options for free CNA certification.
Best CNA Classes in Chicago
Chicago Community Learning Center
The Nurse Assistant Certificate Program at the Chicago Community Learning Center (CCLC) equips learners with the necessary skills to work in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals providing vital bedside nursing care. The CCLC takes the time necessary to prepare students for the CNA exam and set their students up for long-term success. Their classroom instruction consists of healthcare fundamentals, infection control practices, fundamental nursing techniques, body structure and functionality as well as job searching methods combined with basic computer literacy training specific to the medical industry.
Price: $1,635
Address: 840 W. Irving Park Rd Suite # 203, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-506-1503
Website: https://www.cclctraining.org/programs/Nurse-Aide-%26-CPR
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Program lasts 8-10 weeks. Offers financial aid.
TTI Medical Training
CNA students in Chicago can attend TTI Medical Training to become a Basic Nursing Assistant CNA. The programs focus on demonstrating critical CNA skills taking vital signs, communicating with patients, patient mobility, nutritional and waste elimination needs and other critical skills. The program requires 90 classroom theory hours and 45 hours of clinical training hours at a nursing home. To learn more about the Basic Nursing Assistant CNA training program at TTI Medical Institute you can visit their website at https://ttimedicalschool.com/programs/basic-nursing-assistant or call them at 704-547-1988.
Online CNA Classes in Chicago
ICI Training
The online CNA program at ICI Training offers a holistic approach to learning, combining classroom instruction with lectures, practical demonstrations and hands-on application. Clinical hours must be completed at a healthcare facility according to Illinois’ rules, however classroom theory classes can be taken online, and ICI provides flexibility for when you can complete your clinical and theory training requirements. The course can be completed in 4 weeks, 5 weeks, or 10 weeks and can be completed on either weekdays or weekends.
Price: $850 for tuition. $295 for other fees. Financing available for those who qualify.
Address: 6425 Hamlin Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Phone: 847-920-6129
Website: https://www.ici-training.com/cna-school-chicago
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: In-person clinical hours are completed on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
4 Week CNA Classes in Chicago
Career Training Center of Chicago
The Career Training Center of Chicago offers CNA classes that are typically completed within 5 weeks but can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. The program fulfills the Illinois Department of Public Health’s requirements for CNAs, and is one of the lowest-cost options on our list.
Price: $850 for tuition. $50 additional fees.
Address: 3525 W Peterson Avenue Suite T21, Chicago, IL 60659-3324
Phone: 773-583-8532
Website: http://www.careertrainingcenterofchicago.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Requires taking clinical classes on Saturdays. Theory classes are offered Monday – Friday in the morning or in the evening.
Free CNA Classes in Chicago
Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center
Along with CNA courses, the Paul Simon Job Corps Center provides a variety of skills for workers at no cost. Within its health care training offering, the Center offers free Certified Nurse Assistant certification. The program complies with Illinois state certification guidelines and covers the basic CNA skill areas such as caring for patients and understanding how to deal with patients that have Alzheimer’s disease. Students will learn the basics of patient care including personal care, feeding, bathing, taking and taking vital signs.
Price: Free
Address: 3348 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: 800-733-JOBS
Website: https://paulsimonchicago.jobcorps.gov/careers/179
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Requires completing an application process. Not all individuals may be eligible to enroll in this CNA course.
| Chicago CNA Classes | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Paul Simon Job Corps Center | (773) 890-3100 |
| Norwood Crossing | (773) 631-4856 |
| TTI Medical Program | (773-774-2222 |
| Kennedy-King College | (773) 602-5000 |
| John Marshall Metropolitan High School | (773) 534-6455 |
| Samlan Institute of Allied Health and Technology | (773) 283-0440 |
How much do CNA classes cost in Chicago?
The average price for CNA classes in Chicago is about $1,000. This may not include the cost of application fees, uniforms, books, and other learning materials.
What’s the salary for CNAs in Chicago?
CNAs in the Chicago regional area make an average of $38,200 per year or $18.37 per hour. This is 5.5% higher than the national average for CNA salaries.
Where do CNAs work in Chicago?
CNAs can work in a wide range of healthcare and educational settings. Below are employment statistics for CNAs across the Chicago-metro area:
Chicago CNA Employment
| Industry Type | Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 14,022 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 11,503 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 4,192 |
| Home Health Care Services | 2,487 |
| Employment Services | 1,158 |
| Individual and Family Services | 1,079 |
Helpful links for Chicago CNAs
Finding a local class in the Chicago area is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: