The healthcare industry in Illinois is growing and it can provide a more stable job for individuals. If you are a high school graduate you can get a certification as a Nursing Assistant. A CNA training program in Illinois will take few weeks to complete and if you pass the certification exam, you will be eligible to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and many other healthcare institutions. According to the May 2024 Bureau of Labor and Statistics data, Certified Nursing Assistants in Illinois have an annual salary of $41,300 and they also may receive health and dental benefits. A CNA job is definitely rewarding so if you plan to pursue this career, you have to know what the CNA programs are all about.
Where To Find CNA Classes in Illinois
Interested in classes in Chicago? Check out our CNA classes in Chicago page.
Who is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Illinois?
In the state of Illinois, nurse aides are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Who Administers the CNA Exam in Illinois?
The Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam is administered by a partnership with The Illinois Department of Public Health and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. If you’re interested in preparing for the exam we encourage you to take one of our free CNA practice test options available on this site. For a complete list of practice tests on this site:
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Illinois State Requirements for CNAs
Illinois approves several training programs that aspiring CNAs should take in order to become certified. Although there are no online programs available, numerous facilities within the state offer CNA classes and programs. Depending on the facility you choose, it is expected that the program will reach to 150 hours covering topics on body mechanics, back care, anatomy, mental health, physiology and other nursing skills. The fees for the instruction will vary on the facility you choose but it often ranges to $700 and $1,500. Try to check the facility whether you can pay the tuition by working right after you pass the CNA exam and get certified.
As soon as you are finished with the training, your next plan is to take and pass the exam. The test is divided into 6 sections and it will measure your skills and knowledge on resident rights, patients with social service needs and mental health, restorative skills, giving personal care, basic nursing skills and communicating information. Two weeks after the exam, you will receive a pass or fail results. During the exam, you have to bring two number 2 lead pencils having erasers and a photo ID issued by the state. There are websites on the internet that can help you identify where to take the exam. You simply have to enter the zip code and see the closest sites. If you wished to take a practice test, these websites can give you that.
Once you passed the exam, you can apply for certification. Make sure that you completed all the necessary requirements and you have a clean criminal record so that you are allowed to apply. Hundreds of healthcare related job openings are available in Illinois these days and if you are a Certified Nursing Assistant, you may get a job right away.
Illinois CNA Exam Details
The Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam covers content in the following areas:
- Communicating Information
- Performing Basic Nursing Skills
- Performing Personal Care Skills
- Performing Basic Restorative Skills
- Providing Mental Health and Social Service Needs
- Providing Residents’ Rights
How Much Does the Illinois CNA Exam Cost?
The cost of the Illinois CNA exam is $67.
Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in Illinois?
Candidates can take the CNA exam in Illinois at various sites throughout the state. Additionally, there is an online exam option. Details are listed here.
How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Illinois?
The average pay for a CNA in Illinois is $19.85 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, with the average annual salary being $41,300.
Illinois Nurse Aide Registry
For contact information follow this link to learn more about the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. If you’re looking to verify if a CNA is in good standing on the registry, use this link.
CNA Program Locations in Illinois
If you’re looking for free CNA classes in Chicago or throughout Illinois, the following accredited facilities offer free CNA instruction. Please contact these institutions directly to learn more about their programs and requirements, as some of these locations may be nursing homes or medical facilities that require trainees to accept a position with that organization upon completing their Illinois CNA exam and getting their certification. Each facility’s contact information and website is available for your convenience.
| CNA Free Class Locations | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center | Chicago, IL 60623 | (773) 890-3100 |
| Norwood Crossing | Chicago, IL 60631 | (773) 631-4856 |
| TTI Medical Program | Chicago, IL 60656 | (773) 774-2222 |
| Joliet Job Corps Center | Joliet, IL 60433 | (815) 727-7677 |
| Hamilton Memorial Hospital District | McLeansboro, IL 62859 | (618) 643-2361 |
| Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center | RoadDeerfield, IL 60015 | (847) 945-4600 |
| Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | RoadLemont, IL 60439 | (630) 243-0400 |
| International Program Academy | Schaumburg, IL 60173 | (847) 995-1932 |
| Alden North Shore | Skokie IL 60077 | (847) 679-6100 |
If you were unable to find free CNA classes in our listings above, there are plenty of opportunities to find reasonably priced CNA training near you. Browse our listings below to find the right course for you. or find CNA training programs here.
| Location | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL 62221-5899 | 618-235-2700 |
| John A. Logan College | Carterville, IL 62918 | (618) 985-3741 |
| Kennedy-King College | Chicago, IL 60621 | 773-602-5000 |
| John Marshall Metropolitan High School | Chicago, IL 60624 | 773-534-6455 |
| Samland Institute of Allied Health and Technology | Chicago, IL 60641 | 773-283-0440 |
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon, IL 61021 | 815-288-5511 |
| Lewis & Clark Community College | Godfrey, IL 62035 | 618- 468-7000 |
| Lake County High Schools Technology Campus | Grayslake, IL 60030 | 847-223-6681 |
| Southeastern Illinois College | Harrisburg, IL 62946 | 618-252-5400 |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL 60431 | 815-280-2463 |
| Lake Land College | Mattoon, IL 61938-9366 | 217-234-LAKE |
| Snyder Village | Metamora, IL 61548 | 309-367-4300 |
| John Wood Community College | Quincy, IL 62305 | 217-224-6500 |
| KAM Technology and Healthcare Institute | Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708-848-1700 |
| Indian Valley Vocational Centre | Sandwich, IL 60548 | 815-786-9873 |
| Seneca Township High School | Seneca, IL 61360 | 815-357-5000 |
| South Suburban College | South Holland, IL 60473-1200 | 708-596-2000 |
| Solex College | Wheeling, IL 60090 | 866-797-6539 |