Top CNA Classes in Illinois (IL): Online & Campus Programs
Discover quick and affordable CNA training programs in Illinois that are fully-approved by the Department of Public Health and can prepare you to pass the state certification exam.
Interested in working in healthcare without spending years in school? Becoming a certified nursing assistant or aide (CNA) is a great way to start your career. Whether in a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, or long-term care facility, CNAs are a critical part of patient care. Illinois requires that you obtain a certification to work as a CNA.
Most new CNAs complete a basic nursing assistant training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. After graduating, you’ll take the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam or INACE and can begin your nursing career. Best of all, this process can be completed in just a few months. Read on to discover everything you need to know about taking CNA classes in Illinois, including a list of top programs, available online learning options, and more about how the CNA certification process works.
Find Illinois CNA Classes in a City Near You
FAQs About CNA Classes and Training in Illinois
How much do CNA classes cost in Illinois?
Taking CNA classes in Illinois is relatively affordable, given that the programs are short. Most schools structure their CNA training into a single six- to eight-credit course offered during one semester. Therefore, incoming students can anticipate a one-time payment before classes begin or a payment plan over the length of the course. To give you a rough idea of what typical CNA classes in Illinois cost, review these three programs.
College of DuPage
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program
Total Credits: 6
$138/credit (in-district); $325/credit (out-of-district but in-state); $395/credit (out-of-state)
Midwest Technical Institute
Basic Nursing Assistant Training Course
Total Credits: 144 clock hours
$1,500
Joliet Junior College
Certified Nurse Assistant Program
Total Credits: 6
$1,500 (estimated total program cost)
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in Illinois?
Students taking CNA classes in Illinois are not eligible for federal student loans or state grants. However, some schools have other financial assistance programs, such as scholarships (see this example at Black Hawk College). Alternatively, a future employer may be willing to pay for part or all of your Illinois CNA classes. To learn more, visit our CNA scholarships guide.
How long do CNA classes in Illinois take to finish?
Many of the basic nurse assistant training programs in Illinois don’t have accelerated or part-time options. Instead, most students take traditional or online CNA classes in Illinois location that last about two months. For example, the CNA program at Midwest Technical Institute lasts seven weeks, while the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program at Black Hawk College includes eight weeks of classroom and clinical instruction. However exceptions exist, such as Southwestern Illinois College, which offers six-week and 16-week academic tracks.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in Illinois
Working as a nursing assistant or aid is very hands-on. As a result, many of the skills necessary to be an effective CNA come from in-person learning and training. That’s why you won’t find fully-online CNA classes in Illinois that are approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
However, some schools have created CNA programs that combine in-person and online learning. While students complete their labs and clinicals in person, some coursework can be completed online. Examples of these programs include College of Lake County and Moraine Valley Community College.
How to Become a CNA in Illinois
The path to becoming a CNA in Illinois is similar to the process in most states. The two biggest requirements are completion of a CNA program that’s approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and passing the CNA licensing exam. The following steps walk you through how to complete these requirements, as well as additional steps to obtain your nursing assistant license.
Graduate from an Illinois Department of Public Health CNA Program
While there are several ways to become a CNA in Illinois, graduating from an approved CNA program is the primary method for those with no prior training. Sometimes referred to as a basic nurse assistant training program, your classes will consist of at least 80 hours of education and at least 40 hours of clinical training (with at least 12 of these hours covering dementia/Alzheimer’s training).
Apply for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Exam
After you complete approved CNA classes in Illinois, your school sends your information to the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam program at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. You’ll then receive an email that guides you through creating an online account, confirming your eligibility to take the CNA exam, registering for the exam, and paying the fee of $75.
Take the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Exam
You can take the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam at one of about 50 locations across Illinois. The site you choose will determine whether you take the exam on paper or on a computer. You’ll have 12 months after graduating from an approved CNA program to pass your exam. If you fail the exam three times, you’ll have to complete another approved CNA training program before you can take the exam again.
Pass the Criminal Background Check
Under Illinois law, you must pass a criminal history check before you can become a CNA. Not every conviction will bar you from becoming a CNA. However, if you have a disqualifying conviction you can request a waiver. Waivers are not guaranteed and may take up to two months to process.
Continue Working as a CNA
Once you have your CNA license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. During that time you must work as a CNA (or provide similar services) for pay. If you go 24 straight months without working as a CNA, you’ll need to complete the recertification process to maintain your license.
Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Illinois
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) have an average job growth rate across the United States. In Illinois, the rate is slightly lower (2.10%) than the national growth rate. It’s important to note that being a CNA is often an entry point into healthcare, and many CNAs continue their education to take on other, more in-demand nursing roles. CNA salaries in Illinois can range from $34,940 to over $47,732 per year. However, this is the state average, and CNAs in some cities or areas in Illinois command higher salaries. Five of the highest-paying areas in the state for CNAs are Bloomington, Peoria, Danville, Decatur, and the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area. Keep in mind that many of these areas are also more populated and may have a higher cost of living than more rural parts of the state. To land in the 90th percentile, CNAs can consider taking additional courses in specific nursing specialties.
Job Outlook for CNAs in Illinois
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Illinois | 58,230 | 59,460 | 1,230 | 2.10% | 8,450 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $34,940 | $39,510 | $47,720 |
| Bloomington, IL | $33,770 | $37,090 | $48,070 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | $30,790 | $36,700 | $46,560 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $34,790 | $37,680 | $45,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $36,990 | $41,600 | $47,540 |
| Danville, IL | $31,160 | $37,430 | $51,940 |
| Decatur, IL | $31,580 | $39,050 | $54,280 |
| Kankakee, IL | $34,900 | $41,930 | $48,060 |
| Peoria, IL | $33,700 | $36,930 | $49,310 |
| Rockford, IL | $34,490 | $37,420 | $46,950 |
| Springfield, IL | $34,520 | $37,270 | $46,530 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
