Online CNA Classes in Illinois: Reviewing Top Schools
If you want a fast and reliable way to start a career in healthcare, becoming a CNA is one of the quickest paths available. CNAs play a vital role in Illinois’ hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Below, explore top CNA programs in Illinois and get answers to the most common student questions.
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Program Reviews: Online CNA Classes in Illinois
Illinois requires hands-on clinical training for all approved CNA programs. So while fully online CNA programs are not permitted, many schools offer hybrid or flexible formats where theory coursework may be taken online while labs and clinicals are completed in person.
Programs vary in cost, duration, schedule, and delivery format. Here are three reputable Illinois CNA programs to guide your research.
College of DuPage
College of DuPage offers a six-credit CNA program approved, and managed, by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), ensuring full alignment with state training standards. This is an entirely in-person program designed to prepare students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
The program includes three key components: classroom lectures, lab instruction, and clinical rotations.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: In person
Cost: $1,396.95 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Drug test and background check
- Blood test and proof of immunization
- Age 16 or older
- Valid SSN
Curriculum: Nurse Assistant Training
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Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute (Springfield campus) offers a seven-week CNA training program with multiple start dates throughout the year. Although fully in-person, the schedule is flexible, with both daytime and evening options.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through labs and one-on-one instruction. Graduates are prepared for the Illinois CNA certification exam, and the school provides career counseling and job placement support.
Duration: 7 weeks
Mode: In person
Cost: $2,200 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Age 16 or older
- English language proficiency
- Valid SSN
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Health Care Systems
- Assisting with activities related to daily living
- Assisting doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
- Infection control and patient safety
- Diagnostic procedures and technical treatments
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College offers a CNA certificate that can be completed in one academic semester across two campuses. Although primarily in person, orientation and some components may be completed online.
The program boasts an impressive 97%+ pass rate on the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam — well above the state average. Students may also continue their education by applying credits toward the school’s AAS in Nursing. Financial aid may be available.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: In person/Hybrid
Cost: $1,700 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Completion of at least 8th-grade education
- Age 16 or older
- English language proficiency
- Valid SSN (with copy)
- Good physical, mental, and emotional health
Curriculum:
- Roles and responsibilities of a nurse assistant
- HIPAA laws
- How to prevent infection/promote safety
- Transfers
- Assisting with activities of daily living
- Specimen collection
- How to care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias
Common FAQs from CNA Students
It’s natural to want to have all the facts before enrolling in CNA classes in Illinois. In fact, many prospective students in your position have questions.
To help, here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to get you started in your research.
How long does it take to complete online CNA classes in Illinois?
Most CNA programs in Illinois take 4–8 weeks or up to one semester to complete.
Accelerated 4-week CNA programs do exist, but are more intensive. Regardless of program length, completing coursework alone does not qualify you to work as a CNA — you must also pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam before seeking employment.
Are there free CNA training programs in Illinois?
Yes. Free or low-cost CNA training is available, though most programs charge standard tuition.
Chicago’s Casa Central offers a well-known free CNA training pathway, beginning with a three-week professional development module before moving into CNA coursework. Even in tuition-based programs, financial aid, state assistance, and employer sponsorships may help reduce the total cost.
Are online CNA classes in Illinois accredited/approved?
Only programs approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are valid for CNA licensure.
IDPH is the official accrediting body for CNA training in Illinois. Programs must include hands-on clinical hours to meet state requirements — fully online CNA programs are not permitted.
Always verify IDPH approval before enrolling to ensure your training qualifies you to sit for the certification exam.
Do online CNA classes in Illinois offer financial aid?
Some programs offer financial aid for CNA students, but students are generally not eligible for traditional federal aid.
Federal financial aid is typically reserved for degree programs, so most CNA students rely on:
- School-sponsored scholarships
- Payment plans
- Workforce development grants
- Employer education benefits
Check with each school’s financial aid office to learn about available options.
Expert Insight
Even though CNA programs don’t qualify for federal financial aid, I highly recommend checking your state for available funding. Due to the growing staff shortages in healthcare, individual states sometimes offer tuition-free training for certificate programs (like phlebotomy, nurse aides, etc.).
What technology or software do Illinois CNA classes require?
You’ll need a reliable computer capable of accessing online coursework through platforms like Canvas or Blackboard.
Stable internet, basic software (such as web browsers and PDF readers), and the ability to upload assignments are typically required. Schools may have additional requirements, so confirm specifics and update your device before classes begin to avoid access issues.
Expert Insight
If you’re a “non-techy” person, don’t let online learning intimidate you. Being a CNA is a hands-on, physical job that doesn’t require high-end computer skills. If you like working on your feet, staying busy, and leaving people better off than when you found them, you’ll be just fine!
Illinois Salary & Career Potential for CNAs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Illinois | $36,270 | $44,750 | $50,800 |
| Bloomington, IL | $35,650 | $39,770 | $47,670 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $36,880 | $43,720 | $47,910 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $38,170 | $46,050 | $51,980 |
| Decatur, IL | $35,350 | $40,800 | $49,810 |
| Kankakee, IL | $31,410 | $37,350 | $47,870 |
| Peoria, IL | $36,060 | $39,660 | $49,340 |
| Rockford, IL | $36,250 | $38,960 | $47,990 |
| Springfield, IL | $35,920 | $41,080 | $48,720 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| 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.
