Best Online CNA Classes in Chicago, Illinois
Learn about affordable, state-approved CNA classes in Chicago that can help you qualify for in-demand healthcare jobs in less than two months.
If you’re looking to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) quickly in Chicago, you’ll be glad to learn you can complete your training in a matter of weeks. Local hospitals, community colleges, and other providers all offer accelerated and affordable CNA classes in Chicago that build key skills in clinical diagnostics and patient-centered care.
Some may even extend online options, making it easier than ever to get certified and start working in this in-demand field.
This guide provides all the information you need to find a quality CNA program and launch your nursing career in the Chicago area. It spotlights the best CNA programs available, details the steps necessary to enter the profession, and answers common questions from prospective students like you. Keep reading to start your CNA journey in Chicago.
FAQs About CNA Classes and Training in Chicago
How much do CNA classes cost in Chicago?
Most quality programs offer affordable CNA classes in Chicago, although some expect students to pay for additional supplies or equipment like uniforms, scrubs as well as things like processing fees. Tuition rates remain relatively low, however, especially in comparison to more advanced nursing programs. Private providers are usually more expensive than public schools and colleges, so the total cost does sometimes vary a bit. The data below give you a sense of the tuition-based costs you can expect to pay for CNA classes in Chicago.
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in Chicago?
Paying for even the most affordable programs still requires smart budgeting and financial planning. Fortunately, scholarships, tuition waivers, and other forms of aid exist to help you do so. For example, City Colleges of Chicago and College of Lake County both maintain active scholarship foundations that provide some relief to new and returning CNA students.
Additionally, most schools also offer payment plan opportunities. Such plans do not reduce costs, but they can help reduce the burden by allowing students to pay out expenses over time instead of all at once. Navigate to our main financial aid page and our guide to CNA scholarships for more information.
How long do CNA classes in Chicago take to finish?
Because the CNA role is an entry-level position, rising professionals can finish their training in a fraction of the time required of most other nursing programs. This means that depending on your background and the program’s requirements, you could complete your Chicago-based CNA classes in just a couple of months. Online and hybrid offerings could expedite things even further.
Midwestern Career College, for example, offers a basic nursing assistant program that only lasts six weeks and includes hands-on training at a medical facility. Other providers extend that timeframe by a few weeks. Prairie State College, for instance, adopts an eight-week timeline, requiring 102 hours of didactic learning and 42 hours of clinical instruction.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in Chicago
Very few schools offer online CNA classes in Chicago. Most still require significant on-campus attendance, but a few are moving to other models. In most cases, this involves online or hybrid instruction for didactic coursework early on, and a pivot to in-person learning for clinical components.
Medway Healthcare Institute is a great example of this new flexibility, allowing students to complete an eight-week hybrid course of study that involves 120 contact hours. Students take theory-based content online, then move to in-person modules for labs and other hands-on experiences. Anmut School of Nursing uses a similar hybrid model, including 80 hours of didactic material completed online and 40 hours of in-person clinical experience. Check out our guide to online CNA classes to learn more about these delivery methods.
How to Become a CNA in Chicago
Completing an accredited training program with state approval is an important prerequisite, but you’ll need to satisfy a few more requirements before beginning work as a Chicago CNA. The Illinois Department of Health offers guidelines for this process, and the main steps include:
- Passing a written competency exam that assesses basic nursing skills and knowledge
- Completing a criminal background check
- Providing official transcripts from your program
Additionally, all CNA candidates in Illinois must be at least 16 years old and able to speak and understand English or the main language of the facility where they will work. Once you complete these steps, you can submit a CNA application and receive official certification. See our guide to becoming a CNA in Illinois for more detailed information on the process.
Earnings Outlook: How Much Do CNAs Make in Chicago?
While becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a rewarding career path, it's essential to understand the potential earnings. The salary outlook for CNAs in Chicago varies greatly and depends on several key factors, including experience, certifications, employer, and location. For example, the 10th percentile, representing the lowest 10% of earners, is around $36,990 annually. In contrast, the salary for the top 10% of earners reaches about $47,540. It’s important to note that while the median annual salary for CNAs in Chicago is higher than the state average, Chicago has a higher cost of living, which means your salary might not stretch as far.
Fortunately, there are many avenues to increase your salary potential as a CNA, such as earning additional certifications that enhance your skills and bolster your resume. Also, remember that different healthcare facilities may offer varying compensation packages. Salaries can also vary between urban and suburban areas. By understanding these factors and pursuing opportunities for growth, CNAs in Chicago can optimize their earnings and build successful careers.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $34,940 | $39,510 | $47,720 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $36,990 | $41,600 | $47,540 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
