City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
1900 W Jackson Blvd
Basic Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 8-16 weeks
- Cost:
- $1,000
- Phone:
- (312) 850-7000
CNA Classes in Chicago, IL
9 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Chicago. Tuition ranges from $900 to $1,600. Illinois requires 120 hours of training and uses Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing for the competency exam.
Programs in Chicago
9
Tuition Range
$900 to $1,600
State Required Hours
120 hours
Exam Vendor
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing
All CNA Programs in Chicago
Wilbur Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett Ave
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
- Duration:
- 10-16 weeks
- Phone:
- (773) 777-7900
Harry S. Truman College
1145 W. Wilson Ave
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
- Duration:
- 8 weeks
- Phone:
- (773) 907-4000
FSTE Healthcare Training Academy
1639 East 87th Street
Basic Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 6 weeks
- Phone:
- (773) 437-5003
Career Training Center of Chicago
3525 W. Peterson Avenue, Suite T-21
Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 5 weeks
- Cost:
- $900
- Phone:
- (773) 583-8532
The Nirvana Institute
2201 W. Madison Street
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 25 days
- Cost:
- $1,600
- Phone:
- (312) 796-3333
Chicago Community Learning Center
840 W. Irving Park Road, Suite 203
Nurse Assistant Certificate
- Duration:
- 8-10 weeks
- Phone:
- (773) 506-1503
Becoming a CNA in Illinois
Becoming a CNA in Illinois is a 120-hour commitment — substantially more than the federal 75-hour minimum but less than California's 160. Most candidates complete full-time Basic Nurse Assistant Training Programs (BNATPs) in 6 to 10 weeks, with the 120 hours split into 80 hours of classroom and skills-lab time and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care setting. The Illinois Community College Board co-approves BNATPs alongside IDPH, which means community colleges across the state run the largest network of low-cost training options — typically in the $400 to $1,200 range, with many districts offering financial aid for healthcare pathway students.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Chicago
How many CNA training programs are available in Chicago, IL?
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Our directory lists 9 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Chicago, IL. All programs must meet Illinois's minimum of 120 hours and prepare graduates to sit for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing competency exam.
How much does CNA training cost in Chicago?
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Published tuition for CNA programs in Chicago ranges from $900 to $1,600. Career Training Center of Chicago lists the lowest tuition at $900. Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee ($85 for the initial exam (retake also $85; no-show reschedule $55)), background check, and uniforms.
What is the fastest CNA program in Chicago?
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The Nirvana Institute offers the shortest published program in Chicago at 25 days. Illinois requires 120 hours of state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (312) 796-3333 for current cohort start dates.
How do I become a CNA in Chicago, IL?
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To work as a CNA in Chicago, you must meet a Illinois-approved training program of at least 120 hours, pass the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing competency exam (Two-part Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam: an 85-question written knowledge test (90 minutes) plus a manual skills component covering the 21 mandated nurse aide skills), and clear a Illinois Healthcare Worker Background Check Act fingerprinting. Most candidates complete the full process in 8–14 weeks (training is typically 6–10 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks).
Are there free CNA classes in Chicago?
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No Chicago program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many Illinois nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.