CNA Training in Chicago, IL
4 state-approved nursing assistant programs in Chicago.
Illinois CNA Requirements at a Glance
Training Hours
120 hours
Minimum Age
16
Exam Vendor
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing
Time to Cert
8–14 weeks (training is typically 6–10 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks)
Programs in Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
1900 W Jackson Blvd
Basic Nursing Assistant
Est. Price: $1,000
Duration: 8-16 weeks
Phone: (312) 850-7000
Wilbur Wright College - Basic Nursing Assistant Program
4300 N. Narragansett Ave
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
Duration: 10-16 weeks
Phone: (773) 777-7900
Harry S. Truman College - Basic Nursing Assistant Program
1145 W. Wilson Ave
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
Duration: 8 weeks
Phone: (773) 907-4000
Olive-Harvey College - Basic Nursing Assistant Program
10001 S. Woodlawn Ave
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
Phone: (773) 291-6100
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.