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.