Chicago, IL
The Nirvana Institute
Certified Nursing Assistant
Location
Chicago, IL
Duration
25 days
Cost
$1,600
State Required Hours
120 hours
- Address
2201 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
- Phone
- (312) 796-3333
About This Program
The Nirvana Institute operates three Chicago campuses (West Loop/Near West Side, Bronzeville, and Logan Square) and runs an intensive 25-day IDPH-approved CNA program with tuition that includes books, uniform, and exam prep. Morning and evening theory schedules pair with Friday or Saturday clinicals, and payment plans plus WIOA funding are accepted, making it a popular choice for working students across the city.
Location & Directions
2201 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
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.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
120 hours
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at The Nirvana Institute include?
The Nirvana Institute operates three Chicago campuses (West Loop/Near West Side, Bronzeville, and Logan Square) and runs an intensive 25-day IDPH-approved CNA program with tuition that includes books, uniform, and exam prep. The program is located at 2201 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (312) 796-3333 or visit https://www.thenirvanainstitute.org/cna-class.
How much does The Nirvana Institute cost?
The Nirvana Institute lists tuition for its certified nursing assistant at $1,600. Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call The Nirvana Institute at (312) 796-3333 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at The Nirvana Institute?
The certified nursing assistant at The Nirvana Institute is structured as 25 days. Illinois requires 120 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (312) 796-3333 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact The Nirvana Institute?
Call The Nirvana Institute directly at (312) 796-3333 or visit https://www.thenirvanainstitute.org/cna-class. The program is located at 2201 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What Illinois CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at The Nirvana Institute?
Before enrolling at The Nirvana Institute, make sure you meet Illinois's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. Illinois requires 120 hours of state-approved training and uses Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) — Illinois Nurse Aide Testing for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 8–14 weeks (training is typically 6–10 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks). See the full Illinois CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Chicago?
Yes. In addition to The Nirvana Institute in Chicago, our directory includes CNA training programs in Belleville, Rockford, Peoria, Joliet. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Illinois CNA classes for the full list.
Other CNA Programs in Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
Basic Nursing Assistant · 8-16 weeks · $1,000
Wilbur Wright College
Basic Nurse Assistant Training · 10-16 weeks
Harry S. Truman College
Basic Nurse Assistant Training · 8 weeks
Olive-Harvey College
Basic Nurse Assistant Training
Kennedy-King College
Basic Nursing Assistant
FSTE Healthcare Training Academy
Basic Nurse Assistant (CNA) · 6 weeks
Career Training Center of Chicago
Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program · 5 weeks · $900
Chicago Community Learning Center
Nurse Assistant Certificate · 8-10 weeks