Cheap or free CNA training in Chicago

[winter22]

Any one here know or have trained in a place that offers cheap or free CNA training in Chicago or nearby?

[bigjmo]

presbyterian homes in evanston is a free program.

[cantbeagoddess]

I live in Evanston - I don't know if that's convenient for you or not - but here there are nursing homes that offer free CNA training. Presbyterian Homes is one of them and Resurrection also offers basic CNA training (I think it's free) at Saint Mary's downtown.

Don't quote me on this but I think in Illinois any nursing home receiving state assistance is required to offer free CNA training. You should call around. Now, there are a few downsides to going this route:

1. These programs aren't offered very often. Presbyterian Homes for example only does the free training twice a year and there's a lengthy interview process. They always have more applicants than slots.

2. Free programs take longer to complete. Think about it, as a CNA student doing clinicals you're free labor for the home or hospital. The longer they have you working for free, the more money they save by not paying someone to do the same job. It's hard to find reliable people who will do this sort of work for 9 bucks an hour. I think the PresHomes class lasts something like 2-3 months and it's five days a week from 9-3. As a stay-at-home mom with two young children, I couldn't keep that kind of schedule.

3. There are more people who want into these programs than there are slots. I called Resurrection and left messages at least five times and no one ever got back to me. Granted, I probably could have gone into their office and talked to someone but I wasn't in the mood to deal with it. Most of these programs have lengthy if not arduous application processes.

I don't know what your financial situation is like but if you're able to pay there's also the community college route. The school for my suburb is Oakton and they offer a CNA. Of course, there are downsides to this as well. It's about $900, including tuition, fees, books, etc. if you're in district. And it's long! 10 weeks if you go 9-3 five days a week and 16 weeks! if you go in the evenings.

Because I needed to finish my CNA asap to apply for a nursing program I went with Career Training Center in north Chicago. They're relatively inexpensive - tuition is about $500 (plus book ($50), cpr ($20) and uniform ($20) and they offer a payment plan. It's a family operation - the nurse instructors are a mother-daughter team and a brother runs the office. Candice, my instructor, was one of the sweetest people that I've ever met. The best part was the program is only three days a week for five weeks and you can choose whether to go in the morning or evening.

There are a lot of options out there so I hope you find something you can do. Good luck.

Ashley

[MichealB/RN2B]

You can try contacting POET. Your local unemployment office or public aide office should have info on how to reach a facility offering POET in your area. If you meet certain criteria they will pay for CNA training for you. I had a friend who was able to get a Phlebotomy course funded by them. Here is a link to their home page... Hope this helps

.:[ Cook County Government, Illinois - Home / Welcome to Cook County ]:.

[suri_wild]

Hi,

I am looking for CNA classes now as well and I just found this. It is from the IDPH website, a list of all Approved CNA training programs in IL. (unfortunately it doesn't say how much they are, but it tells you where they are and phone number). Good luck!

Untitled Page

[tina_cna]

Here in Chicago, many of the hospitals and clinics that i contacted told me that they only work with "students" from certain schools. Most prefer that you are already certified before hiring you. You should really consider going to a community or vocational school. You will get both classroom and clinical training that will equip you to take the state exam.

[martinheaden]

Hi,

I am Martin, certified nursing assistant through American Red Cross and working with Canadian Red Cross from last few years.I would like to add few CNA training addresses in Chicago with proper contact information. I hope it will be more useful for readers.

Harold Washington College, 30 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL, [phone]:

Wilbur Wright College, 4300 North Narragansett, Chicago, IL 60634, [phone]

For more information about CNA programs check out ecnaprograms. Thank you.