CNA Classes & Programs in Chicago Heights, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Chicago Heights, including 4-week and evening options. Free and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Chicago Heights
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,600
- $20.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,870
- in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 27,366
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Chicago Heights offers 2 CNA programs for those seeking entry into the healthcare field. Located within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, this community gives aspiring nursing assistants convenient options to begin their training close to home. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers, local CNA classes provide a direct path toward state certification.
In Chicago Heights, students can find both traditional and accelerated CNA training programs. The presence of an accelerated option allows some students to complete their coursework in a shorter timeframe, making it possible to enter the workforce more quickly. Graduates benefit from proximity to several healthcare employers, including nursing homes and home health agencies in the area, which often seek newly certified CNAs for a variety of care settings.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, CNAs earn around $41,600 per year. This salary reflects opportunities available across the broader metro area and may be influenced by experience and facility type. Completing a CNA program in Chicago Heights can help prepare individuals for these rewarding roles.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Chicago Heights
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve Chicago Heights, such as cost, schedules and start dates.
CNA program search
✓ Free Service✓ No Obligations✓ Compare Multiple Programs
We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Browse CNA Classes in Chicago Heights
Chicago Heights provides 2 CNA classes that prepare students for Illinois certification and registry. With both standard and accelerated options, these CNA training programs enable participants to qualify for entry-level roles in healthcare while building practical skills for patient care. Graduates are equipped for certification success and employment in local settings with ongoing demand for CNAs throughout the region.
Program Types in Chicago Heights
| Type | In Chicago Heights | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Chicago Heights | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Excelsior Healthcare Academy ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Chicago Heights | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Excelsior Healthcare Academy ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Chicago Heights
Lowest published cost first.
Excelsior Healthcare Academy
Cost$1,000Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 523 S Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (773) 297-2417
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Four-week Basic Nurse Assistant program covering classroom and clinical skills; morning and evening classes available. Tuition listed with separate fees for books, labs, and exams.
Visit websitePrairie State College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 202 S Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (708) 709-3500
PSC’s CNA certificate program prepares students for fundamental patient care across multiple settings; applicants must be at least 16 years old per IDPH. PSC also offers an Advanced Bedside Care Provider certificate for working CNAs.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 2 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Chicago Heights
| Median annual pay | $41,600 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.00 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 41,870 |
| Salary region | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, approximately 41,870 CNAs are employed according to recent data. This regional employment figure demonstrates steady opportunities for certified nursing assistants seeking positions across various healthcare environments near Chicago Heights.
CNA salary in Chicago Heights is best understood by looking at regional data: In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually (or about $20 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This median wage is above the Illinois statewide figure of $39,510 per year, suggesting that local compensation remains competitive within the broader metro area.
Job seekers may find employment at CMS-certified facilities such as Prairie Manor Nrsg & Rehab Ctr—a 148-bed nursing home at 345 Dixie Highway—and Aperion Care Chicago Heights with 200 beds on West 16th Place. Additionally, local home health agencies like Uchange Inc. on Park Avenue and Dinamic Health Care, Llc on West Lincoln Hwy provide further options for those interested in community-based care roles.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Chicago Heights (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Chicago Heights providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie Manor Nrsg & Rehab Ctr345 Dixie Highway(708) 754-7601Map | 148 | 2.0 |
| Aperion Care Chicago Heights490 West 16Th Place(708) 481-4444Map | 200 | 1.3 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Chicago Heights (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Chicago Heights providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Uchange Inc.1406 Park Avenue(708) 809-8129Map | 2.0/5 |
| Dinamic Health Care, Llc353 W. Lincoln Hwy(708) 832-9908Map | – |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Chicago Heights? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Lansing, Oak Forest, South Holland, Kankakee, and Palos Hills, or browse the Illinois CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Chicago Heights, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Chicago Heights, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Illinois. These include completing an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), and being listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.
- At least 120 total hours of training (80 classroom and skills lab hours, 40 supervised clinical hours in a licensed long-term care facility)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Background screening per Illinois requirements
- Unique testing structure: Skills are evaluated by instructors during training; only the written knowledge test is administered by the state (85 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 80% minimum score)
- Up to three attempts to pass the written exam within two years of completing training before retraining is required
- Placement on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry maintained by IDPH
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Chicago Heights and across Illinois. CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing work within 24 months to maintain active certification.
Already certified in another state? Illinois offers registry-based reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who hold active certification in good standing and meet federal OBRA training standards. Additional documentation may be required. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Illinois guide.
For complete details on training programs, testing procedures, renewal requirements, and maintaining active registry status, see our comprehensive CNA License & Registration in Illinois guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Chicago Heights.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Chicago Heights
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Chicago Heights?
Most CNA programs in Chicago Heights can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Excelsior Healthcare Academy.
How much does CNA training cost in Chicago Heights?
Excelsior Healthcare Academy lists a price of $1,000. Ask the other programs in Chicago Heights for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Chicago Heights?
No program in Chicago Heights is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Illinois cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Chicago Heights?
No program in Chicago Heights is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Illinois cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Chicago Heights?
Yes. Excelsior Healthcare Academy is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Chicago Heights there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Lansing, Oak Forest, South Holland, Kankakee and Palos Hills. You can also look at the Illinois state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Illinois CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Illinois, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Illinois CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Chicago Heights?
CNAs in Chicago Heights are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes and 2 home health agencies in Chicago Heights. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.