CNA Classes & Programs in Crystal Lake, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Crystal Lake. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Crystal Lake
- 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
- 7
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 40,463
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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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.
In Crystal Lake, 2 state-approved CNA programs offer aspiring nursing assistants the chance to begin their careers in a community located within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area. Students can expect training options that address both certification requirements and hands-on experience, helping them build a solid foundation for future healthcare roles.
Crystal Lake’s CNA classes are supported by a range of local healthcare employers, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies. With facilities such as Mercyhealth Hospital & Physician Clinic-Crystal La and several CMS-certified nursing homes operating in the area, those who complete their CNA training programs will find diverse work settings available to them upon certification.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually. This local median salary is above the statewide figure for Illinois, highlighting regional wage variation for certified nursing assistants.
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Browse CNA Classes in Crystal Lake
Students in Crystal Lake can choose from 2 CNA programs designed to prepare them for Illinois CNA certification. These programs focus on developing practical skills and job readiness for healthcare settings, supporting career entry with an up-to-date curriculum. With local demand for CNAs, graduates are qualified to pursue employment opportunities throughout Crystal Lake and the wider region where trained nursing assistants are needed.
Program Types in Crystal Lake
| Type | In Crystal Lake | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Crystal Lake | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Crystal Lake | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Crystal Lake | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Crystal Lake | See other Illinois cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Crystal Lake
Lowest published cost first.
Community High School District 155
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1 S. Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 459-2595
District 155 offers a one-semester Basic Nursing Assistant (CNA) program housed at Crystal Lake Central High School with classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. The program was launched with community partners including Northwestern Medicine.
Visit websiteMcHenry County College
Cost–Hours136Weeks16
- Address
- 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 455-3700
MCC’s Basic Nursing Assistant Certificate includes classroom, lab, and clinical training and is approved for 136 total hours.
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?
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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 Crystal Lake
| 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.
CNA jobs in Crystal Lake are part of the broader Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, where approximately 41,870 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This reflects the strong presence of healthcare support roles in both urban and suburban communities across the metropolitan region. Consistent demand exists for certified nursing assistants in local hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies.
The CNA salary in Crystal Lake is represented by regional data: In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, CNAs earn a median of $41,600 per year or $20 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This median salary is higher than the statewide median of $39,510 for Illinois CNAs. Wage levels may reflect local cost of living and employer demand within this metropolitan market.
Healthcare facilities in Crystal Lake offer varied employment environments for CNAs. Notable employers include Fair Oaks Health Care Center, a non-profit facility with 51 beds; Pearl of Crystal Lake, The—a for-profit nursing home with 97 beds; and Crystal Pines Rehab & Hcc with 110 beds. Mercyhealth Hospital & Physician Clinic-Crystal La provides acute care services locally. Home health agencies such as Care Solutions, Inc and Senior Lifestyle Solutions Ltd also contribute to employment opportunities in patient care throughout the city.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Crystal Lake (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Crystal Lake providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Oaks Health Care Center471 Terra Cotta Avenue(815) 455-0550Map | 51 | 3.0 |
| Pearl Of Crystal Lake, The1000 East Brighton Lane(815) 477-6400Map | 97 | 2.1 |
| Crystal Pines Rehab & Hcc335 North Illinois Avenue(815) 459-7791Map | 110 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Crystal Lake (1 facility)
1 hospital in Crystal Lake offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mercyhealth Hospital & Physician Clinic-Crystal LaAcute Care Hospitals · 875 S Route 31(815) 356-7494Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Crystal Lake (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Crystal Lake providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| One Home Health Agency, Ltd390 Congress Parkway, Suite EMap | 4.0/5 |
| Care Solutions, Inc365 Millennium Drive, Ste D(815) 301-4034Map | 2.0/5 |
| Senior Lifestyle Solutions Ltd282 Memorial Court Ste A(815) 526-0054Map | – |
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 Crystal Lake? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Woodstock, McHenry, Westmont, Maywood, and Machesney Park, 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 Crystal Lake, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Crystal Lake
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Crystal Lake?
The shortest published length here is 16 weeks, at McHenry County College.
How much does CNA training cost in Crystal Lake?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Crystal Lake directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Crystal Lake?
No program in Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake?
No program in Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake?
No 4-week program is listed in Crystal Lake. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Illinois cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Crystal Lake there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Woodstock, McHenry, Westmont, Maywood and Machesney Park. 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 Crystal Lake?
CNAs in Crystal Lake are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies in Crystal Lake. 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.