CNA Classes & Programs in Des Plaines, Illinois
Get Information from CNA Programs in Des Plaines and Nearby
Des Plaines offers 2 state-approved CNA programs tailored for individuals starting their careers as certified nursing assistants. Located just outside Chicago with a population exceeding 60,000 residents, Des Plaines provides access to quality education options close to home, including one accelerated pathway designed for faster completion when available.
CNA classes here emphasize preparation for Illinois certification requirements alongside practical skills valued by local employers. In the broader Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually per recent reports; this is above the state average salary noted elsewhere in Illinois.
No free or online offerings are currently listed among Des Plaines’ programs; however, graduates can pursue employment opportunities at numerous CMS-certified facilities throughout the city after successfully completing their chosen course of study.
Quick Facts About Des Plaines
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Population60,087Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$86,552Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.00Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,600Median Annual Salary
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Facilities34CMS Healthcare Facilities6 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 27 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Des Plaines and Nearby
Schools in Des Plaines and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Des Plaines
Des Plaines provides 2 CNA training programs that enable students to qualify for state registry placement while building practical patient care abilities needed by employers meeting regional healthcare demand. An accelerated option is available among these CNA classes, allowing candidates to complete their studies more quickly before seeking certification or beginning work as a nursing assistant locally.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Des Plaines, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Illinois.
Accelerated programs: available in Des Plaines and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Des Plaines but are offered in other cities throughout Illinois.
JETHRO Healthcare School and Placement
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Mizpah Center for Allied Health Education
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Des Plaines
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,600Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.00Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs41,870CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Des Plaines are part of the broader Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, where approximately 41,870 certified nursing assistants are employed, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics. Regional demand remains strong as growing suburban populations require continued staffing across skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies serving Des Plaines residents and surrounding communities.
The CNA salary in Des Plaines reflects broader metropolitan compensation trends: In this region, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $41,600 or $20 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This rate stands above Illinois’ statewide median of $39,510, serving as a positive indicator for new entrants considering this field locally or within greater Chicagoland areas nearby.
CNA job opportunities exist at several CMS-certified providers including Asbury Court Nursing & Rehab (79-bed facility), Alden Des Plaines Rehab & Hc (110 beds), Ascension Nazarethville Place (68 beds), Generations Oakton Pavillion (275 beds), Lee Manor (262-bed facility), and Chicago Behavioral Hospital specializing in psychiatric services. Numerous home health agencies such as Avant Care Home Health Care Inc., Avotre Home Health Inc., Better Care Home Health Inc., Holistic Health Partners Inc., and Elara Caring also contribute significantly to employment prospects across Des Plaines’ healthcare sector.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Des Plaines? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Des Plaines? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Vernon Hills, South Elgin, Maywood, Naperville, and Elgin, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Des Plaines providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Des Plaines offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (27 facilities)
27 home health agencies in Des Plaines providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Avant Care Home Health Care, Inc
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Avotre Home Health Inc
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Better Care Home Health, Inc
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Holistic Health Partners, Inc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Des Plaines, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Des Plaines
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Des Plaines?
Most CNA programs in Des Plaines can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Des Plaines?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Des Plaines?
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 Des Plaines?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Des Plaines?
Yes, some schools in Des Plaines or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Des Plaines there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Vernon Hills, South Elgin, Maywood, Naperville, and Elgin. 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 Des Plaines?
CNAs in Des Plaines are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.