CNA Classes & Programs in Des Plaines, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Des Plaines, including 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Des Plaines
- 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
- 34
- 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 27 home health agencies
- Population
- 60,087
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Des Plaines
| Type | In Des Plaines | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Des Plaines | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Mizpah Center for Allied Health Education ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Des Plaines | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Mizpah Center for Allied Health Education ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Des Plaines
Lowest published cost first.
JETHRO Healthcare School and Placement
Cost$950Hours120Weeks–
- Address
- 650 West Algonquin Road 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 258-5783
Basic Nursing Assistant program covering theory, lab, and clinical skills with admission requirements including background check, TB test, and physical exam. Tuition payment plans are offered.
Visit websiteMizpah Center for Allied Health Education
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 2720 S. River Road Suite 2, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 708-9266
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
IDPH-approved CNA training running 4 to 8 weeks with day and evening options and hands-on clinical experience. PM classes meet Thu–Fri evenings with Saturday clinicals.
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.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
- Arlington Heights1 program
- Bolingbrook3 programs
- Palatine1 program
- Skokie1 program
- Mount Prospect1 program
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Des Plaines
| 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 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Des Plaines providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Asbury Court Nursing & Rehab1750 Elmhurst Road(847) 228-1500Map | 79 | 3.1 |
| Alden Des Plaines Rehab & Hc1221 East Golf Road(847) 768-1300Map | 110 | 2.3 |
| Ascension Nazarethville Place300 North River Road(847) 297-5900Map | 68 | 2.2 |
| Generations Oakton Pavillion1660 Oakton Place(847) 299-5588Map | 275 | 2.0 |
| Lee Manor1301 Lee Street(847) 635-4000Map | 262 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (1 facility)
1 hospital in Des Plaines offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chicago Behavioral HospitalPsychiatric · 555 Wilson Lane(847) 768-5430Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Des Plaines (27 facilities)
27 home health agencies in Des Plaines providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Avant Care Home Health Care, Inc2720 S River Road, Ste 101(224) 500-3960Map | 4.5/5 |
| Avotre Home Health Inc9301 Golf Road, Ste 300(847) 607-1156Map | 4.5/5 |
| Better Care Home Health, Inc2340 S River Road Suite 114(800) 518-8943Map | 4.5/5 |
| Holistic Health Partners, Inc2340 S River Road Ste 110(708) 272-9398Map | 4.5/5 |
| Elara Caring1011 E. Touhy Ave Ste 170(773) 509-1355Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Des Plaines? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, and Mount Prospect, 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 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
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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. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Mizpah Center for Allied Health Education.
How much does CNA training cost in Des Plaines?
JETHRO Healthcare School and Placement lists a price of $950. Ask the other programs in Des Plaines for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Des Plaines?
No program in Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?
No program in Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?
Yes. Mizpah Center for Allied Health Education 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 Des Plaines there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie and Mount Prospect. 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. CMS lists 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 27 home health agencies in Des Plaines. 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.