CNA Classes & Programs in East St. Louis, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in East St. Louis, including free and 4-week options. Online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in East St. Louis
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,510
- $18.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 62,420
- across Illinois
- Population
- 18,796
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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East St. Louis offers 2 CNA programs to help individuals begin their path toward state certification as nursing assistants. This urban Illinois community provides local access to foundational CNA training options for those interested in supporting patient care needs across different healthcare environments.
The available CNA classes are designed to prepare students for Illinois certification requirements and practical responsibilities within care facilities or private homes. Notably, at least one free CNA class is available in East St. Louis, providing additional access to training resources without tuition barriers for eligible participants.
Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn around $39,510 per year according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when considering compensation expectations after graduation.
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Browse CNA Classes in East St. Louis
East St. Louis provides 2 CNA training programs, including at least one free option, that qualify participants for Illinois CNA certification. Each program emphasizes essential skills needed in today’s healthcare roles and prepares students for registry placement. The curriculum supports job readiness and helps meet local demand for CNAs in a range of care settings.
Program Types in East St. Louis
| Type | In East St. Louis | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | East St Louis Senior High School ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | East St. Louis Community College Center ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in East St. Louis | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in East St. Louis | 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 East St. Louis
Lowest published cost first.
East St Louis Senior High School
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4901 State Street, East St. Louis, IL 62205
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 646-3700
The school’s Career and Technical Education pathway includes Health Care, with students able to take Southwestern Illinois College’s HRO 105 Nurse Assistant as dual credit. The district lists CNA certification among programs offering an industry-recognized credential.
Visit websiteEast St. Louis Community College Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks6
- Address
- 601 James R Thompson Blvd, East St. Louis, IL 62201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 874-8700
SWIC offers the Nurse Assistant (HRO 105) course at the East St. Louis campus with classroom, lab, and clinical training. Cohorts are scheduled each semester with accelerated options.
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
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in East St. Louis
| Median annual pay | $39,510 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.99 |
| CNA jobs across Illinois | 62,420 |
| Salary region | Illinois (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in East St. Louis are influenced by ongoing demand for skilled professionals throughout the city and its surrounding region, as healthcare organizations seek trained individuals to support patient care teams. While city-level employment numbers are not published for this area, opportunities exist across local clinics, long-term care providers, and related sectors where certified nursing assistants play an important role.
CNA salary in East St. Louis does not have unique city or regional data available; instead, statewide figures provide the best benchmark for new graduates evaluating compensation potential. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Illinois earn around $39,510 per year (approximately $18.99 per hour). City-specific salary data is not available at this time; these statewide numbers should be used as a general guide.
No CMS-certified hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies are currently listed within East St. Louis itself according to recent facility data sources. Job seekers may find additional employment possibilities by considering openings throughout nearby communities or larger metro areas within Illinois where demand remains steady for qualified CNAs.
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 East St. Louis? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Granite City, Collinsville, Red Bud, Godfrey, and Belleville, 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 East St. Louis, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in East St. Louis, 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 East St. Louis 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 East St. Louis.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in East St. Louis
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in East St. Louis?
Most CNA programs in East St. Louis can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. Accelerated programs, such as East St. Louis Community College Center, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in East St. Louis?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in East St. Louis directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in East St. Louis?
Yes. East St Louis Senior High School offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in East St. Louis?
No program in East St. Louis 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 East St. Louis?
Yes. East St. Louis Community College Center 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 East St. Louis there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Granite City, Collinsville, Red Bud, Godfrey and Belleville. 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 East St. Louis?
CNAs in East St. Louis 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 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.