CNA Classes & Programs in Elgin, Illinois
3 state-approved CNA programs in Elgin, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Elgin
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,600
- $20.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,870
- in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region
- Healthcare facilities
- 14
- 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 114,190
- 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.
Aspiring CNAs in Elgin can choose from 3 approved CNA programs designed to support rapid entry into healthcare careers within this major Chicago metropolitan community. Elgin’s location along the Fox River places it within reach of extensive medical resources found throughout the broader Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area.
CNA classes here are structured to prepare students thoroughly for Illinois state certification through classroom learning and practical experiences at clinical sites. The availability of free CNA classes adds an accessible pathway for some learners seeking reduced-cost entry into this growing field—while all programs focus on equipping graduates with essential patient care skills valued by employers locally and regionally.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually according to recent data; salaries may vary by employer or setting but reflect strong earning potential within this market.
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Browse CNA Classes in Elgin
Elgin’s 3 CNA programs prepare students with classroom instruction and clinical practice designed for Illinois state registry placement. Free CNA training is available among these options—enabling eligible applicants access to vital education that qualifies them for work where CNAs are needed across local hospitals or care facilities throughout Elgin’s dynamic metro region.
Program Types in Elgin
| Type | In Elgin | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Elgin High School - Elgin School District Unit 46 ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Elgin | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Elgin | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Elgin | See other Illinois cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Elgin
Lowest published cost first.
Elgin High School - Elgin School District Unit 46
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1200 Maroon Drive, Elgin, IL 60120
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 888-5100
Elgin High School offers Dual Credit CNA and Dual Credit CNA Clinical through a partnership with Elgin Community College. The courses are part of the Health Care Science department.
Visit websiteElgin Community College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 697-1000
ECC’s Basic Nurse Assistant (NUR 105) is a 7-credit course with classroom/lab and supervised clinical hours completed in one semester. Admission requires health clearances, background check, drug test, BLS CPR, and orientation participation.
Visit websiteLarkin High School School District U-46
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1475 Larkin Avenue, Elgin, IL 60123
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 888-5200
Larkin High School School District U-46 is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 3 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 Elgin
| 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 certified nursing assistants are employed across an extensive network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health organizations. This large employment base underscores significant regional demand for skilled CNAs who provide daily support within diverse medical environments spanning suburban Cook County communities like Elgin itself.
CNA salary in Elgin aligns closely with broader metropolitan trends: In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, CNAs earn a median of $41,600 per year or $20.00 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This wage is above the statewide median salary of $39,510, reflecting competitive earnings potential tied directly to greater Chicagoland’s high demand for trained personnel in patient care roles throughout its urban-suburban corridor.
CNA job seekers may consider major employers such as Highland Oaks—a nonprofit church-related facility with 24 beds—and Avondale Estates Of Elgin (120 beds). Local acute-care hospitals include Advocate Sherman Hospital (rated highly by CMS), Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Elgin (voluntary non-profit church-owned), as well as Elgin Mental Health Center—a key psychiatric employer operated by state government oversight. Astra Health West provides proprietary home health services locally alongside Bowes In-Home Care, offering additional career paths outside institutional settings—all part of CMS-certified networks supporting community health needs in Elgin.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Elgin (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Elgin 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Oaks2750 West Highland Avenue(847) 741-4543Map | 24 | 3.7 |
| Avondale Estates Of Elgin1754-1760 Capital Street(847) 531-6004Map | 120 | 2.1 |
| Aperion Care Fox River355 Raymond Street(847) 697-6636Map | 94 | 2.1 |
| Crescent Care Of Elgin180 South State Street(847) 742-3310Map | 88 | 1.9 |
| Avantara Of Elgin1950 Larkin Avenue(847) 742-7070Map | 112 | 1.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Elgin (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Elgin offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Advocate Sherman HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1425 North Randall Road(847) 742-9800Map | 5/5 |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - ElginAcute Care Hospitals · 77 N Airlite Street(847) 695-3200Map | 2/5 |
| Elgin Mental Health CenterPsychiatric · 750 S State St(847) 742-1040Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Elgin (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Elgin 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 |
|---|---|
| Astra Health West1707 N. Randall Rd. Suite 165(847) 583-8998Map | 4.5/5 |
| Bowes In-Home Care, Inc2230 Point Boulevard Suite 100(847) 742-5757 | 2.5/5 |
| Deluxe Home Health Care, Llc415 Airport Rd(630) 963-8696Map | – |
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 Elgin? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Streamwood, and Park Ridge, 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 Elgin, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Elgin, 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 Elgin 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 Elgin.
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 Elgin
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Elgin?
Most CNA programs in Elgin 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 Elgin?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Elgin 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 Elgin?
Yes. Elgin High School - Elgin School District Unit 46 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 Elgin?
No program in Elgin 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 Elgin?
No 4-week program is listed in Elgin. 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 Elgin there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Streamwood and Park Ridge. 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 Elgin?
CNAs in Elgin are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Elgin. 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.