CNA Classes & Programs in Evanston, Illinois
Get Information from CNA Programs in Evanston and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in Evanston have access to 2 state-approved CNA programs aimed at preparing students for entry-level healthcare careers. Located on Lake Michigan just north of Chicago, Evanston offers an accessible path for those interested in becoming certified nursing assistants while benefiting from proximity to major metropolitan resources.
CNA programs in Evanston provide practical classroom instruction and clinical training that meet Illinois requirements for certification. Both traditional and online class options are available locally, supporting learners who may need flexible schedules while preparing for exams and future employment. Graduates develop foundational patient care skills valued by area hospitals and long-term care providers.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually—above the statewide benchmark—reflecting regional opportunities available to new graduates from Evanston's CNA courses.
Quick Facts About Evanston
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Population77,181Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$93,188Median 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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Facilities12CMS Healthcare Facilities8 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 2 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Evanston and Nearby
Schools in Evanston 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 Evanston
Evanston’s 2 CNA programs prepare students for Illinois state certification through focused training that builds essential patient care skills. The inclusion of online CNA classes provides flexibility for learners balancing other commitments. These programs enable participants to achieve state registry placement while preparing them for positions throughout Evanston’s healthcare sector, where CNAs are consistently needed.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Evanston, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Illinois.
Accelerated programs: not available in Evanston but are offered in other cities throughout Illinois.
Online programs: Some classes in Evanston offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Scott School of Careers - Evanston
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City College of Education
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Evanston
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 Evanston are part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, where approximately 41,870 certified nursing assistants are employed across various healthcare institutions. The city benefits from its location near Chicago’s northern border, offering aspiring CNAs strong prospects for employment within both urban hospitals and local long-term care settings.
The CNA salary in Evanston aligns with broader regional trends: In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, CNAs earn around $41,600 annually (or $20 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure stands above Illinois’ statewide median salary of about $39,510 per year, indicating that local wages may be somewhat higher than other areas in the state due to metropolitan demand.
Evanston features a mix of CMS-certified facilities employing CNAs. Major employers include Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital, Presence Saint Francis Hospital, Mather Evanston (a nonprofit nursing facility with 37 beds), Three Crowns Park, Pearl Of Evanston (for-profit with 158 beds), and Westminster Place. Several proprietary home health agencies such as Covenant Home Health Care also contribute job opportunities within city limits.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Evanston? 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 Evanston? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Bolingbrook, and Palatine, 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 Evanston (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Evanston providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Evanston (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Evanston offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Evanston (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Evanston providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Covenant Home Health Care, Inc
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Chicago Professional Healthcare, Inc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Evanston, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Evanston, 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 Evanston 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 Evanston
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Evanston?
Most CNA programs in Evanston 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 Evanston?
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 Evanston?
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 Evanston?
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 Evanston?
Yes, some schools in Evanston 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 Evanston there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Bolingbrook, and Palatine. 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 Evanston?
CNAs in Evanston 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.