CNA Classes & Programs in Evanston, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Evanston, including online, evening and weekend options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Evanston
- 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
- 12
- 8 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 77,181
- 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 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.
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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.
Program Types in Evanston
| Type | In Evanston | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Evanston | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Evanston | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Scott School of Careers - Evanston ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Evanston
Lowest published cost first.
City College of Education
Cost$1,199Hours126Weeks6
- Address
- 1325 Howard Street Suite 307, Evanston, IL 60202
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (312) 792-7198
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
State-approved Basic Nurse Assistant program with 126 clock hours over 6–7 weeks, including 60 classroom, 20 lab, 6 CPR, and 40 clinical hours. Multiple cohorts are offered with weekday morning/evening and weekend options.
Visit websiteScott School of Careers - Evanston
Cost$1,335Hours–Weeks6
- Address
- 820 Foster St, Evanston, IL 60201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 492-7700
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Scott School of Careers lists an Evanston campus and offers a state-approved CNA program with online theory options plus lab/clinical. Typical cohorts run about 6 weeks with day or evening/weekend schedules.
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 2 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
- Blue Island1 program
- Norridge1 program
- South Holland2 programs
- Midlothian1 program
- La Grange Park1 program
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Evanston
| 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 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Evanston (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Evanston 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mather Evanston, The425 Davis Street(847) 492-5000Map | 37 | 4.2 |
| Three Crowns Park2323 Mcdaniel Ave(877) 525-5832Map | 34 | 3.3 |
| Westminster Place3200 Grant Street(847) 570-3422Map | 105 | 2.9 |
| Pearl Of Evanston,The820 Foster Street(847) 492-7700Map | 158 | 2.1 |
| Alden Estates Of Evanston2520 Gross Point Road(847) 328-6000Map | 99 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Evanston (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Evanston offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2650 Ridge Ave(847) 570-2000Map | 5/5 |
| Presence Saint Francis HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 355 Ridge Ave(847) 316-4000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Evanston (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Evanston providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Covenant Home Health Care, Inc9547 Crawford Avenue(847) 675-5431Map | 2.0/5 |
| Chicago Professional Healthcare, Inc1717 Howard Street, Suite A & B(847) 565-6400Map | 1.5/5 |
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 Evanston? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Blue Island, Norridge, South Holland, Midlothian, and La Grange Park, 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 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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Evanston.
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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. The shortest published length here is 6 weeks, at City College of Education.
How much does CNA training cost in Evanston?
CNA programs in Evanston cost between $1,199 and $1,335, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is City College of Education at $1,199. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Evanston?
No program in Evanston 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 Evanston?
Yes. Scott School of Careers - Evanston offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Evanston?
No 4-week program is listed in Evanston. 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 Evanston there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Blue Island, Norridge, South Holland, Midlothian and La Grange Park. 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. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Evanston. 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.