CNA Classes & Programs in Kankakee, Illinois
Get Information from CNA Programs in Kankakee and Nearby
Kankakee has 2 CNA programs that provide foundational training for those seeking to begin a career as a certified nursing assistant. Students benefit from focused instruction that prepares them to meet Illinois requirements and develop practical caregiving abilities needed in various healthcare environments.
In Kankakee, aspiring CNAs will find that training opportunities support success on the state certification exam while building job-ready skills valued by area employers. In the Kankakee region, CNAs earn around $41,930 annually—equivalent to about $20.16 per hour—according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This regional salary is above the Illinois statewide median of $39,510.
CNA classes in Kankakee enable graduates to qualify for immediate employment upon certification. Although no free, accelerated, or online options are currently offered locally, traditional classroom-based programs prepare students well for entry-level nursing careers at local hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Quick Facts About Kankakee
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Population24,795Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$42,180Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.16Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,930Median Annual Salary
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Facilities6CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Kankakee and Nearby
Schools in Kankakee and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Kankakee
Kankakee provides 2 CNA training programs aimed at preparing participants for Illinois CNA certification and entry into rewarding healthcare roles. These CNA classes deliver practical instruction that qualifies students for state exams while supporting career readiness where CNAs are needed locally. Flexible learning formats are not currently available; however, program graduates are well-positioned to start their professional journey after completing these recognized courses.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Kankakee, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Illinois.
Accelerated programs: not available in Kankakee but are offered in other cities throughout Illinois.
Online programs not available in Kankakee but are offered in other cities throughout Illinois.
Kankakee High School
Program Details
Kankakee Community College
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Kankakee
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,930Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.16Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs580CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Kankakee are supported by a regional workforce of approximately 580 certified nursing assistants employed across hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies. The steady presence of these professionals highlights strong local demand within varied care settings throughout the area.
The CNA salary in Kankakee reflects regional wage patterns: In the Kankakee metro area, CNAs earn around $41,930 annually or about $20.16 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure stands above Illinois's statewide median of $39,510 and signals competitive wages for new entrants into the field after certification.
Kankakee’s healthcare landscape features multiple CMS-certified facilities employing CNAs. Major local employers include Miller Health Care Center (160 beds), Citadel Care Center-Kankakee (107 beds), Heritage Village (51 beds), Presence St Marys Hospital—a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital—and Riverside Medical Center. Additionally, Presence Home Care-Kankakee offers employment opportunities within home health services rated by Medicare quality standards.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Kankakee? 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 Kankakee? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Tinley Park, Lansing, Chicago Heights, Blue Island, and Chicago, 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 Kankakee (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Kankakee providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Kankakee (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Kankakee offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Kankakee (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Kankakee providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Presence Home Care-Kankakee
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Kankakee, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kankakee, 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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Kankakee?
Most CNA programs in Kankakee 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 Kankakee?
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 Kankakee?
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 Kankakee?
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 Kankakee?
Yes, some schools in Kankakee 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 Kankakee there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Tinley Park, Lansing, Chicago Heights, Blue Island, and Chicago. 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 Kankakee?
CNAs in Kankakee 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.