CNA Classes & Programs in Lake Forest, Illinois
1 state-approved CNA program in Lake Forest. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Lake Forest
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,600
- $20.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,870
- in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 19,436
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Lake Forest has 1 CNA program for individuals looking to begin a career as a certified nursing assistant within this North Shore suburb of Chicago. The city provides access to foundational nurse aide education without requiring travel far from home—a valuable benefit for aspiring CNAs seeking convenience alongside quality instruction.
CNA classes in Lake Forest prepare students for Illinois state certification through focused coursework designed around practical skill development required by local employers. In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area, CNAs earn around $41,600 per year according to recent data; this exceeds Illinois's statewide median salary benchmark by over $2,000 annually.
No online or accelerated options are currently listed among Lake Forest’s offerings; however, successful completion of its available program enables graduates to pursue employment opportunities at hospitals or skilled nursing facilities located both within Lake Forest and neighboring communities along Chicagoland's North Shore corridor.
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Browse CNA Classes in Lake Forest
Lake Forest offers 1 CNA training program designed to prepare participants thoroughly for Illinois state certification requirements while supporting readiness for patient care responsibilities after graduation. This single program provides essential classroom instruction for those pursuing careers where CNAs contribute meaningfully across healthcare settings, with career opportunities available locally upon completion.
Program Types in Lake Forest
| Type | In Lake Forest | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Lake Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Lake Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Lake Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Lake Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Lake Forest
College of Lake County - Lake Forest Hospital
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (847) 234-5600
College of Lake County - Lake Forest Hospital 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.
CNA Programs Near Lake Forest
Looking for more options near Lake Forest?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Lake Forest
| 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 Lake Forest are part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan region, where about 41,870 certified nursing assistants are employed across hospitals and long-term care centers according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Demand remains consistent throughout northern suburbs like Lake Forest due to ongoing needs at skilled facilities serving diverse populations along Chicagoland’s North Shore corridor.
The CNA salary in Lake Forest reflects broader regional compensation trends: In this metro area, CNAs earn approximately $41,600 per year or $20 hourly based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures—a level notably above Illinois's statewide median pay of $39,510 annually. These figures help inform expectations regarding compensation following successful completion of local training requirements.
CNA graduates have viable employment options at several reputable CMS-certified providers within Lake Forest: Lake Forest Place is a nonprofit corporation offering skilled nursing services at its 50-bed facility known for quality ratings, and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital provides acute medical services as part of a well-regarded hospital system serving patients across northern Cook County suburbs—making both important sources of opportunity following completion of nurse aide education locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Lake Forest (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Lake Forest providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Forest Place1100 Pembridge Drive(847) 604-8800Map | 50 | 2.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Lake Forest (1 facility)
1 hospital in Lake Forest offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Northwestern Lake Forest HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1000 N Westmoreland Road(847) 234-5600Map | 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 Lake Forest? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Crystal Lake, Streamwood, Park Ridge, Addison, and Gurnee, 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 Lake Forest, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Lake Forest
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Lake Forest?
Most CNA programs in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?
Contact the program in Lake Forest directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Lake Forest?
No program in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?
No program in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?
No 4-week program is listed in Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Crystal Lake, Streamwood, Park Ridge, Addison and Gurnee. 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 Lake Forest?
CNAs in Lake Forest are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Lake Forest. 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.