CNA Classes & Programs in Marion, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Marion. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Marion
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,700
- $17.64 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 750
- in the Carbondale-Marion region
- Healthcare facilities
- 7
- 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 16,867
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Marion offers 2 CNA programs for those looking to begin careers as certified nursing assistants within southern Illinois’ Carbondale-Marion region. Known as a growing hub along Interstate 57 with strong ties to regional health systems and veterans’ services, Marion provides educational pathways leading directly into vital caregiver roles across multiple facility types.
CNA courses in Marion emphasize foundational clinical skills along with essential knowledge needed for state certification and registry placement—helping students qualify for work at local hospitals or long-term care providers upon graduation. In the Carbondale-Marion region, CNAs earn around $36,700 per year according to recent wage reports; this figure is below the statewide median but reflects regional market conditions within southern Illinois healthcare settings.
No online or accelerated programs are presently listed among Marion’s offerings. With two approved options available locally, including those linked directly with major hospitals, students have flexible choices when preparing for their careers as certified nurse aides.
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Browse CNA Classes in Marion
Students in Marion can choose from 2 CNA programs that train candidates for state registry placement through hands-on learning focused on essential caregiving tasks. These programs support preparation for Illinois state certification while providing valuable experience relevant throughout Marion’s medical sector, where career opportunities continue expanding alongside ongoing need for trained CNAs in diverse settings.
Program Types in Marion
| Type | In Marion | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Marion | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Marion | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Marion | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Marion | See other Illinois cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Marion
Lowest published cost first.
Marion High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1700 Wildcat Drive, Marion, IL 62959
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 993-8196
Marion High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteParkway Manor
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3116 Williamson County Pkwy., Marion, IL 62959
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 993-8600
Parkway Manor 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.
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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 Marion
| Median annual pay | $36,700 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.64 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 750 |
| Salary region | Carbondale-Marion |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Marion are supported by steady demand for qualified certified nursing assistants, thanks to the region’s concentration of hospitals and long-term care centers serving southern Illinois communities. With nearly 750 employed CNAs reported across the Carbondale-Marion area—including both urban centers and rural surroundings—graduates have viable pathways into jobs supporting patients’ daily needs under licensed supervision.
In the Carbondale-Marion region, the median annual pay for CNAs stands at approximately $36,700, or about $17.64 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This regional median falls below the current statewide figure of $39,510 annually and reflects local market realities unique to southern Illinois, where cost-of-living factors may influence compensation levels relative to larger cities further north.
The area's diverse employer base includes CMS-certified facilities such as Parkway Manor—a nonprofit corporation operating 131 beds—and Integrity Hc Of Marion (125 beds) under individual ownership. Hospital-based placements are also possible through Heartland Regional Medical Center—a proprietary acute-care provider—and Marion IL VA Medical Center administered by Veterans Health Administration standards. Home health agencies such as Residential Home Health Of Southern Illinois further diversify job prospects, offering additional avenues for recently trained CNAs to gain real-world experience after completing their coursework locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Marion (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Marion providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Parkway Manor3116 Williamson County Parkway(618) 993-8600Map | 131 | 3.0 |
| Integrity Hc Of Marion1301 East Deyoung(618) 997-1365Map | 125 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Marion (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Marion offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Marion Il Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 2401 West Main(618) 997-5311Map | 3/5 |
| Heartland Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 3333 W Deyoung(618) 998-7000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Marion (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Marion 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 |
|---|---|
| Residential Home Health Of Southern Illinois, Llc104 Airway Dr, Ste 1(800) 642-6099Map | 4.5/5 |
| Lhc-Illinois Home Health Care906 Skyline Drive, Suite 200(618) 997-6565Map | 3.5/5 |
| Franklin Williamson Bi County8160 Express Drive(618) 993-8111Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Marion? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Carbondale, Benton, Anna, Herrin, and Mount Vernon, 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 Marion, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Marion, 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 Marion 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 Marion.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Marion
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Marion?
Most CNA programs in Marion 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 Marion?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Marion directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Marion?
No program in Marion 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 Marion?
No program in Marion 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 Marion?
No 4-week program is listed in Marion. 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 Marion there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Carbondale, Benton, Anna, Herrin and Mount Vernon. 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 Marion?
CNAs in Marion are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Marion. 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.