CNA Classes & Programs in Oak Forest, Illinois
1 state-approved CNA program in Oak Forest. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Oak Forest
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,600
- $20.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,870
- in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region
- Population
- 27,199
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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In Oak Forest, 1 state-approved CNA class is available to those pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant. As part of the wider Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan region, residents have access to essential training needed for entry into healthcare support roles without leaving their community.
This single CNA program is designed to equip students with foundational skills required by Illinois state standards. While there are currently no online or free options reported in Oak Forest, completion of this course prepares graduates for state testing and eventual placement on the Illinois nurse aide registry.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, CNAs can expect to earn around $41,600 annually. Students completing their training in Oak Forest benefit from being situated within one of Illinois’s largest employment markets for healthcare professionals.
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Browse CNA Classes in Oak Forest
Oak Forest provides 1 CNA training program focused on preparing students for Illinois state certification and practical caregiving roles. The curriculum enables candidates to qualify for entry into healthcare settings while gaining hands-on experience that supports future job placement where CNAs are needed locally and throughout the region.
Program Types in Oak Forest
| Type | In Oak Forest | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Oak Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Oak Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Oak Forest | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Oak 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 Oak Forest
South Suburban College - Oak Forest
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 16333 South Kilbourn Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (708) 225-6006
South Suburban College offers the Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at the Oak Forest Center with lecture, lab and supervised clinical instruction.
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 Oak Forest
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Major Illinois cities
All Illinois cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Oak 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.
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, approximately 41,870 CNAs are employed according to recent labor statistics. This regional workforce offers evidence of strong demand for certified nursing assistants across multiple care settings near Oak Forest.
CNA salary in Oak Forest aligns with metro-area data: In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, CNAs earn around $41,600 per year (about $20 hourly), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure stands above the Illinois statewide median of $39,510 annually and highlights favorable earning potential compared to other parts of the state.
No CMS-certified nursing homes, hospitals, or home health agencies are currently listed within Oak Forest itself; however, graduates may consider positions at nearby facilities throughout Cook County and surrounding areas within commuting distance of Oak Forest’s residential neighborhoods.
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 Oak Forest? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Bridgeview, Midlothian, Norridge, Oak Park, 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.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Oak Forest, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oak 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 Oak 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 Oak Forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Oak Forest
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Oak Forest?
Most CNA programs in Oak 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 Oak Forest?
Contact the program in Oak 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 Oak Forest?
No program in Oak 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 Oak Forest?
No program in Oak 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 Oak Forest?
No 4-week program is listed in Oak 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 Oak Forest there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Bridgeview, Midlothian, Norridge, Oak Park 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 Oak Forest?
CNAs in Oak Forest 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 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.