CNA Classes & Programs in Peoria, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Peoria, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Peoria
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,930
- $17.76 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 3,320
- in the Peoria region
- Healthcare facilities
- 13
- 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 113,054
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Peoria is home to 2 CNA programs designed for those looking to enter Illinois’ healthcare workforce as certified nursing assistants. Situated along the Illinois River and serving as a regional medical hub downstate, Peoria offers approved training pathways that help students meet state requirements while accessing practical learning environments close to home.
CNA courses available here focus on preparing candidates thoroughly for certification through classroom lessons paired with hands-on experiences at local clinical sites or partner facilities. One free program option exists—making it possible for eligible residents to pursue their goals without tuition barriers while gaining essential caregiving skills valued by Peoria’s employers across multiple settings.
In Peoria itself, CNAs earn around $36,930 annually according to regional data; this figure provides useful guidance when considering potential earnings after completion of local training programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Peoria
Available in Peoria are 2 CNA classes—including one free program—that train students specifically for Illinois CNA certification requirements while supporting future job readiness where CNAs are needed locally. Each Peoria-based training program enables participants to qualify quickly through skill-building curriculum focused on exam success and workplace preparedness across diverse healthcare environments nearby.
Program Types in Peoria
| Type | In Peoria | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Accolade of Peoria ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Peoria | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Peoria | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Peoria | 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 Peoria
Lowest published cost first.
Accolade of Peoria
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 5600 N. Glen Elm Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (309) 693-8777
Accolade Healthcare operates an internal CNA School serving the Peoria region, with four weeks of lecture/lab followed by a 10‑day clinical phase; applicants are hired first as Auxiliary Aides and then progress into the class.
Visit websiteWoodruff Career & Technical Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1800 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL 61603
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (309) 672-6665
Health Occupations is a two-year dual credit program aligned with Illinois requirements to become a CNA, with coursework including Human Biology, Alzheimer’s Disease, Nurse Assistant Training, and Medical Terminology. Students have opportunities for CPR, dual credit through ICC, and job shadowing.
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
Major Illinois cities
- Chicago30 programs
- Aurora4 programs
- Joliet2 programs
- Naperville1 program
- Rockford3 programs
- Springfield6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Peoria
| Median annual pay | $36,930 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.76 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 3,320 |
| Salary region | Peoria |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
The Peoria region employs approximately 3,320 certified nursing assistants throughout its network of acute-care hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and proprietary home health providers serving residents across central Illinois’ riverfront cityscape. Consistent demand ensures ongoing opportunities both inside major institutions and community-based organizations dedicated to patient support services.
CNA salary in Peoria is reflective of current market conditions: In Peoria, CNAs earn a median of $36,930 annually or about $17.76 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This amount is modestly below the statewide median ($39,510) but represents a solid starting point given cost-of-living considerations locally; wages may vary depending on facility type or shift differentials among employers throughout greater Peoria County.
Nursing professionals may seek employment at Apostolic Christian Skylines—a nonprofit church-related facility known locally—or Lutheran Hillside Village (nonprofit corporation; over 100 beds). Sharon Health Care Elms provides additional options among private corporations while Proctor Hospital stands out as a voluntary non-profit acute-care institution alongside Saint Francis Medical Center—a key hospital system presence—and Methodist Medical Center Of Illinois under Carle Health System management oversight. Local home health opportunities exist at St Francis Medical Center's proprietary agency or Iris Home Health Services, broadening prospects beyond institutional walls via CMS-certified providers active throughout Peoria’s urban neighborhoods.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Peoria (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Peoria 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apostolic Christian Skylines7023 North East Skyline Drive(309) 683-2500Map | 62 | 3.4 |
| Lutheran Hillside Village6901 North Galena Road(309) 692-4600Map | 107 | 2.7 |
| Sharon Health Care Elms3611 North Rochelle(309) 688-4412Map | 96 | 2.6 |
| Manor Court Of Peoria6900 North Stalworth(309) 693-1400Map | 50 | 2.5 |
| Accolade Healthcare Of Peoria5600 Glen Elm Drive(309) 693-8777Map | 138 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Peoria (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Peoria offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Proctor HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 5409 N Knoxville Ave(309) 691-1000Map | 3/5 |
| Saint Francis Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 530 Ne Glen Oak Ave(309) 655-2000Map | 2/5 |
| Methodist Medical Center Of IllinoisAcute Care Hospitals · 221 N E Glen Oak Ave(309) 672-5522Map | 1/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Peoria (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Peoria 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 |
|---|---|
| St. Francis Medical Center2265 W Altorfer Dr(309) 683-7700Map | 3.0/5 |
| Iris Home Health Services, Llc7150 North University Street(309) 649-6002Map | 2.5/5 |
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 Peoria? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Bloomington, and Normal, 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 Peoria, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Peoria
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Peoria?
Most CNA programs in Peoria 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 Accolade of Peoria.
How much does CNA training cost in Peoria?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Peoria directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Peoria?
Yes. Accolade of Peoria offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Peoria?
No program in Peoria 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 Peoria?
No 4-week program is listed in Peoria. 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 Peoria there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Bloomington and Normal. 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 Peoria?
CNAs in Peoria are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Peoria. 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.