CNA Classes & Programs in Pontiac, Illinois
1 state-approved CNA program in Pontiac. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Pontiac
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,510
- $18.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 62,420
- across Illinois
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 3 nursing homes and 1 hospital
- Population
- 11,451
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Pontiac has 1 CNA program designed to prepare individuals for entry into the healthcare field. Located in Illinois, this city gives aspiring nursing assistants access to a state-approved CNA training option that emphasizes essential clinical and interpersonal skills. Prospective students can begin their journey toward a career in direct patient care within a community setting.
Graduates may apply their training at local healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and a hospital, which provide real-world settings for practical experience. Although only one CNA program is available, students receive comprehensive preparation for state certification, covering both classroom instruction and hands-on skills. Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn around $39,510 annually—a figure that offers useful context for those evaluating career prospects, though city-specific salary data may differ.
Pontiac does not currently offer online or accelerated CNA classes. However, those interested in joining the workforce can still access approved training locally. Completing a CNA program here enables candidates to pursue state certification and seek employment at area facilities after passing the required exams.
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Browse CNA Classes in Pontiac
Pontiac provides 1 CNA training program that prepares students for Illinois CNA certification. This program equips learners with the knowledge and practical abilities required for success on the state exam and supports job readiness upon completion. Graduates are qualified to pursue certification and employment in local healthcare roles, with steady demand for CNAs throughout Pontiac and nearby areas.
Program Types in Pontiac
| Type | In Pontiac | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Pontiac | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Pontiac | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Pontiac | See other Illinois cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Pontiac | 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 Pontiac
Livingston Area Vocational Center - Pontiac
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1100 Indiana Avenue, Pontiac, IL 61764
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 842-2557
The Livingston Area Career Center offers a Certified Nurse Assistant course for juniors and seniors that teaches basic anatomy, nursing skills, and career readiness with skills practice in a clinical setting. Upon completion, students may be eligible to take the state competency exam.
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 Pontiac
Looking for more options near Pontiac?
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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 Pontiac
| Median annual pay | $39,510 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.99 |
| CNA jobs across Illinois | 62,420 |
| Salary region | Illinois (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Pontiac are closely tied to local healthcare facilities serving the area’s population of just over 11,000 residents. While specific city-level employment figures are not available, certified nursing assistants remain a vital part of care teams in nursing homes and hospitals throughout Pontiac and similar communities across Illinois. Demand for trained CNAs is consistent due to ongoing patient care needs.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Illinois earn around $39,510 per year, which is approximately $18.99 per hour. These figures offer a general idea of earning potential but may vary depending on experience and employer within different regions of the state.
Pontiac hosts several CMS-certified healthcare employers. Major facilities include Evenglow Lodge, a nonprofit nursing facility with 48 beds; Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac, offering 97 beds as a for-profit corporation; and Goldwater Pontiac Nursing Home, a 90-bed facility also operated as a for-profit entity. Saint James Hospital serves as an acute care hospital in the city. These organizations collectively provide key employment options for newly certified CNAs seeking roles in skilled nursing or hospital settings.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Pontiac (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Pontiac providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Evenglow Lodge215 East Washington(815) 844-6131Map | 48 | 3.2 |
| Accolade Healthcare Of Pontiac300 West Lowell(815) 842-1181Map | 97 | 2.3 |
| Goldwater Pontiac Nursing Home1225 South Ewing Drive(815) 844-5121Map | 90 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Pontiac (1 facility)
1 hospital in Pontiac offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Saint James HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2500 West Reynolds Street(815) 842-2828Map | 3/5 |
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 Pontiac? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Roanoke, Fairbury, Lacon, Danforth, and Bourbonnais, 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 Pontiac, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pontiac, 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Pontiac
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Pontiac?
Most CNA programs in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
Contact the program in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
No program in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
No program in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
No 4-week program is listed in Pontiac. 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 Pontiac there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Roanoke, Fairbury, Lacon, Danforth and Bourbonnais. 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 Pontiac?
CNAs in Pontiac are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 1 hospital in Pontiac. 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.