CNA Classes & Programs in Rockford, Illinois
3 state-approved CNA programs in Rockford, including online and 4-week options. Free programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Rockford
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,420
- $17.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,810
- in the Rockford region
- Healthcare facilities
- 19
- 12 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 4 home health agencies
- Population
- 148,173
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Rockford offers 3 CNA programs, providing aspiring nursing assistants with several pathways to start their healthcare careers. Located in northern Illinois, Rockford is known for its diverse medical community and access to state-approved training options. Prospective students can explore different types of CNA classes that fit their scheduling and certification needs.
Those interested in entering the field will find both online and accelerated options available, making it possible to complete required coursework with greater flexibility. CNA programs in Rockford are designed to prepare students for Illinois state certification and help them build essential clinical and patient care skills. Local healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies, often hire graduates from these programs.
In Rockford, CNAs earn around $37,420 annually according to recent data for the region. With multiple accredited CNA training programs to choose from, individuals can pursue certification and connect with job opportunities throughout the city.
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Browse CNA Classes in Rockford
Students in Rockford can choose from 3 CNA programs, including online and accelerated training options that prepare graduates for Illinois state certification. These CNA classes equip students with essential skills and knowledge needed for success on the state exam and future employment. With local demand for CNAs, completing a Rockford CNA training program helps launch a rewarding healthcare career.
Program Types in Rockford
| Type | In Rockford | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Rockford | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Rockford | See other Illinois cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Rockford
Lowest published cost first.
Rockford Public Schools
Cost$1,217Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4151 Samuelson Rd T-Room 031/033, Rockford, IL 61109
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 966-3000
RPS 205 offers a Medical Science/CNA course for seniors with classroom instruction at Mercyhealth and clinicals at Wesley Willows. The course is delivered on weekdays and is part of the CEANCI consortium.
Visit websiteIllinois Institute of Nursing Studies
Cost$1,800Hours120Weeks4
- Address
- 6116 Mulford Village Dr., Rockford, IL 61107
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (779) 213-5211
CNA training with hands-on clinical rotations, tutoring, and job placement counseling; hybrid delivery available. Flexible payment plans and partnerships with local healthcare employers.
Visit websiteRock Valley College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 921-7821
Rock Valley College’s Nursing Aide (NAD‑101) provides classroom, lab, and clinical instruction and prepares students to take the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide 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.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
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Major Illinois cities
All Illinois cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Rockford
| Median annual pay | $37,420 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.99 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,810 |
| Salary region | Rockford |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Rockford region, approximately 1,810 CNAs are employed across various healthcare settings. This employment figure reflects the strong demand for certified nursing assistants within the area’s hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The steady presence of CNAs highlights ongoing opportunities for those seeking direct patient care roles in this part of Illinois.
CNA salary in Rockford remains in line with regional conditions compared to other parts of the state. In the Rockford area, CNAs earn a median of $37,420 per year (or $17.99 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This median wage is slightly below the statewide median of $39,510 and reflects typical compensation for entry-level healthcare professionals seeking stable employment in this region.
Healthcare employers hiring CNAs in Rockford include Alpine Fireside Health Center—a 66-bed facility—and River Bluff Nursing Home with 304 beds and county government ownership. Major hospitals such as UW Health (formerly SwedishAmerican), Javon Bea Hospital, and Saint Anthony Medical Center also employ CNAs across acute care settings. Additionally, Able Home Health provides proprietary home health services within the city. These CMS-certified facilities collectively contribute to a range of career opportunities for newly certified CNAs.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Rockford (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Rockford 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine Fireside Health Center3650 North Alpine Road(815) 877-7408Map | 66 | 3.5 |
| Fairhaven Christian Ret Center3470 North Alpine Road(815) 877-1441Map | 96 | 3.0 |
| River Bluff Nursing Home4401 North Main Street(815) 921-9200Map | 304 | 3.0 |
| Amberwood Care Centre2313 North Rockton Avenue(815) 964-2200Map | 135 | 2.1 |
| Alden Park Strathmoor5668 Strathmoor Drive(815) 229-5200Map | 189 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Rockford (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Rockford offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Uw HealthAcute Care Hospitals · 1401 East State Street(779) 696-4400Map | 3/5 |
| Javon Bea HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2400 North Rockton Avenue(815) 971-5000Map | 2/5 |
| Saint Anthony Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 5666 East State Street(815) 226-2000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Rockford (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in Rockford providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Able Home Health, Llc1946 Daimler Road(815) 399-2600Map | 3.0/5 |
| Mercyhealth At Home4223 East State St. Suite 100(815) 971-3550Map | 3.0/5 |
| Swedishamerican Hh Care Med S2550 Charles St.(779) 696-7550Map | 2.5/5 |
| 2 Sisters Home Healthcare Inc2606 Broadway(779) 537-3093Map | – |
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 Rockford? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Machesney Park, Waukegan, Palatine, Crystal Lake, and McHenry, 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 Rockford, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rockford, 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 Rockford 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 Rockford.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Rockford
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Rockford?
Most CNA programs in Rockford can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies.
How much does CNA training cost in Rockford?
CNA programs in Rockford cost between $1,217 and $1,800, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Rockford Public Schools at $1,217. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Rockford?
No program in Rockford 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 Rockford?
Yes. Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Rockford?
Yes. Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Rockford there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Machesney Park, Waukegan, Palatine, Crystal Lake and McHenry. 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 Rockford?
CNAs in Rockford are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 12 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 4 home health agencies in Rockford. 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.