CNA Classes & Programs in Salem, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Salem, including online options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Salem
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,510
- $18.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 62,420
- across Illinois
- Healthcare facilities
- 3
- 2 nursing homes and 1 hospital
- Population
- 7,228
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Salem has 2 CNA programs available for individuals interested in beginning a career as a certified nursing assistant in Illinois. These options offer accessible training for those preparing to meet state certification requirements and contribute to the area’s healthcare sector. Whether starting out or seeking a new direction, CNA classes in Salem help build foundational skills for entry-level healthcare careers.
Students in Salem can select from both in-person and online CNA training programs designed to prepare candidates for Illinois state certification. The presence of local facilities—including nursing homes and a hospital—means CNA graduates have opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings upon completion. Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn around $39,510 annually, though actual wages may vary depending on location and employer.
There are currently no free CNA classes or accelerated 4-week options available in Salem. However, the city’s two programs offer practical preparation for those seeking to join the healthcare workforce as certified nursing assistants.
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Browse CNA Classes in Salem
Students in Salem can choose from 2 CNA programs that prepare them for Illinois CNA certification. Both traditional and online options are available, enabling participants to gain essential patient care skills and job readiness. Each CNA training program is designed to qualify graduates for state registry placement with career opportunities in healthcare, meeting regional demand where CNAs are needed.
Program Types in Salem
| Type | In Salem | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Salem | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Salem | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Salem | 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 Salem
Lowest published cost first.
Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center
Cost$1,162Hours–Weeks8
- Address
- 1475 W Whittaker St, Salem, IL 62881
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 545-3425
The Nurse Assistant (NAST 160) course combines classroom, lab, and clinical instruction and is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The program runs approximately 8 or 16 weeks and includes 12 hours focused on Alzheimer’s care.
Visit websiteSalem Community High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1200 North Broadway, Salem, IL 62881
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 548-0727
The Nurse Assistant course offers dual credit with Kaskaskia College and includes classroom instruction and clinical practice at a local nursing home. Students build patient care skills alongside medical terminology and related health topics.
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 Salem
| 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 Salem reflect steady demand within the local healthcare sector. While specific city employment data is not available, many CNAs find positions at area nursing homes and hospitals that serve the community’s diverse needs. With a growing population of older adults and ongoing need for skilled care, certified nursing assistants continue to play an important role throughout the region.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. CNAs in Illinois earn around $39,510 per year, or approximately $18.99 per hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Actual earnings may differ depending on individual employers and experience level, but this statewide median gives a general sense of compensation levels across Illinois.
Major employers of CNAs in Salem include Twin Willows Nursing Center, a 72-bed for-profit facility located on North Broadway, and Doctors Nursing & Rehab Center on Hawthorn Road with 120 beds—both CMS-certified nursing homes. Salem Township Hospital also provides local job opportunities as a critical access hospital serving area residents. These facilities represent key employment centers for new and experienced CNAs seeking positions within Salem’s healthcare network.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Salem (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Salem 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Willows Nursing Center1600 North Broadway(618) 548-0542Map | 72 | 2.4 |
| Doctors Nursing & Rehab Center1201 Hawthorn Road(618) 548-4884Map | 120 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Salem (1 facility)
1 hospital in Salem offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Salem Township HospitalCritical Access Hospitals · 1201 Ricker Drive(618) 548-3194Map | 4/5 |
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 Salem? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sandoval, Centralia, Fairfield, Mount Vernon, and Harrisburg, 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 Salem, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Salem, 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 Salem 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 Salem.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Salem
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Salem?
Most CNA programs in Salem can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 8 weeks, at Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Salem?
Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center lists a price of $1,162. Ask the other programs in Salem for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Salem?
No program in Salem 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 Salem?
Yes. Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Salem?
No 4-week program is listed in Salem. 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 Salem there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sandoval, Centralia, Fairfield, Mount Vernon and Harrisburg. 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 Salem?
CNAs in Salem are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes and 1 hospital in Salem. 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.