CNA Classes & Programs in Sterling, Illinois
3 state-approved CNA programs in Sterling, including online, evening and weekend options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Sterling
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,510
- $18.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 62,420
- across Illinois
- Healthcare facilities
- 7
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 14,852
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Sterling features 3 CNA programs for individuals interested in healthcare careers through Illinois state-approved classes. The city provides both traditional classroom instruction and online options, helping students meet certification requirements while accommodating different learning needs. Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn a median salary of $39,510 annually; city-level salary data is unavailable.
CNA training programs in Sterling cover practical skills necessary for daily patient care responsibilities and provide guidance toward state certification success. With two online CNA class options available locally, students have increased flexibility when planning their schedules or balancing other commitments alongside their studies, making it easier to access training that fits individual circumstances.
Sterling’s graduates frequently seek positions at local nursing homes or hospital-based settings upon completion of their chosen program. The presence of multiple home health agencies further expands employment possibilities for certified nursing assistants throughout Sterling’s healthcare landscape.
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Browse CNA Classes in Sterling
Sterling’s 3 CNA programs prepare students for Illinois certification through varied offerings—including online CNA classes—that help participants build essential skills required by employers where CNAs are needed locally. Training focuses on practical readiness so graduates are equipped to pursue opportunities throughout Sterling’s healthcare sector after completing their courses.
Program Types in Sterling
| Type | In Sterling | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Sterling | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Sterling | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Sterling
Lowest published cost first.
Castor Health Institute
Cost$1,550Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 6 E. 23rd St., Sterling, IL 61081
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 622-3550
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Castor’s CNA program offers hybrid theory with hands-on labs and clinicals in Sterling and Freeport, with day or evening options. Tuition and fees are listed, and job placement assistance plus financial assistance are available.
Visit websiteCastor Health Institute
Cost$1,550Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 417 E. 3rd St. Suite B, Sterling, IL 61081
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 622-3550
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Hybrid CNA training combining virtual theory with in-person labs and clinicals, offered in full-day or evening cohorts. Tuition is 1400 plus a 150 enrollment fee, and required supplies are included.
Visit websiteWhiteside Area Career Center - Secondary
Cost–Hours120Weeks–
- Address
- 1608 Fifth Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (815) 626-5810
WACC’s one-year Health Occupations program for juniors and seniors provides classroom and lab instruction plus clinical experience in basic nursing skills.
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 Sterling
| 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 Sterling remain a consistent part of the city’s healthcare workforce due to ongoing recruitment by both residential care providers and medical centers across Sterling and its surrounding areas. Exact employment counts specific to Sterling are not published; however, demand persists as local organizations continue hiring certified nurse aides for diverse patient support needs.
Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn a median salary of $39,510 per year (roughly $18.99 hourly), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures serve as a helpful reference point when evaluating earning expectations within the profession locally or elsewhere across Illinois.
Sterling features several CMS-certified employers offering potential job placements after completion of training: Allure Of Sterling (a 130-bed facility), Citadel Of Sterling (121 beds), Highlight Healthcare Of Sterling (70 beds), CGH Medical Center—a government-operated hospital—and home health agencies like CGH Home Nursing or Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice all represent significant opportunities within the community’s healthcare system.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Sterling (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Sterling 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allure Of Sterling612 West St Mary'S Street(815) 626-9020Map | 130 | 2.4 |
| Citadel Of Sterling,The105 East 23Rd Street(815) 626-4264Map | 121 | 2.1 |
| Highlight Healthcare Of Sterling3601 Sixteenth Avenue(815) 626-0233Map | 70 | 1.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Sterling (1 facility)
1 hospital in Sterling offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cgh Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 100 East Lefevre Road(815) 625-0400Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Sterling (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Sterling providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Cgh Home Nursing3010 E Lynn Blvd Suite B(815) 622-0836Map | 3.0/5 |
| Castor Home Nursing Inc417 E 3Rd St, Ste A(815) 564-0977Map | 2.5/5 |
| Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice3408 East 23Rd Street(815) 626-3467Map | 2.0/5 |
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 Sterling? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Prophetstown, Dixon, East Moline, Peru, and Elizabeth, 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 Sterling, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sterling, 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 Sterling 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 Sterling.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Sterling
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Sterling?
Most CNA programs in Sterling 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 Sterling?
Paid CNA programs in Sterling, such as Castor Health Institute, cost $1,550. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Sterling?
No program in Sterling 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 Sterling?
Yes. 2 programs in Sterling offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Sterling?
No 4-week program is listed in Sterling. 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 Sterling there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Prophetstown, Dixon, East Moline, Peru and Elizabeth. 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 Sterling?
CNAs in Sterling are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies in Sterling. 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.