CNA Classes & Programs in Vandalia, Illinois
2 state-approved CNA programs in Vandalia, including online options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other Illinois cities.
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CNA training in Vandalia
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,510
- $18.99 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 62,420
- across Illinois
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 6,058
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Aspiring CNAs in Vandalia can choose from 2 state-approved programs designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in patient care settings throughout southern Illinois. With both traditional classroom instruction and an online option available locally, students have flexible paths toward meeting education requirements needed for certification.
Nursing homes and Fayette County Hospital provide key sites where students gain real-world experience during their studies and later seek employment upon graduation from local CNA programs. Statewide in Illinois, CNAs earn around $39,510 annually; these earnings represent broad trends since detailed salary data specific to Vandalia is unavailable at this time.
No free or accelerated programs are currently offered here; however, Vandalia’s two approved programs—including an online choice—help support local workforce needs by preparing new certified nursing assistants each year.
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Browse CNA Classes in Vandalia
Vandalia offers 2 CNA programs that prepare participants for Illinois certification and equip them with practical skills valued by local employers. Options include traditional classroom instruction and an online CNA class that supports flexible learning schedules. Graduates are qualified for state registry placement and positioned well for career opportunities where CNAs are needed across Vandalia’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Vandalia
| Type | In Vandalia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Vandalia | See other Illinois cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Vandalia | See other Illinois cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Kaskaskia College - Vandalia Extension Center ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Vandalia | 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 Vandalia
Lowest published cost first.
Kaskaskia College - Vandalia Extension Center
Cost$1,162Hours–Weeks8
- Address
- 2310 W Fillmore St, Vandalia, IL 62471
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 545-3445
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 websiteOkaw Area Vocational Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1109 N. 8th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (618) 283-5150
OKAW Area Vocational Center lists a Health Occ CNA program as part of its career and technical offerings for high school students.
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 Vandalia
| 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 Vandalia remain integral to the functioning of local hospitals, long-term care centers, and community-based agencies serving residents throughout Fayette County. While exact employment figures specific to Vandalia are not reported publicly, ongoing demand ensures regular hiring activity within area facilities seeking qualified staff members.
No city-specific wage data is available; therefore, statewide benchmarks offer guidance regarding compensation expectations: Statewide in Illinois, CNAs typically earn around $39,510 per year—or $18.99 per hour—based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. Prospective employees should note these values reflect broader statewide earnings rather than localized pay rates unique to Vandalia itself.
The city's major CMS-certified employers include Fayette County Hospital—a nonprofit corporation operating both critical access hospital services and an 85-bed skilled nursing unit—as well as Vandalia Healthcare & Senior Living (116 beds), which offers additional career paths within its private facility structure. The Fayette County Health Dept also delivers home health aide services recognized by CMS quality standards.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Vandalia (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Vandalia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fayette County Hospital650 W Taylor St(618) 283-1232Map | 85 | 2.9 |
| Vandalia Healthcare & Senior Living1500 West St Louis Avenue(618) 283-4262Map | 116 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Vandalia (1 facility)
1 hospital in Vandalia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fayette County HospitalCritical Access Hospitals · 650 W Taylor St(618) 283-1232Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Vandalia (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Vandalia providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Fayette County Health Dept416 West Edwards(618) 283-1044Map | 3.5/5 |
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 Vandalia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Mattoon, New Baden, Carlyle, Sandoval, and Effingham, 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 Vandalia, IL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Vandalia, 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 Vandalia 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
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Vandalia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Vandalia?
Most CNA programs in Vandalia 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 - Vandalia Extension Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Vandalia?
Kaskaskia College - Vandalia Extension Center lists a price of $1,162. Ask the other programs in Vandalia for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Vandalia?
No program in Vandalia 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 Vandalia?
Yes. Kaskaskia College - Vandalia Extension 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 Vandalia?
No 4-week program is listed in Vandalia. 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 Vandalia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Mattoon, New Baden, Carlyle, Sandoval and Effingham. 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 Vandalia?
CNAs in Vandalia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Vandalia. 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.