When considering a career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) offers a valuable and rewarding entry point. For those in Chicago looking to go down this path without the burden of tuition fees, you might be interested in local Chicago hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide free CNA training programs. These opportunities are not only a way to gain essential healthcare skills and knowledge but also serve as a stepping stone towards more advanced nursing or medical roles.
Free CNA Training Programs in Chicago Hospitals
Polish American Association
The Polish American Association (PAA) in Illinois offers both a free and paid CNA training program in partnership with local healthcare facilities. This 14-week program combines classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice, preparing students for certification and careers in healthcare. Review eligibility requirements for the free program below:
Program Highlights
Training Duration: 14 weeks (150 hours total)
- 100 hours: Theory
- 50 hours: Clinical practice in long-term care settings such as nursing homes or hospitals
Instructors: Licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) in Illinois
Certifications: Graduates are eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam for state CNA certification.
Additional Training:
- Physical Rehabilitation Aide (PRA) training: 36 hours over three weekends
- CPR training
Support and Resources
Free or Low-Cost Training Options:
- Free training available for eligible applicants based on income and residency requirements.
- Paid program option: $960 (includes tuition, materials, and background check).
Job Placement Assistance:
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Unsubsidized employment placement
- Follow-ups at 30, 60, and 90 days post-employment
Funded by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Paid Program Option
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $745 |
| Criminal Background Check | $40 |
| Textbook | $100 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $75 |
| Total Cost | $960 |
Payment accepted online through PayPal or via cash, check, or money order.
Additional Training Costs
- PRA Training: $250
- CPR Training: $45
- Full payment is required before classes begin.
Partnering Healthcare Institutions
Graduates may secure employment with reputable healthcare facilities, including:
- Whitehall of Deerfield
- Gross Pointe Manor
- Bella Terra Morton Grove
- NorthShore University Health System
- Advocate Health Care
- And more
The Polish American Association’s CNA program, offering both free and paid options along with high quality hands-on training and job placement support, can be an excellent choice for aspiring CNAs, but you should first ensure you meet eligibility requirements, can commit to the 14-week schedule, and are prepared for any associated costs.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free OR $960 |
| Program Duration | 14 weeks (150 hours total) |
| Class Schedules | Unclear. Likely a mix of weekday and weekend classes |
| Website | Polish American Association CNA Program |
| Location | 3834 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 |
| Phone | 773-481-5403 |
Other Hospitals Offering CNA Training
Many hospitals in the Chicago area might not explicitly advertise free CNA training programs on their websites. Instead, these institutions often welcome job applicants lacking CNA certification, offering them various forms of support to obtain their qualifications. This support could include reimbursement for training costs incurred at accredited institutions or, in some cases, providing the training themselves as part of employment benefits.
| Name | Address | Phone | Website |
| Northwestern Memorial Hospital | 251 E. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 926-2000 | nm.org |
| Rush University Medical Center | 1620 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612 | (312) 942-5000 | rush.edu |
| University of Chicago Medicine | 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 | (888) 824-0200 | uchicagomedicine.org |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center | 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 | (708) 684-8000 | advocatehealth.org |
| Loyola University Medical Center | 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153 | (888) 584-7888 | loyolamedicine.org |
| University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System | 1740 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612 | (866) 600-2273 | hospital.uillinois.edu |
| NorthShore Evanston Hospital | 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 | (847) 570-2000 | northshore.org |
| Central DuPage Hospital | 25 N. Winfield Rd., Winfield, IL 60190 | (630) 933-1600 | nm.org |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital | 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068 | (847) 723-2210 | advocatehealth.com |
| Alexian Brothers Medical Center | 800 Biesterfield Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | (847) 437-5500 | ascension.org |
| Presence St. Joseph Medical Center | 333 Madison St., Joliet, IL 60435 | (815) 725-7133 | ascension.org |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center | 836 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 | (773) 975-1600 | advocatehealth.com |
| Humboldt Park Health | 1044 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | (773) 292-8200 | hph.care |
| Jackson Park Hospital & Medical Center | 7531 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60649 | (773) 947-7500 | jacksonparkhospital.org |
| Loretto Hospital | 645 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60644 | Not available | lorettohospital.org |
| Mount Sinai Medical Center | 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 | (773) 626-4300 | sinai.org |
| Swedish Hospital | 5145 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 | (773) 878-8200 | swedishcovenant.org |
| Thorek Memorial Hospital | 850 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 525-6780 | thorek.org |
| University of Illinois Hospital | 1740 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612 | (866) 600-2273 | hospital.uillinois.edu |
| Saint Anthony Hospital | 2875 W. 19th St., Chicago, IL 60623 | (773) 484-1000 | sahchicago.org |
Prospective CNAs should consider the following steps when exploring training opportunities at Chicago hospitals:
- Visit Hospital Education and Training Webpages: Start by exploring the official websites of hospitals in Chicago. Look specifically for sections dedicated to education, training, or career development programs. Hospitals such as Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medicine are known for their commitment to healthcare education and might have relevant information.
- Review Job Openings: Many hospitals post openings for nurse aide and nursing assistant positions that may not require certification as a prerequisite for application. These listings can offer insights into which hospitals are willing to invest in training for the right candidates.
- Contact Admissions or Human Resources Departments: Directly reaching out to a hospital’s admissions or HR departments can provide the most current information on available training programs or reimbursement policies for aspiring CNAs. This step is crucial for understanding the specific requirements and opportunities each hospital offers.
For potential students, this process offers a pathway to entering the healthcare field without the upfront costs of training. It’s an excellent opportunity for those passionate about patient care to start their careers with the support of a healthcare institution. When considering this route, be prepared to commit to working for the hospital for a specified period, as this is often a condition of the training support or reimbursement.
Remember, each hospital in Chicago may have unique requirements and offerings for CNA training. By following these steps, aspiring CNAs can navigate their options and find a program that best suits their needs and career goals. This approach not only helps in gaining essential qualifications but also in establishing a relationship with a potential employer in the healthcare sector.
Online CNA Training Options
While free training at hospitals sounds like a great option, the truth is it can be hard to find in many instances. Increasingly, students are finding online programs for CNAs and other entry level healthcare professions to be a good fit. While these programs aren’t free, they do offer an affordable and flexible way to help you build your resume and break into the healthcare industry. Learn more about these tuition-based opportunities by clicking the links below.
Preparing for CNA Training at a Hospital
Preparing for CNA training at a hospital can be an exciting step towards a career in healthcare. Here are three tips to help students get ready for this journey:
- Understand the Curriculum and Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific CNA program you’ll be attending. Research the curriculum to understand what skills and knowledge areas you’ll be covering. Knowing the program’s requirements, such as attendance policies, clinical hours, and examination criteria, can help you prepare mentally and logistically for what’s ahead. Hospitals often have rigorous programs, so understanding the scope and expectations can set you up for success.
- Develop a Study Plan: CNA training involves both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Create a study plan that allocates time for reviewing textbooks, practice questions, and hands-on skills. Consider forming study groups with fellow students to enhance learning through discussion and practice. Additionally, many online resources and textbooks can supplement your learning, so identifying these resources in advance can be beneficial.
- Gain Exposure to the Healthcare Environment: If possible, volunteer or shadow in a healthcare setting before your training begins. This exposure can provide valuable insights into the daily operations of a hospital and what to expect as a CNA. Understanding the patient care environment, communication dynamics among healthcare professionals, and the pace of hospital work can ease your transition into clinical training.