4 answers
1
Question
Asked
1812 views
How do I, a 17 year old, become a CNA for free in Chicago, IL?
How do I (17 year old) become a CNA for free in Chicago, IL?
I've always wanted to do something in the medical field. After taking care of my stepdad, who has diabetes, like recording his blood pressure, sealing wounds, and making sure he takes his medicine, I want to become a CNA, but I can't afford to pay for a program. Can someone else tell me?
Login to comment
4 answers
Karolina Nesmejanova
Undergraduate Student, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Outreach Volunteer
9
Answers
Updated
Karolina’s Answer
Hi Reyna,
I’m Karolina, and I’m from Florida. I recently completed my CNA training and passed the exam for my license, so I completely understand both the excitement and the financial challenges that come with starting this journey. Although I’m not from Illinois and each state has different requirements, I wanted to share a few ideas that might help.
Start by searching for low-cost CNA training programs in your area. Sometimes community colleges, local healthcare facilities, or workforce development centers offer sponsored training. You can also check with nursing homes or long-term care facilities because they may offer free CNA training in exchange for working there for a certain period of time. Since you already have experience caring for your stepdad, it’s clear you have the passion and motivation for this field. If the cost is a concern, consider starting a small fundraiser in your community or online through a platform like GoFundMe. People often want to support someone who’s genuinely passionate about helping others and working toward a meaningful goal.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Karolina
I’m Karolina, and I’m from Florida. I recently completed my CNA training and passed the exam for my license, so I completely understand both the excitement and the financial challenges that come with starting this journey. Although I’m not from Illinois and each state has different requirements, I wanted to share a few ideas that might help.
Start by searching for low-cost CNA training programs in your area. Sometimes community colleges, local healthcare facilities, or workforce development centers offer sponsored training. You can also check with nursing homes or long-term care facilities because they may offer free CNA training in exchange for working there for a certain period of time. Since you already have experience caring for your stepdad, it’s clear you have the passion and motivation for this field. If the cost is a concern, consider starting a small fundraiser in your community or online through a platform like GoFundMe. People often want to support someone who’s genuinely passionate about helping others and working toward a meaningful goal.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Karolina
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Reyna
Tameka Delaney Edwards, MBA, CSM®, CSPO®
Senior Solution Specialist (Senior Consultant)
4
Answers
Updated
Tameka Delaney’s Answer
Hi Reyna,
You're entering a wonderful field—healthcare. It's great that caring for your stepdad has inspired you to learn more. You're now old enough to start your Nursing Assistant education and certification. In Illinois, you can join a CNA program at 16 if you've completed at least the 8th grade.
Here are some ways to find free CNA programs near you:
1. If you're in high school, ask your school counselor if there's a free or low-cost CNA program.
2. If you're not in high school, contact local community colleges about financial aid or WIOA funding, or call local nursing homes or hospitals to see if they offer free training in exchange for work.
Here are some resources for Illinois residents:
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Health Care Worker Registry. This site lists companies offering CNA training, including locations and phone numbers. [https://hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov/Programs.aspx]
- CNA Facts: This government site provides information on getting certified as a nursing assistant in Illinois. [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/health-care-worker-registry/cna-facts.html#resources]
- Illinois workNet: Use this site to find WIOA-eligible programs. [https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx]
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) is a law that helps youth and those with significant barriers to find good jobs, and employers to find skilled workers. It was signed into law on July 22, 2014.
I hope this helps, Reyna. Wishing you success in your healthcare education and career!
Tameka
You're entering a wonderful field—healthcare. It's great that caring for your stepdad has inspired you to learn more. You're now old enough to start your Nursing Assistant education and certification. In Illinois, you can join a CNA program at 16 if you've completed at least the 8th grade.
Here are some ways to find free CNA programs near you:
1. If you're in high school, ask your school counselor if there's a free or low-cost CNA program.
2. If you're not in high school, contact local community colleges about financial aid or WIOA funding, or call local nursing homes or hospitals to see if they offer free training in exchange for work.
Here are some resources for Illinois residents:
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Health Care Worker Registry. This site lists companies offering CNA training, including locations and phone numbers. [https://hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov/Programs.aspx]
- CNA Facts: This government site provides information on getting certified as a nursing assistant in Illinois. [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/health-care-worker-registry/cna-facts.html#resources]
- Illinois workNet: Use this site to find WIOA-eligible programs. [https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx]
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) is a law that helps youth and those with significant barriers to find good jobs, and employers to find skilled workers. It was signed into law on July 22, 2014.
I hope this helps, Reyna. Wishing you success in your healthcare education and career!
Tameka
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Reyna !
It's great that you're reaching out here for information to become a CNA in Chicago and yes, there are free trainings in your city !
The places that offer free CNA training in Chicago are Aviston Countryside Manor, Northwestern Medicine CNA Program, and Chicago Urban League. They are all free but you'll have to speak with a representative from each place to see what the process is and if you would have to work for them after getting certified. Look them up online and call each place for the information.
In order to be a CNA in Chicago, you will need a High School Diploma, photo ID and Social Security Card and pass a background check. The program that you take must be a minimum of 120 hours of training, consisting of at least 80 hours in the classroom. It is also required to have 40 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed nurse. So that's basically how the program is.
You then go for your Certification and when you pass that, in Chicago, you go for your license from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You will not be required to renew your license, but if you stop working as a CNA for a period of 24 months or more, your license becomes invalid, but you can get your license back by going to Southern Illinois University by passing a manual skills test. Just something to keep in mind.
It's great that you have the opportunity to enroll in the free programs in your city and if you change your mind and want a more formal training for CNA which you'd have to pay for, the price range is between $900.00 to $1,800.00 depending on where you enroll. There are paid CNA Programs offered at The Career Training Center of Chicago and at Moraine Valley Community College just in case circumstances change. Explore the Community College because there's a possibility that you may be able to receive Federal Student Financial Aid to cover the cost if you also want to study towards an Associates Degree. This information can be given from the college if you contact them. It's always good to know that you have options.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
It's great that you're reaching out here for information to become a CNA in Chicago and yes, there are free trainings in your city !
The places that offer free CNA training in Chicago are Aviston Countryside Manor, Northwestern Medicine CNA Program, and Chicago Urban League. They are all free but you'll have to speak with a representative from each place to see what the process is and if you would have to work for them after getting certified. Look them up online and call each place for the information.
In order to be a CNA in Chicago, you will need a High School Diploma, photo ID and Social Security Card and pass a background check. The program that you take must be a minimum of 120 hours of training, consisting of at least 80 hours in the classroom. It is also required to have 40 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed nurse. So that's basically how the program is.
You then go for your Certification and when you pass that, in Chicago, you go for your license from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You will not be required to renew your license, but if you stop working as a CNA for a period of 24 months or more, your license becomes invalid, but you can get your license back by going to Southern Illinois University by passing a manual skills test. Just something to keep in mind.
It's great that you have the opportunity to enroll in the free programs in your city and if you change your mind and want a more formal training for CNA which you'd have to pay for, the price range is between $900.00 to $1,800.00 depending on where you enroll. There are paid CNA Programs offered at The Career Training Center of Chicago and at Moraine Valley Community College just in case circumstances change. Explore the Community College because there's a possibility that you may be able to receive Federal Student Financial Aid to cover the cost if you also want to study towards an Associates Degree. This information can be given from the college if you contact them. It's always good to know that you have options.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Reyna,
The federal government offers free CNA training for young people aged 16-24 through the Job Corp program. There's a location in Chicago. Also, there are nursing homes that offer free CNA training in Chicago but you may have to commit to working at the nursing home for a period of time after you finish the program. Other free programs in your state require you to have your high school diploma first. The Red Cross even offers free CNA training but they only take a few students at a time. Also keep in mind that you may have to pay for other fees like your state exam once you finish, but you won't have to pay anything for the actual training.
Here's a list of free CNA programs in Chicago. This list is a few years old so I would check into each place individually for updated information.
https://freecnatrainingclasses.org/free-cna-classes-in-chicago/
Good luck!
The federal government offers free CNA training for young people aged 16-24 through the Job Corp program. There's a location in Chicago. Also, there are nursing homes that offer free CNA training in Chicago but you may have to commit to working at the nursing home for a period of time after you finish the program. Other free programs in your state require you to have your high school diploma first. The Red Cross even offers free CNA training but they only take a few students at a time. Also keep in mind that you may have to pay for other fees like your state exam once you finish, but you won't have to pay anything for the actual training.
Here's a list of free CNA programs in Chicago. This list is a few years old so I would check into each place individually for updated information.
https://freecnatrainingclasses.org/free-cna-classes-in-chicago/
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice.
Reyna