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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?
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Tameka Delaney Edwards, MBA, CSM®, CSPO®
Senior Solution Specialist (Senior Consultant)
4
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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
Hello, I am a cna 26 years with a wide range of areas , I would recommend looking at some of the skilled nursing facilities that offer pca/cna classes pca’a pass ice water , transport patients but they are usually free when you are hired on
Detra Tucker
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
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
Detra’s Answer
Hi if you wanting to obtain your cna I would not recommend doing this for a very long period of time due to it being very difficult 😞 and hard work especially on your body I have been doing this for over 26 years and I have pain in my rt rotator cuff from pulling on a 500 pound man, then I also fell on denture water trying to answer a call bell 🔔 the patient said it was just a little it was a whole pond so I pulled my hamstring I also messed up my back and both my hips so I do have neuropathy pretty much everywhere but just don’t sue because it’s pretty much my fault because I waited to late to fill out Workmans compensation so if you do decide to do this don’t do it for long further your education on to the nursing program or surgical in that nature wish I had I may still consider that adventure have a blessed one
Take the nursing profession
Take the occupational program
Take the RN
Take bachelorette
Hire on at a federal / state position
Detra recommends the following next steps: