CNA Schools
CNA Classes in East St. Louis, Illinois
East St. Louis CNA Training - Illinois
You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.
Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in East St. Louis, Illinois
About East St. Louis
East St. Louis, Illinois, is a vibrant city located along the Mississippi River, directly across from St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, East St. Louis offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park and the Katherine Dunham Museum. For more information about the city, visit the official East St. Louis website.
CNA Training Programs in East St. Louis, Illinois
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in East St. Louis, there are several local schools offering nursing assistant programs and courses. Here are three notable options:
- Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC)
- Location: Belleville, IL (approximately 10 miles from East St. Louis)
- Program: SWIC offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Website: SWIC Nursing Assistant Program
- St. Louis Community College (STLCC)
- Location: St. Louis, MO (approximately 5 miles from East St. Louis)
- Program: STLCC provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel as a CNA. The curriculum covers essential topics such as patient care, infection control, and emergency procedures.
- Website: STLCC Nursing Assistant Program
- Lewis and Clark Community College
- Location: Godfrey, IL (approximately 25 miles from East St. Louis)
- Program: The CNA program at Lewis and Clark Community College offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training. Students gain experience in various healthcare settings, preparing them for certification and employment.
- Website: Lewis and Clark CNA Program
CNA Employment Opportunities in East St. Louis
East St. Louis and its surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes:
- Touchette Regional Hospital
- Location: Centreville, IL (near East St. Louis)
- Description: Touchette Regional Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized care units.
- Website: Touchette Regional Hospital Careers
- Gateway Regional Medical Center
- Location: Granite City, IL (approximately 10 miles from East St. Louis)
- Description: Gateway Regional Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering a range of medical services, including surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic care.
- Website: Gateway Regional Medical Center Careers
- Memorial Hospital East
- Location: Shiloh, IL (approximately 20 miles from East St. Louis)
- Description: Memorial Hospital East is a state-of-the-art facility providing advanced medical care, including maternity services, surgical procedures, and emergency care.
- Website: Memorial Hospital East Careers
CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes a minimum of 120 hours of coursework and clinical training.
- Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written test and a skills evaluation.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
- Registry Listing: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.
For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in East St. Louis, Illinois, is a rewarding decision. With several excellent CNA programs available nearby and numerous employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward your new career.
PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?
This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Illinois may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.
CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.
How Much Does CNA Training Cost in East St. Louis?
Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.
CNA Refresher Courses around East St. Louis usually cost around $100-$200.
Need Tuition Assistance?
While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.
Some employers in East St. Louis will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.
When Can I Start CNA Training in East St. Louis?
Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Illinois, you can find CNA training starting in May 2025, June 2025, July 2025, or August 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Illinois, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.
Becoming a Nurse Aide in East St. Louis is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Illinois CNA Salary info.