CNA Training Program in Chicago
State-approved, in-person Certified Nursing Assistant classes on Chicago's Southwest Side. Finish ready to take the Illinois CNA exam.
State Approved
Approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
In Person
Classroom and lab training at our Chicago training center. No online portion.
Real Clinicals
Supervised clinical hours with real patients at Mercy Circle.
Exam Ready
Finish qualified to take the Illinois CNA exam and join the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.
Upcoming CNA Program Start Dates
Choose a full-time day program or a part-time evening program. Every student meets with our Training Coordinator before enrolling, so call to apply.
Full-Time Days
CNA Full-Time Winter session Program
- Dec 14 – Jan 8, 2027
- 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- About 4 weeks
- $1,475.00 tuition
Part-Time Evenings
CNA Part-Time Program Spring 2027
- Mar 22 – May 6, 2027
- 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
- About 7 weeks
- $1,475.00 tuition
How to Enroll
Meet With Us
Visit our training center to talk through the program, requirements, and schedule.
Reserve Your Seat
Once accepted, submit your application and enrollment agreement with the $100 registration fee.
Start Class
Pay the remaining tuition before day one, and bring your textbook to the first class.
What You'll Learn
Classroom, skills lab, and clinical training in the care CNAs give every day, with a focus on long-term care.
- The nursing assistant's role in long-term care
- Care of the older person
- Effective communication
- Medical terminology and abbreviations
- Safety and infection control
- Body mechanics and mobility
- Personal care and hygiene
- Nutrition and elimination
- Alzheimer's disease
- Care of the dying person
Requirements
- At least 17 years old
- Completed at least eighth grade, or equivalent
- Pass a criminal background check (Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act)
- Speak and understand English
- Valid SSN or ITIN to take the state exam
- Physical and TB test, due by the first day of class
Costs
- Tuition: $1,475.00, including the $100 non-refundable registration fee
- Background check: $75
- Illinois state exam fee: $85
- Your own supplies: textbook, navy blue scrubs, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, gait belt, and a watch with a second hand
- We accept money orders, cashier's checks, Visa, and MasterCard. No tuition assistance is offered.
Where Classes Are Held
Chicago's Pulse Training Center
3219 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655
On Chicago's Southwest Side. Most of our students come from across Chicago, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park.
Parking is behind the building.
CNA Program Questions
How long is the CNA program?
It depends on the schedule you choose. Upcoming programs: CNA Full-Time Winter session Program (10:00 AM–06:00 PM, about 4 weeks, starting December 14); CNA Part-Time Program Spring 2027 (05:00 PM–09:00 PM, about 7 weeks, starting March 22).
Is the CNA program online?
No. It's an in-person program at our Chicago training center, with clinical hours at Mercy Circle. There is no online or e-learning portion.
How much does CNA training cost?
Tuition is $1,475.00, which includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee. Students also pay for their textbook, navy blue scrubs, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, gait belt, physical and TB test, a $75 background check, and the $85 state exam fee.
Do you offer payment plans or financial aid?
We don't offer tuition assistance. The $100 registration fee is due when you enroll, and the rest of the tuition is due before the first day of class. We accept money orders, cashier's checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
What are the requirements to enroll?
You must be at least 17, have completed at least eighth grade (or equivalent), pass a criminal background check under the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act, and speak and understand English. You'll need a valid SSN or ITIN to take the state exam.
Is the program state approved?
Yes. Chicago's Pulse is a private vocational school approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
What happens after I finish?
You'll be qualified to take the Illinois CNA state exam. Once you pass, you're listed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry and can work as a CNA.
How do I apply?
Call 773-445-2277 to schedule a meeting with our Training Coordinator at our training center. There is no online enrollment for the CNA program.
Start Your Healthcare Career
Call to set up a meeting with our Training Coordinator and reserve your seat in the next CNA program.