CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Program
State-approved CNA training in Chicago — classroom instruction, clinical hours, and exam preparation
What is CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant provides direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. CNAs are in high demand across Illinois.
Who Is It For?
Anyone 16 or older with a high school diploma or GED who wants to start a career in healthcare. No prior medical experience required.
Flexible Programs
Day, evening, and weekend programs available. Choose the schedule that works around your life and current commitments.
Why Train With Chicago's Pulse?
Experienced Instructors
Our CNA instructors are experienced healthcare professionals who bring real clinical knowledge to the classroom. Learn from people who do this work every day.
Clinical Training Included
Complete your required clinical hours as part of the program. Get hands-on experience with real patients in a supervised healthcare setting.
Exam Preparation
We prepare you thoroughly for the Illinois CNA competency exam. Practice tests, skills review sessions, and one-on-one coaching are all included.
Affordable Tuition
Competitive pricing with flexible payment options. Invest in a career that pays for itself quickly — CNAs are in high demand across Chicagoland.
Career-Ready Skills
Graduate with the skills employers are looking for: patient care, vital signs, infection control, communication, and professionalism.
Convenient Chicago Location
Our training center at 3219 W. 111th Street is easily accessible from Chicago's South Side, Mount Greenwood, Beverly, and surrounding communities.
What You'll Learn
Patient Care Fundamentals
Learn vital signs measurement, patient positioning, personal hygiene assistance, nutrition support, and safe patient handling techniques.
Clinical Skills
Practice hands-on clinical skills in a real healthcare environment under professional supervision. Build confidence through direct patient interaction.
Professional Development
Develop communication skills, learn infection control protocols, understand patient rights, and prepare for the Illinois state competency examination.
Program Options
Day Program
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Complete your certification in approximately 3 weeks. Ideal for full-time students.
Evening Program
Monday – Friday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Complete your certification in approximately 4 weeks. Perfect for those who work during the day.
Weekend Program
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Complete your certification in approximately 6 weeks. Work during the week, train on weekends.
Enrollment Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old
- High school diploma or GED required
- Must pass a background check
- Able to perform physical tasks required of nursing assistants
- No prior medical experience needed
What Our Students Say
The CNA program at Chicago's Pulse gave me the skills and confidence I needed. The instructors were patient and thorough. I passed my state exam on the first try!
I chose the evening program so I could keep working during the day. The flexible schedule made it possible for me to change careers without losing income.
The clinical hours were the best part. Working with real patients under supervision prepared me for what to expect on the job. I got hired within two weeks of passing.
Need to Certify Your Team?
We bring AHA-certified training directly to your workplace. Hospitals, schools, construction sites, corporate offices — we handle the logistics while your team gets certified.
- On-site training at your facility
- Group & volume pricing
- Flexible scheduling around your shifts
- OSHA & JCAHO compliance documentation
- Same-day AHA certification cards
We Come to You
Training at your office, hospital, school, or job site. No travel for your employees.
Group Certification
Certify 6 to 60+ people with volume pricing. Custom quotes for every organization.
Stay Compliant
Meet OSHA, JCAHO, DCFS, and state licensing requirements with audit-ready records.
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Start Your Healthcare Career
Enroll in Chicago's Pulse CNA program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare.