Set between Chicago, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA is the excellent small city of Rockford, Illinois. With a population of just under 160k, it is a very nice location to work and to live. And just like the rest of the state, this city is experiencing a heavy demand for trained and licensed CNAs. This means that you might be one of the 1600+ CNAs the state anticipates being hired in the next year.
CNA Classes and Licensing Essentials in Rockford
Of course you have to have all of the proper credentials to become a certified nursing assistant in Rockford, and this means you need proper CNA training and licensing. To receive this requires that you use one of the CNA programs that have been reviewed and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. These programs demand that you commit at least 75 hours to specific CNA classes and practical or clinical training too.
It can take up to four months for a student to complete the mandatory training programs, and then they are allowed to schedule their Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation exam, which has to be done within 120 days of finishing the CNA training program. If the exam is passed, the student becomes listed on the official state registry. Of course there is also the need for a criminal background check, proof of immunization, and having CPR certification may be deemed necessary too.
Best CNA Training Programs in Rockford, IL
Though you may find many listings for CNA classes all over the state, be sure you use an approved program. The most convenient programs for those already living or working in Rockford are:
Skills Acquired in CNA Programs
What is it that you will study during those 75+ hours of CNA classes? It is very clear from the list below that you will be asked to master a mix of practical and technical material that includes:
- Safety of the patient;
- Basic CPR;
- Listening to and responding to common patient concerns, and how to communicate this to physicians and nurses;
- How to properly toilet and dress patients;
- How to take vital signs;
- How to clean, bathe, feed, and generally care for patients in many settings;
- Lifting and moving techniques;
- Encouragement of independence for the patients;
- Enforcing patients’ rights; and
- Control of infection
Don’t overlook the value of having ample patience, compassion, an ability to multi-task, and a good sense of humor too.
Earnings Information
What can you anticipate earning when you do all of the training and pass the exam? There is no single answer to the question. That is because the work varies so broadly. You might be a certified nursing assistant in a hospital or a home health aide who lives with the patient. The average earnings for CNAs in the Rockford, IL area are noted as being around 8% lower than the national average, but that is due to the lower cost of living in the area.
The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Rockford, IL is $31,950, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $26,543-$38,312 (Salary.com)
Essential Information about CNA Jobs in Rockford, Illinois
How do you go about finding these different jobs? Some people use a very “DIY” approach and search through all of the listings on websites such as Craigslist. Others feel that a more targeted approach is best for their needs. These are the people who submit their information and details to a nursing staffing service or similar programs. Through this sort of agency you can really specify the work you hope to do (i.e. a home health aide, etc.) and they will give you access to all of the newest and most promising listings.
The most familiar names in Rockford include:
Biggest Employers
What if you want to get involved in a traditional hospital setting? This is a great way to experience the entire range of CNA work, and some of the finest places to look in this region include:
You have a nearly limitless range of options for CNA work in Rockford, but the key is to get the right CNA training and licensing right away!
- Popular Cities in Illinois
CNA Classes in Illinois
- CNA Training Centers
- Street Address
- Phone Number
| ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE | 3301 North Mulford Road | 815- 921-3264 |
| ROCKFORD BUSINESS COLLEGE | 1130 South Alpine Rd. | 815- 965-8616 |