Certified nursing assistant (cna)

Begin Your Healthcare Career with Confidence: The Castor CNA Training Program

Comprehensive, hands-on training designed to prepare you for success in caregiving and beyond. Start your journey today!

Job Placement Assistance

We help connect you with local employers, offering resume workshops and interview prep to kickstart your healthcare career with confidence.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Gain practical experience in real healthcare settings, building the skills and confidence needed to deliver exceptional patient care from day one.

Flexible Class Schedules

With courses running year-round, and with full-day or evening options, you’re bound to find a class that works with your schedule.

Affordable Rates & Financial Support

Take advantage of competitive rates and flexible payment options, including financial assistance, to make your education accessible and worry-free.

We’ll prepare you to thrive out there in the field.

Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in healthcare, providing direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. From assisting with daily activities to offering compassionate support, CNAs make a difference every day. With our competitive tuition rates and financial assistance options, you can quickly begin a fulfilling career in high-demand settings where your work truly matters.

CNA Course Details

Click each section to expand/collapse.

Why CNA?

If you have a passion for caregiving and aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, Castor Health Institute’s CNA Course is the perfect stepping stone toward a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Our comprehensive program is designed to provide aspiring CNAs with the knowledge, practical skills, and compassionate approach needed to excel in this vital role.

Castor Health Institute understands the unique demands of being a Certified Nursing Assistant. Our CNA Course is structured to meet the needs of individuals who want to enter the healthcare field or advance their careers within it. Whether you are a beginner or a healthcare professional seeking to expand your skill set, our course will equip you with the expertise to provide quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.

Here’s what you can expect from Castor Health Institute’s CNA Course:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our course curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for CNA practice. You will learn about basic nursing skills, vital signs monitoring, infection control, patient safety, personal care assistance, patient mobility and transfers, documentation, and communication skills. Additionally, we focus on developing your understanding of ethical and legal responsibilities as a CNA.
  • Experienced Instructors: Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals who have a vast knowledge of the CNA field. They bring real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date instruction and guidance. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment to help you succeed.
  • Hands-on Training: We believe in the importance of hands-on experience for CNAs. Through clinical rotations and practical training, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and practice essential skills in a supervised setting. This practical training will help you develop confidence and proficiency in providing care to patients, including assistance with activities of daily living and other crucial tasks.
  • Certification: Upon successful completion of the CNA Course, you will be eligible to take the state certification examination. Castor Health Institute will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Our certification demonstrates your competency and validates your qualifications for employment as a CNA.

At Castor Health Institute, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for your CNA education. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate care to patients and make a positive impact in their lives.

March 8 to May 3 (Thu/Fri/Sat)

Class Times: Thursdays & Fridays from 9 am to 1:15 pm, most Saturdays from 6 am to 3 pm.

Instructor: Denise Pederson

See full schedule breakdown here.

March 8 to May 3 (Tue/Wed/Sat)

Class Times: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8:15 pm, most Saturdays from 6 am to 3 pm.

Instructor: Denise Pederson

See full schedule breakdown here.

This class also has the option to dual enroll alongside the April 22 to May 9 phlebotomy course, leading to a certification as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Phlebotomist. For more information, see the dual enrollment page.

All theory/lab classes are at our Sterling location (6 E. 23rd St, Sterling, IL 61081).

All clinicals are at one of our nearby partner facilities. Location varies by course and will be announced after course starts.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition: $1,400

Enrollment Deposit: $150

Deposit collected during in-person enrollment appointment.

Financial Aid

We want to make our courses as accessible to the community as possible. Payment plans and various forms financial assistance are available, covering up to 100% of costs for eligible students. When you come in for your enrollment appointment, we will discuss these. To learn more right now, contact us.

How Do I Enroll?

Enrolling online is the easiest option and what we recommend.

If you enroll online, you will need to schedule a short in-person appointment where we will finalize your enrollment, discuss any questions you may have, and talk about payment.

Enrolling online does not require you to submit a payment online. Payments will be collected during our in-person appointment.

Click here to enroll online.

If you have any difficulties enrolling online, click here to contact us and we’ll reach out to you to get you enrolled!

Instructor bios coming soon!

Module 1

Chapter 1: The Role of the Nursing Assistant

Chapter 2: Working in a long term care Facility

Chapter 3: Communication/Observations, and the Medical Record

Module 2

Chapter 4: Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

Chapter 8: Infection Control

Chapter 9: Blood-Borne Pathogens

Module 3

Chapter 11: Vital signs

Chapter 14: Gastrointestinal and Urinary Systems

Module 4

Chapter 5: Safety and Emergency Procedures

Chapter 6: Restraints

Chapter 15: The Client’s Environment

Module 5

Chapter 10: Assisting with Personal Care

Module 6

Chapter 7: Body Mechanics, Positioning, and Ambulating Clients

Module 7

Chapter 20: Common Health Problems – Part 1

Module 8

Chapter 12: Nutrition

Chapter 13: Fluids, and Intake and Output

Module 9

Chapter 20: Common Health Problems – Part 2

Module 10

Chapter 16: Rehabilitation and Restorative Concepts

Module 11

Chapter 17: Dementia Care

Module 12

Chapter 19: Special Care and Procedures

Module 13

Chapter 18: Death, Dying, and Grieving

Lab 1

Skills 1 & 17 (hand washing, PPE)

Lab 2

Skills 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 (oral care, shaving, nail care, peri-care, partial bath, shower, dressing)

Skills 8, 10, 11, 12, 15 (make occupied bed, transfer to w/c w/gait belt, transfer w/mech. lift, ambulation, side-lying position)

Lab 3

Skills 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 (oral care, shaving, nail care, peri-care, partial bath, shower, dressing)

Skills 8, 10, 11, 12, 15 (make occupied bed, transfer to w/c w/gait belt, transfer w/mech. lift, ambulation, side-lying position)

Lab 4

Skills 13 and 14 (Feeding, I&O)

Lab 5

Skill 16,20,21  (PROM, Ht, Wt)

Skills 18, 19  (TPR, BP)