Castor Health Institute
417 E. 3rd St. Suite B, Sterling, IL 61081 · (815) 622-3550
Data: Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor) approved list (April 2026); SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores
- First-time pass rate
- 89.23%65 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −4.0points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #181of 234 programs
- Since 2024
- −2.0points vs 91.23% (57 testers)
How Castor Health Institute graduates do on the CNA exam
89.23% of 65 first-time test-takers from Castor Health Institute passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 4.0 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #181 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
In 2024, 91.23% of 57 first-time testers passed, so the rate fell 2.0 points year over year.
With 65 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 1.5 points. Illinois reports the written (knowledge) exam only; the skills test isn't included in this figure.
How Castor Health Institute stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 89.23%, Castor Health Institute is in the bottom quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 65 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the larger programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 3 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 2 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Whiteside Area Career Center - Secondary in Sterling (98.5%, in the same ZIP code).
Ranked programs are those with 10 or more first-time testers in the SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores. Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres.
Program details
| Approval | Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), program 7120 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 417 E. 3rd St. Suite B, Sterling, IL 61081 Whiteside County |
| Phone | (815) 622-3550 |
| CNA median pay, Illinois | $45,960 a year ($22.10/hour, BLS) |
Call the program to confirm the next start date, schedule and total cost; the state lists don't publish prices.
Other approved CNA programs near Sterling
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CGH Medical Center | Sterling | same ZIP | — |
| Castor Health Institute-Hybrid | Sterling | same ZIP | — |
| Castor Health Institute-Stephenson | Sterling | same ZIP | — |
| Whiteside Area Career Center - Secondary | Sterling | same ZIP | 98.5% |
| Sauk Valley C.C.--Hybrid | Dixon | 14 mi | 95.1% |
| Sauk Valley Comm. Coll. - Secondary | Dixon | 14 mi | 80.0% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Castor Health Institute's CNA exam pass rate?
89.23% of 65 first-time test-takers from Castor Health Institute passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 4.0 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #181 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is Castor Health Institute a state-approved CNA program?
Yes. It is on the official list of approved nurse aide training programs (Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), April 2026) as program 7120. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is Castor Health Institute's pass rate going up or down?
Down: 89.23% of 65 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 91.23% of 57 in 2024 (−2.0 points).
How many hours of training does Illinois require?
120 hours: 62 theory, 18 skills lab, 40 clinical, with at least 12 hours on Alzheimer's and dementia care (77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.150). The exam is run by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (INACE).
How does Castor Health Institute compare with CNA programs nearby?
3 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 2 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Whiteside Area Career Center - Secondary in Sterling (98.5%, in the same ZIP code).
What other approved CNA programs are near Sterling?
The closest are CGH Medical Center in Sterling (about 1 mi), Castor Health Institute-Hybrid in Sterling (about 1 mi), Castor Health Institute-Stephenson in Sterling (about 1 mi). Distances are between ZIP code centres.