Excelsior Healthcare Academy
523 S Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 · (773) 297-2417
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
- 86.53%193 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −6.7points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #192of 234 programs
- Since 2024
- +4.1points vs 82.39% (159 testers)
- Chicago area rank
- #93of 117 ranked nearby
How Excelsior Healthcare Academy graduates do on the CNA exam
86.53% of 193 first-time test-takers from Excelsior Healthcare Academy passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.7 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #192 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers, and #93 of 117 ranked programs in the Chicago area.
In 2024, 82.39% of 159 first-time testers passed, so the rate rose 4.1 points year over year.
With 193 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 0.5 points. Illinois reports the written (knowledge) exam only; the skills test isn't included in this figure.
See the best CNA programs in Chicago by pass rate · All 234 ranked Illinois programs
How Excelsior Healthcare Academy stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 86.53%, Excelsior Healthcare Academy is in the bottom quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 193 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the larger programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 27 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 20 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 18 mi away).
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 0700 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 523 S Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Cook County |
| Phone | (773) 297-2417 |
| CNA median pay, Chicago area | $46,940 a year ($22.57/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 Chicago Heights
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie State College | Chicago Heights | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| Prairie State College - Rich Central District 227 | Chicago Heights | same ZIP | — |
| Prairie State College-Bloom High School | Chicago Heights | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| Prairie State College-Hybrid | Chicago Heights | same ZIP | 95.5% |
| Bimmab Healthcare Academy | Lansing | 5 mi | — |
| HUGS INC. | Lansing | 5 mi | 94.4% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Excelsior Healthcare Academy's CNA exam pass rate?
86.53% of 193 first-time test-takers from Excelsior Healthcare Academy passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.7 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #192 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is Excelsior Healthcare Academy 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 0700. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is Excelsior Healthcare Academy's pass rate going up or down?
Up: 86.53% of 193 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 82.39% of 159 in 2024 (+4.1 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 Excelsior Healthcare Academy compare with CNA programs nearby?
27 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 20 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 18 mi away).
What other approved CNA programs are near Chicago Heights?
The closest are Prairie State College in Chicago Heights (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate), Prairie State College - Rich Central District 227 in Chicago Heights (about 1 mi), Prairie State College-Bloom High School in Chicago Heights (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.