CNA Classes in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona CNA Training - Pennsylvania

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Altoona, Pennsylvania

About Altoona

Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a city known for its rich railroad history and scenic beauty nestled in Blair County. Home to the famous Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. For more information about the city, visit the official Altoona website.

CNA Training Programs in Altoona, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Altoona, Pennsylvania, there are several local programs to consider:

1. Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center
   • Program Description: The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
   • Location: 1500 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602
   • Program Page: Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center CNA Program
2. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
   • Program Description: Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provides a Nurse Aide Training program that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Location: 5580 Goods Lane, Altoona, PA 16602
   • Program Page: Pennsylvania Highlands Community College CNA Program
3. Mount Aloysius College
   • Program Description: Located a short drive from Altoona in Cresson, PA, Mount Aloysius College offers a Nursing Assistant program that equips students with the skills needed to excel in healthcare settings.
   • Location: 7373 Admiral Peary Highway, Cresson, PA 16630
   • Program Page: Mount Aloysius College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Altoona

Altoona is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment:

1. UPMC Altoona
   • Description: UPMC Altoona is a full-service healthcare facility offering a wide range of medical services. It is one of the largest employers in the region.
   • Location: 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601
   • Employment Opportunities: UPMC Altoona Careers
2. Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
   • Description: Maybrook Hills offers long-term care and rehabilitation services, providing numerous opportunities for CNAs.
   • Location: 301 Valley View Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602
   • Employment Opportunities: Maybrook Hills Careers
3. Garvey Manor Nursing Home
   • Description: Located in Hollidaysburg, a neighboring town, Garvey Manor provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.
   • Location: 1037 South Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
   • Employment Opportunities: Garvey Manor Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To become a CNA in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a Pennsylvania Department of Education-approved CNA training program.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. Registry Listing: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a rewarding choice. With several local CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities, you can begin your journey towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more and take the first step towards becoming a CNA today.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Pennsylvania may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Altoona?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Altoona usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Altoona will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Altoona?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Pennsylvania, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Pennsylvania, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Altoona is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Pennsylvania CNA Salary info.