CNA Classes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

About Harrisburg

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a vibrant and historically rich city located along the Susquehanna River. With a population of over 49,000, Harrisburg offers a blend of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and a strong community spirit. The city is known for the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the National Civil War Museum, and the scenic Riverfront Park. For more information about Harrisburg, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

If you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, there are several local schools offering nursing assistant programs:

1. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
   • Location: Midtown
   • Program Description: HACC offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
   • Program Link: HACC CNA Program
2. Dauphin County Technical School
   • Location: Lower Paxton Township
   • Program Description: Dauphin County Technical School provides a Nurse Aide Training Program designed to equip students with the skills needed to provide quality care in various healthcare settings. The program includes both theoretical and clinical components.
   • Program Link: Dauphin County Technical School CNA Program
3. Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI)
   • Location: Pleasant Gap, approximately 90 miles from Harrisburg
   • Program Description: CPI offers a Nurse Aide Training Program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for certification. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
   • Program Link: CPI CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Harrisburg

Harrisburg is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs:

1. UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg
   • Location: Downtown
   • Description: UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg is a leading healthcare facility offering a wide range of medical services. The hospital frequently hires CNAs to provide patient care and support.
   • Employment Opportunities: UPMC Pinnacle Careers
2. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
   • Location: Hershey, approximately 15 miles from Harrisburg
   • Description: This renowned medical center is known for its advanced medical care and research facilities. CNAs are an integral part of the patient care team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Penn State Health Careers
3. Homeland Center
   • Location: Midtown
   • Description: Homeland Center is a non-profit continuing care retirement community offering a variety of services, including skilled nursing care. They regularly hire CNAs to assist residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Homeland Center Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program: The program must include at least 80 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.
• Pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam: This exam tests both knowledge and practical skills.
• Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
• Registry Application: Apply for placement 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With a variety of local CNA programs and abundant employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools mentioned above to learn more about their programs and begin your path towards a career in healthcare.

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 Harrisburg?

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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?

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