CNA Classes in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey 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 Hershey, PA

About Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania, known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant community. It is home to the famous Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark, attracting visitors from all over the country. The town offers a blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For more information about Hershey, visit the official Hershey website.

CNA Training Programs in Hershey, PA

If you are looking to become a CNA in Hershey, PA, several local schools offer Nursing Assistant programs and courses. Here are three reputable options:

1. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
   • Location: Harrisburg, PA (approximately 15 miles from Hershey)
   • Program Description: HACC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Program Link: HACC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Lebanon County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC)
   • Location: Lebanon, PA (approximately 20 miles from Hershey)
   • Program Description: LCCTC provides a robust Nurse Aide Training program that equips students with the skills needed for a successful career in healthcare. The program covers essential topics such as patient care, safety, and communication.
   • Program Link: LCCTC Nurse Aide Program
3. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
   • Location: Hershey, PA
   • Program Description: Penn State Health offers a Nurse Aide Training Program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
   • Program Link: Penn State Health Nurse Aide Training

CNA Employment Opportunities in Hershey

Hershey is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some of the top employers:

1. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
   • Description: A leading academic medical center providing a wide range of healthcare services. It is also a teaching hospital affiliated with Penn State College of Medicine.
   • Employment Opportunities: Penn State Health Careers
2. Hershey Medical Center
   • Description: A comprehensive healthcare facility offering advanced medical care and specialized services. It is known for its patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art facilities.
   • Employment Opportunities: Hershey Medical Center Careers
3. Country Meadows of Hershey
   • Description: A senior living community providing a range of services, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. It is known for its compassionate care and supportive environment.
   • Employment Opportunities: Country Meadows Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To become a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam: This exam includes both a written and a skills test. It is administered by the American Red Cross or another approved testing organization.
3. Register with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry: After passing the exam, you must register with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry to be eligible for employment.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Hershey, PA, is a rewarding journey. With the right training and certification, you can make a significant impact on the lives of others. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step towards a fulfilling 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey 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 Hershey 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 Hershey?

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