CNA Classes in Penn, Pennsylvania

Penn 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 Penn, PA

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Penn, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic choice. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play an essential role in patient care, providing hands-on support to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. This guide will walk you through the steps to begin your CNA journey in Penn, PA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Penn, PA

Penn, Pennsylvania, is a small and welcoming borough located in Westmoreland County. Known for its tight-knit community and proximity to larger cities like Pittsburgh, Penn offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and access to urban amenities. Whether you’re enjoying the local parks or taking advantage of nearby healthcare facilities, Penn is a great place to start your career as a CNA. Learn more about the area by visiting the official Westmoreland County website.

CNA Training Programs in Penn, PA

To become a CNA in Penn, PA, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. While there may not be CNA programs directly in Penn, nearby cities offer excellent options for aspiring nursing assistants. Here are three reputable programs within a reasonable distance:

1. Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood, PA)
   Located just 15 minutes from Penn, Westmoreland County Community College offers a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program. This course includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and clinical experience to prepare students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   Learn more about their program here.

2. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Johnstown, PA)
   Approximately an hour from Penn, this college provides a comprehensive CNA training program. The curriculum is designed to meet Pennsylvania’s certification requirements and includes both theoretical and practical components.
   Visit their program page here.

3. Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (Johnstown, PA)
   Also located about an hour away, this institution offers a Nurse Aide Program focused on preparing students for immediate employment in healthcare settings. The program emphasizes patient care skills and professional development.
   Explore their program here.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Penn, PA

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and certification, Penn and the surrounding areas offer a variety of employment opportunities. Here are some notable healthcare facilities where you can apply:

1. Excela Health (Greensburg, PA)
   Just a short drive from Penn, Excela Health is a leading healthcare provider in Westmoreland County. With multiple facilities, including hospitals and long-term care centers, they frequently hire CNAs to support patient care.
   Explore Excela Health’s career opportunities here.

2. William Penn Care Center (Jeannette, PA)
   Located less than 10 minutes from Penn, this long-term care and rehabilitation facility provides excellent opportunities for CNAs to work in a supportive environment.
   Learn more about William Penn Care Center here.

3. Redstone Highlands Senior Living Communities (North Huntingdon, PA)
   This senior living community is about 20 minutes from Penn and offers a variety of services, including skilled nursing care. They regularly hire CNAs for their care teams.
   Visit Redstone Highlands’ careers page here.

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To work as a CNA in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state’s certification requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
   Pennsylvania requires candidates to complete a minimum of 80 hours of training, including classroom instruction and clinical practice.

2. Pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam
   After completing your training, you must pass the state’s competency exam, which includes both written and skills demonstration components.

3. Register with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
   Once you’ve passed the exam, your name will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s CNA page.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Penn, PA, is a meaningful way to impact your community while building a fulfilling career in healthcare. With local training programs, diverse employment opportunities, and supportive certification pathways, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA courses and start your journey toward becoming a nursing assistant!

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 Penn?

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 Penn 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 Penn 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 Penn?

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