CNA Classes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a CNA and explore local training programs and employment opportunities in Pittsburgh.

About Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, known as “The Steel City” for its rich industrial history, is a vibrant city located in western Pennsylvania. With its iconic skyline, three rivers, and numerous bridges, Pittsburgh offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty. The city is home to renowned neighborhoods such as Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Lawrenceville. For more information about Pittsburgh, visit the official Pittsburgh city website.

CNA Training Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to become a nursing assistant in Pittsburgh, there are several reputable institutions offering CNA programs. Here are three local schools that provide excellent CNA training:

1. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
   • Location: Allegheny Campus, North Shore
   • Description: CCAC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
   • Program Page: CCAC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Pittsburgh Job Corps Center
   • Location: Lincoln-Lemington
   • Description: The Pittsburgh Job Corps Center provides a CNA training program designed for young adults seeking to enter the healthcare field. The program covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA role.
   • Program Page: Pittsburgh Job Corps CNA Program
3. UPMC School of Nursing
   • Location: Various locations in Pittsburgh
   • Description: UPMC offers a Nursing Assistant program that combines theoretical learning with practical experience in UPMC facilities. Graduates are well-prepared for the certification exam and employment in healthcare settings.
   • Program Page: UPMC Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh boasts a robust healthcare sector with numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you can seek employment:

1. UPMC
   • Description: UPMC is a leading healthcare provider in Pittsburgh with multiple hospitals and clinics throughout the city. They offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: UPMC Careers
2. Allegheny Health Network (AHN)
   • Description: AHN operates several hospitals and healthcare facilities in Pittsburgh. They are known for their commitment to quality patient care and offer numerous positions for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: AHN Careers
3. Presbyterian SeniorCare Network
   • Description: Located in Oakmont, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network provides senior living and healthcare services. They frequently hire CNAs to support their residents.
   • Employment Page: Presbyterian SeniorCare 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 Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes a written and skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
4. Registry Listing: Get listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, you can 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a rewarding decision. With a variety of local CNA training programs and abundant employment opportunities, you can take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact a school today to begin your journey towards becoming a CNA.

For more information about the job outlook for nursing assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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 Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

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