CNA Classes in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Punxsutawney 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 Punxsutawney, PA

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Punxsutawney, PA, you’re on the right path to joining a rewarding and in-demand healthcare profession. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in supporting patients with daily care needs and assisting nurses in various healthcare settings. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Punxsutawney, PA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Punxsutawney, PA

Punxsutawney, located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, is best known for its annual Groundhog Day celebration, where Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather. This small town offers a charming atmosphere with a close-knit community and a rich history. If you’re looking to start a healthcare career in a supportive environment, Punxsutawney is a great place to begin. You can learn more about the town by visiting the Punxsutawney Borough official website.

CNA Training Programs in Punxsutawney, PA

To become a certified nursing assistant in Punxsutawney, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program. Below are some of the local schools and training centers offering CNA programs in or near Punxsutawney, PA.

1. Jeff Tech (Jefferson County-DuBois AVTS)
   Located in Reynoldsville, PA, just 15 miles from Punxsutawney, Jeff Tech offers a comprehensive CNA training program. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the Pennsylvania CNA certification exam.
   Learn more about the Jeff Tech CNA program.

2. Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC)
   Situated about 30 miles from Punxsutawney in Indiana, PA, ICTC offers a state-approved Nurse Aide Training program. The program focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to provide quality patient care and pass the state certification exam.
   Visit the Indiana County Technology Center CNA program page.

3. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – Richland Campus
   Located approximately 50 miles from Punxsutawney in Johnstown, PA, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers a CNA program that combines classroom learning with clinical practice in local healthcare facilities. This program is ideal for students willing to travel a bit further for their training.
   Learn more about the CNA program at Pennsylvania Highlands.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Punxsutawney

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and certification, there are several local healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Punxsutawney where you can find employment opportunities. Here are some of the top places to start your job search:

1. Punxsutawney Area Hospital
   Punxsutawney Area Hospital is a community hospital providing a wide range of medical services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. CNAs are often in demand at this facility to assist nurses and care for patients.
   Explore job opportunities at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

2. Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center
   Located in Punxsutawney, Mulberry Square is a long-term care facility that offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. This facility frequently hires CNAs to help care for its residents.
   Visit the Mulberry Square employment page.

3. Christ the King Manor
   About 20 miles from Punxsutawney in DuBois, PA, Christ the King Manor is a large senior living community offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and personal care services. It’s a great option for those willing to commute for CNA opportunities.
   Learn more about careers at Christ the King Manor.

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To become a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state-specific certification requirements. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program
   You must complete a CNA training program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These programs typically include at least 80 hours of classroom instruction and clinical experience.

2. Pass the Competency Exam
   After completing your training, you must pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which tests both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.

3. Get Listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
   Once you pass the competency exam, you will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This registry is required to work as a CNA in the state.
   Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website for more information on CNA certification.

4. Renew Your Certification
   Pennsylvania CNAs must renew their certification every two years. To remain active, you must have worked for at least eight hours as a CNA during the certification period.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Punxsutawney, PA, is a fantastic way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With local training programs available and ample employment opportunities in the area, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Reach out to one of the schools listed above to begin your CNA journey today!

For more information on the job outlook for nursing assistants, you can visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Nursing Assistants.

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 Punxsutawney?

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 Punxsutawney 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 Punxsutawney 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 Punxsutawney?

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