CNA Classes in Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading 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 Reading, Pennsylvania

About Reading

Reading, Pennsylvania, is a historical city located in Berks County. Known for its rich industrial history and the iconic Pagoda that overlooks the city, Reading offers a blend of urban and suburban living. The city is also home to the Reading Public Museum and the Santander Arena, making it a vibrant place to live and work. For more information about Reading, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Reading, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to start a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Reading, Pennsylvania, there are several local programs available:

1. Reading Area Community College (RACC)
   • Location: Downtown Reading
   • Program: RACC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Website: RACC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Berks Technical Institute (BTI)
   • Location: Wyomissing, PA (a short drive from Reading)
   • Program: BTI provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and safety procedures.
   • Website: BTI Nursing Assistant Program
3. Penn State Health St. Joseph
   • Location: Bern Township, PA (near Reading)
   • Program: Penn State Health St. Joseph offers a Nurse Aide Training program that combines classroom education with hands-on clinical experience. This program aims to prepare students for the state certification exam and employment in various healthcare settings.
   • Website: Penn State Health St. Joseph Nurse Aide Training

CNA Employment Opportunities in Reading

Reading, Pennsylvania, has several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment:

1. Reading Hospital
   • Location: West Reading
   • Description: Reading Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Website: Reading Hospital Careers
2. ManorCare Health Services
   • Location: West Reading
   • Description: ManorCare Health Services provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. They employ CNAs to support patient care and daily activities.
   • Website: ManorCare Health Services Careers
3. The Lutheran Home at Topton
   • Location: Topton, PA (near Reading)
   • Description: This facility offers a continuum of care including skilled nursing, personal care, and rehabilitation services. They have opportunities for CNAs in various care settings.
   • Website: The Lutheran Home at Topton 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 training program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
4. Registration: Once you pass the exam, you will be registered with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

For more 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 Reading, Pennsylvania, is a rewarding choice. With several excellent CNA training programs and abundant employment opportunities, you can start your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact a school today to get more information and begin your training.

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 Reading?

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 Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading?

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