CNA Classes in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg, PA

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Shippensburg, PA, you’re in the right place. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about CNA training programs, certification requirements, and employment opportunities in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

About Shippensburg, PA

Shippensburg, a charming town located in Cumberland and Franklin counties, is known for its historical significance and small-town appeal. Home to Shippensburg University, the town offers a blend of academic culture and rural beauty. Shippensburg is part of the Cumberland Valley and is surrounded by scenic views, making it a peaceful place to live and work. For more information about the town, visit the official website of Shippensburg.

CNA Training Programs in Shippensburg, PA

To become a CNA in Shippensburg, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. Below are three schools that offer CNA programs near Shippensburg:

1. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) – Gettysburg Campus
   • Location: Gettysburg, PA (Approx. 30 miles from Shippensburg)
   • Program Overview: HACC offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide program that prepares students for the Pennsylvania CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Learn more: HACC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Pennsylvania State University – Mont Alto Campus
   • Location: Mont Alto, PA (Approx. 15 miles from Shippensburg)
   • Program Overview: Penn State Mont Alto provides a Nurse Aide Training program designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed as CNAs. The course includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Learn more: Penn State Mont Alto Nurse Aide Program
3. Franklin County Career and Technology Center (FCCTC)
   • Location: Chambersburg, PA (Approx. 10 miles from Shippensburg)
   • Program Overview: FCCTC offers a state-approved CNA program that includes classroom learning and clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to take the Pennsylvania CNA certification exam.
   • Learn more: FCCTC Nursing Assistant Program

These programs are the closest to Shippensburg and provide excellent training to help you begin your career as a CNA.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Shippensburg

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and obtained certification, you’ll find several healthcare facilities in and around Shippensburg that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are a few major employers in the area:

1. Shippensburg Health Care Center
   • Location: Shippensburg, PA
   • Overview: Shippensburg Health Care Center is a long-term care facility offering skilled nursing services. They frequently hire CNAs to assist with patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Shippensburg Health Care Center Careers
2. Menno Haven
   • Location: Chambersburg, PA (Approx. 10 miles from Shippensburg)
   • Overview: Menno Haven is a large retirement and care community offering various levels of care, including skilled nursing. CNAs play a vital role in providing care to residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Menno Haven Careers
3. WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital
   • Location: Chambersburg, PA (Approx. 10 miles from Shippensburg)
   • Overview: WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is a full-service hospital that offers a wide range of medical services. CNAs are employed in various departments to assist with patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: WellSpan Careers

These facilities offer excellent opportunities for CNAs to grow and advance in their 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 Program: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program that includes at least 80 hours of instruction, including both classroom and clinical practice.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.

3. Get Listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Shippensburg, PA, is a rewarding career path that offers stability and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to one of the local schools offering CNA programs and start your journey today!

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 Shippensburg?

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 Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg?

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