CNA Classes in Washington, Pennsylvania

Washington 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 Washington, PA

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington, PA, could be the perfect path for you. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a crucial role in providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a CNA in Washington, PA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Washington, PA

Washington, Pennsylvania, is a charming city located in the southwestern part of the state, about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Washington is home to landmarks like the Washington & Jefferson College and the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The city offers a mix of suburban and small-town living, making it an ideal place to start a career in healthcare. For more information about the city, visit the official Washington, PA website.

CNA Training Programs in Washington, PA

To become a CNA in Washington, PA, you’ll need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant program. Below are some local schools offering CNA training programs:

1. Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
   • Location: Washington, PA
   • Program Overview: Penn Commercial offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Pennsylvania CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Website: Penn Commercial Nursing Assistant Program
2. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
   • Location: Washington, PA (South Campus)
   • Program Overview: CCAC offers a state-approved CNA training course designed to prepare students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry exam. The program includes both classroom learning and clinical practice in a healthcare setting.
   • Website: CCAC CNA Program
3. Washington Health System School of Nursing
   • Location: Washington, PA
   • Program Overview: The Washington Health System offers a Nursing Assistant training program that focuses on patient care skills, communication, and professionalism in the healthcare field. The program includes clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.
   • Website: Washington Health System School of Nursing

CNA Employment Opportunities in Washington, PA

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, you’ll likely be looking for employment opportunities in Washington, PA. Below are some of the top healthcare facilities and nursing homes in the area:

1. Washington Health System
   • Location: Washington, PA
   • Overview: Washington Health System is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. They frequently hire CNAs for various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Washington Health System Careers
2. Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare
   • Location: Washington, PA
   • Overview: Southmont is part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and specializes in long-term care and rehabilitation services. They offer a supportive environment for CNAs looking to grow in their careers.
   • Employment Opportunities: Presbyterian SeniorCare Careers
3. Strabane Woods of Washington
   • Location: Washington, PA
   • Overview: Strabane Woods is an assisted living and memory care facility located in Washington, PA. They provide compassionate care for elderly residents and often have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Strabane Woods Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington, PA, you must meet the certification requirements set by the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health oversees CNA certification in the state. Here are the general steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a CNA program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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

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

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Washington, PA, is a fulfilling career choice that offers job stability and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. With several local training programs and healthcare facilities in the area, you’re well on your way to starting your journey. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step toward your future in healthcare!

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 Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington?

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