CNA Classes in West Chester, Pennsylvania

West Chester 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 West Chester, PA

About West Chester

West Chester, PA, is a charming borough located in Chester County. Known for its historic architecture and vibrant downtown area, West Chester offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The borough is home to West Chester University, which adds a youthful energy to the community. For more information about West Chester, visit the official West Chester website.

CNA Training Programs in West Chester, PA

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in West Chester, PA, there are several local options for CNA training programs:

1. Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)
   • Location: Downingtown, PA (approximately 10 miles from West Chester)
   • Program Description: CCIU offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Training Program designed to prepare students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • CCIU Nurse Aide Training Program
2. Delaware County Community College (DCCC)
   • Location: Media, PA (approximately 15 miles from West Chester)
   • Program Description: DCCC provides a Nursing Assistant Certificate Program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for a career as a CNA. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • DCCC Nursing Assistant Certificate Program
3. Brandywine Hospital
   • Location: Coatesville, PA (approximately 12 miles from West Chester)
   • Program Description: Brandywine Hospital offers a Nurse Aide Training Program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice. Graduates are well-prepared to take the state certification exam.
   • Brandywine Hospital Nurse Aide Training Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in West Chester

West Chester has a variety of healthcare facilities and nursing homes that frequently hire CNAs. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Chester County Hospital
   • Location: Downtown West Chester
   • Description: Chester County Hospital is part of Penn Medicine and offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Chester County Hospital Careers
2. Barclay Friends
   • Location: West Chester, PA
   • Description: Barclay Friends is a senior living community that offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and personal care services. They have a strong reputation for quality care and often seek CNAs to join their team.
   • Barclay Friends Careers
3. Wellington at Hershey’s Mill
   • Location: West Chester, PA
   • Description: Wellington at Hershey’s Mill is a senior living community that provides a range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. They offer opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Wellington at Hershey’s Mill 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: The program must include at least 80 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 37.5 hours dedicated to clinical practice.
2. Pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination: This exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Undergo a Criminal Background Check: A clean background check is required to ensure the safety of patients.
4. Register with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

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

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in West Chester, PA, is a rewarding career choice that offers numerous opportunities for growth and employment. Start your journey today by contacting one of the local schools offering CNA programs. Your future in healthcare awaits!

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 West Chester?

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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 West Chester is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Pennsylvania CNA Salary info.