CNA Classes in Bedford, PA

CNA Classes in Bedford, PA

Certified nursing assistants, also known as CNAs, are health care professionals that work in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

The purpose of CNA training is to provide nursing assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to safely care for patients.

Nursing assistants are trained on how to perform various tasks to meet the needs of their patients. They are also taught how to comply with their employers’ policies and procedures, maintain a clean environment, and provide emotional support for patients and their families.

There are many different types of CNA certification programs available to prospective CNAs. The cost and time commitment varies depending on the program and the education level one wishes to achieve.

Why You should Consider Becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania

According to the BLS, Pennsylvania has one of the highest CNA employment in the nation. You would probably make more money as a CNA, if you work in the state of Pennsylvania as Pennsylvania has some of the highest CNA wages in the country, averaging at $15/hour but the top 10% of the nation’s nurse aids earn $50,000.

Nursing assistant jobs are usually easy to find in the state. There are many good reasons why turn-around rates are high for CNA positions. Firstly, you get access to increased training and career mobility. Furthermore, you get the chance to start the process needed to become a Registered Nurse. You can work with confidence in your future, knowing that being a CNA today is an excellent way to grow within the medical field. More than 50% of CNAs work in nursing homes and there are more than 700 nursing homes in Pennsylvania that have jobs available.

Pennsylvania CNA Certification Requirements

Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry states that in order to acquire CNA certification in Pennsylvania, One should:

  • Complete a Pennsylvania-approved nurse aide training program

  • Pass the competency evaluation exam administered by Credentia within 24 months of program completion

The CNA Test in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has partnered with the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program to certify their nurses. It is among 25 states in this program.

The CNA exam in Pennsylvania is split into two parts: a written (or oral) exam & a clinical skills evaluation. Both happen on the same day. Pennsylvania law dictates you must complete the CNA training and pass both exams within 2 years of completing it.

CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:

  • $102 – Written & Skills Evaluation

  • $102 – Oral & Skills Evaluation

  • $32 – Written Exam re-tests

  • $32- Oral Exam re-tests

  • $70 – Skills Evaluation re-tests

How to Become a CNA in Pennsylvania

In order to enroll in CNA training, you need to be at least 16 and either have a high school degree or equivalent.

Next, you’ll need to find accredited CNA classes in Pennsylvania. These programs typically last about 80 hours and include classroom instruction as well as supervised experience.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education offers a list of certified nursing assistant training in PA. Most of these programs can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. There are a lot of CNA classes to choose from, be sure to do your research before picking one. Places like Red Cross offer online courses as well as traditional classroom course, so the time commitment you make will really depend on what is best for you.

Although Pennsylvania requires a minimum of only 80 hours of CNA training, majority of the CNA training programs recommended by Pennsylvania Department of Education recommend 120 hours. The program only takes 6-15 weeks to finish, and clinical training is part of that, meaning that about 37.5 hours are required out of the total 80 hours of training, under the direct supervision of a LPN or an RN. Some accelerated programs offer 4-week CNA classes as well.

After the training is completed, you can apply for CNA certification. This then gives you the chance to take the official examination. It’s recommended that you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare yourself. Make sure to take the exam at a certified testing center such as the NNAAP or the American Red Cross.

Bedford Co Technical Center

Bedford Co Technical Center located at 195 Pennknoll Rd, Everett , PA offers CNA Classes. You can contact them at 814-623-2760 for more course information.

List of all the state approved CNA classes in Pennsylvania can be found here.