Jake Flannigan, NP
June 24, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistant training curriculum trains compassionate caregivers who sustain the operational efficiency of Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. The healthcare team relies on CNAs to monitor patient health through sign recording, patient movement, providing dietary assistance, and providing a comforting presence to patients. Nursing staff maintain focus on advanced clinical responsibilities because nurse aides deliver personalized compassionate care to patients.
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - holyfamily.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Holy Family University's Nurse Aide Training Program offers an accelerated six-week certification pathway designed for students seeking rapid entry into healthcare careers. Located in the greater Philadelphia region, this comprehensive program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences across local healthcare facilities. Students benefit from an affordable tuition structure under $2,500, which encompasses training materials, uniforms, and essential equipment. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills development, preparing participants to excel in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and home care environments. Graduates receive national certification preparation and potentially gain preferential consideration for advanced nursing programs, making it an attractive option for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Pittsburgh, PA - Public 2-Year - ccac.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Community College of Allegheny County's Nurse Aide Training Program delivers an accelerated 24-day pathway into healthcare, strategically designed for aspiring nursing assistants. Students undergo an intensive 168-hour curriculum blending rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical training. The comprehensive program meticulously prepares students for the Credentia certification exam, ensuring graduates are fully equipped to deliver exceptional patient care. With a competitive $1,999 tuition covering all educational materials, participants gain critical skills in patient assistance, medical equipment management, and healthcare facility protocols. Graduates can seamlessly transition into diverse healthcare settings including nursing homes, hospitals, and retirement communities, addressing critical workforce needs in Pennsylvania's healthcare landscape.
Media, PA - Public 2-Year - dccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Delaware County Community College's Nursing Assistant Program offers an intensive 133-hour training curriculum designed to launch healthcare professionals into dynamic care environments. The comprehensive program uniquely blends 48 hours of didactic instruction, 25 hours of simulation lab experiences, and 60 hours of hands-on clinical training. Students develop critical patient care skills, leadership techniques, and communication strategies while preparing for Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry certification. Graduates receive American Red Cross credentials, positioning them for diverse healthcare employment opportunities across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and medical clinics. High school diploma prerequisite ensures foundational academic readiness for aspiring nursing assistants.
Reading, PA - Public 2-Year - racc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Reading Area Community College's Nurse Aide program stands out as a meticulously designed 120-hour training pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals. Strategically structured with 42 hours of classroom learning, 24 hours of hands-on lab practice, and 54 hours of clinical instruction, students gain comprehensive skill development. The Pennsylvania Department of Education-approved curriculum ensures rigorous preparation for entry-level patient care roles. Affordably priced at $1,390, the program offers financial accessibility through opportunities like the Mae W. Langan Scholarship, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking efficient and practical healthcare workforce training.
Pennsylvania does not allow CNA certification through online programs because the state requires students to complete face-to-face clinical requirements. Schools combine web-based learning for lecture material along with quizzes and discussion boards while maintaining hands-on labs and clinical rotations. Students in hybrid programs study theory assignments independently but learn essential bedside techniques through direct supervision. The traditional campus delivery method remains the most prevalent but evening and weekend programs serve working students and fast-paced daytime programs serve students who want to complete their training expediently.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Family University |
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| Community College of Allegheny County |
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| Reading Area Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 to enroll (17 to test), clear state police and, if applicable, FBI fingerprint background checks, meet health/immunization requirements, complete any required CPR training |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Graduate from a PDE-approved program with a minimum of 80 hours (42.5 classroom hours and 37.5 supervised clinical hours) |
| Exam and Application Fees | $135 combined written/oral and skills exam for first attempt, retests cost $50 (written or oral) and $85 (skills) |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the NNAAP written (or oral) test and the five-skill practical evaluation within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts total) |
| Registry Activation Time | Added to the Nurse Aide Registry within two business days of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Maintain active status by working at least one eight-hour shift as a paid nurse aide in an approved facility during the prior 24 months |
| License by Endorsement | CNAs in good standing from other states enroll via reciprocity through the Credentia platform, no additional training or testing required |
Pennsylvania CNAs receive average hourly wages of $19 to $20 as of 2025 and their salaries increase in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The compensation for acute care experienced aides is higher at hospitals but nursing homes in rural areas offer compensation through sign-on bonuses and shift differential payments. The aging population combined with persistent long-term care staffing shortages throughout Pennsylvania creates strong employment opportunities for certified aides. Industry analysts predict continuous growth during the next ten years so certified aides will encounter numerous employment opportunities at nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted-living communities, and home-health agencies. The reliable job market together with scheduled shifts and additional work opportunities make CNA positions an attractive entry point for healthcare careers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Pennsylvania | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,377 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.05 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$44,540 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,377 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,020 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~10,400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Allegheny County |
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| Reading Area Community College |
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| Holy Family University |
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Certification as a CNA typically functions as the initial step for nurses to progress their careers. Working as a CNA enables nurses to develop bedside experience which builds their self-assurance, patient care abilities, and professional network to boost their applications for LPN and RN education. Several Pennsylvania community colleges and universities provide preference in admissions to candidates who have their names listed on the Nurse Aide Registry because they understand the importance of practical experience. Students who want to become nurses can benefit from employer tuition assistance together with state grants and federal scholarships which help them make the financial transition from aide to nurse.
Additional Nursing Programs in Pennsylvania
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