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Pennsylvania CNA Requirements

A certified nursing assistant works directly under a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home setting.  Pennsylvania wants all nursing assistants to receive specific CNA training before the state will issue them a certificate.

CNA Duties

Certified nursing assistants are medical and health professionals who assist patients with feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, making beds, transporting, taking vital signs, basic treatment care, assist the nurse with various projects, light housekeeping duties ,answer call bells, help others, and administrative and clerical tasks.

CNA Eligibility

A student needs a high school diploma or GED before registering in a certified nursing assistant course. You will need a physical exam and two tuberculosis tests from you doctor.  Proof of residency and a Pennsylvania State Police CHRI background check prior to attending class.

CNA Training Classes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers certified nursing assistant 6 to 12 week training course through high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, private training school, nursing homes and technical schools.  Students can, also, apply for scholarships and grants offered by different organizations to help cover the costs of training.

Some classes that are offered include:

  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Medical Terminology
  • Patient rights
  • Emergency procedures
  • Infection control
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nutrition

Basic requirement for CNA training classes are 72 classroom hours and 42 clinical hours.  After completion of the course the students are offered a certificate which will enable them to take the state written and clinical exams to become certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania.

CNA Pennsylvania State Exam

Red Cross administers the exam.  A registered nurse scores the student’s practical exam. Students will present five different nursing skills in the practical exam and the written exam has 50 multiple choice questions.

CNA Salary in Pennsylvania

A certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania can earn between $19,000 to $27,000 a year, including bonuses and overtime. Certified nursing assistants can earn in general health care between $9.30 and $12.15 an hour. While working in nursing home, certified nursing assistants can earn $9.48 to $12.00 an hour.

CNA Outlook

Jobs for certified nursing assistants are going faster than average, especially nursing homes, hospitals, and community care facilities for the elderly.  There will always be a job for nurses who like to help people.

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Jakie S

I have been a CNA in the state of California since 1995. One of my passions in life is to help people and help others who want to expand their careers and become CNAs.

4 Responses

  1. Kellee says:

    How can i get started in a free class

  2. Darwin says:

    i would like to be a CNA where can i get a free class

  3. Jessica montalvo says:

    I Jessica montalvo would like to training to be a certify nurse this something I wanted to do for a very long time know I love working with adult and children I love making people feel good happy and safe.

  4. Debra Black says:

    I’ve been a caregiver since I was 18 and now I’m 26 I just would like to go to the next level.

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