If you’re considering a career in healthcare and are interested in working closely with patients, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania may be the right choice for you. CNAs play a crucial role in patient care and can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. However, becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania requires meeting specific requirements and completing the necessary training and certification process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about starting a career as a CNA in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re looking to begin a new career or want to transition into healthcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Highlights:
- Some programs in Pittsburgh offer 4-week CNA classes for speedy certificate completion.
- CNAs gain valuable experience allowing them to move up into many different healthcare roles.
- Some programs provide sponsored or even free CNA training with the guarantee of a job upon earning your license.
Pennsylvania CNA Course Requirements
Pennsylvania requires that CNAs must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, which includes a minimum of 80 hours of instruction. Of those 80 hours, at least 37.5 hours must be dedicated to classroom instruction, covering topics such as patient rights, communication skills, and infection control. The remaining hours are typically spent on clinical training, which involves hands-on experience working directly with patients in a healthcare setting. The clinical training provides students with practical skills and experience necessary to provide quality care to patients. Once you complete the training program, you’ll need to pass a state competency exam to become certified and be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Requirements for being a certified CNA in Pennsylvania include:
- 16+ years old
- Pass a criminal background check
- Register your fingerprints with the state
- Have up to date immunizations
- Have a diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Complete a state-certified CNA course
- Pass the state CNA exam
- Get listed on the state nurse aide registry
Some programs may have specific requirements outside of those listed here, so make sure you read up on those before joining a CNA program in Pittsburgh.
CNA Programs in Pittsburgh
There are a number of CNA programs in Pittsburgh for you to choose from as you look to begin your career in healthcare. If you’re looking for free CNA classes in Pittsburgh, you’ll want to contact these listings individually to see if they offer options for free CNA certification.
Best CNA Classes in Pittsburgh
Are you looking to start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Pittsburgh? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. With so many CNA programs available in the city, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the top CNA classes in Pittsburgh. These programs have been selected based on their reputation, quality of education, hands-on experience, job placement opportunities, and affordability. Whether you’re a newcomer to the healthcare industry or seeking to enhance your skills, this list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top CNA classes in Pittsburgh.
Community College of Allegheny County
The Nurse Aide Training program offered at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is an approved program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Its main aim is to prepare students for successful completion of the course work and for passing the certification exam.
To be eligible for the program, students must have a high school diploma or GED. They are also required to undergo a physical exam and two Mantoux (TB) tests, which must be conducted using the CCAC Physical Form. Additionally, all students must provide proof of residency and complete a PA State Police CHRI (Prohibitive Offenses Form). If the student has not resided in Pennsylvania for the past two years, an FBI check is required.
Students are also required to wear a uniform consisting of white scrub tops and pants, white shoes, and a watch with a second hand. TABE testing is also mandatory, and attendance at the Nurse Aide Training Information Session is required before starting a class.
Price: $1,949
Address: 808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412.237.2525
URL: https://www.ccac.edu/workforce-and-community/workforce-development/nurse-aide-training-program.php
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Information sessions held multiple times per month at the Allegheny Campus, West Hall.
Promedica Senior Care
ProMedica Senior Care is committed to supporting both patients and team members, providing career growth and training opportunities. The Pittsburgh Job Corps Center (PJCC) selected ProMedica Senior Care facilities to prepare students for future healthcare careers with the Nursing Aide Training Program. Students who complete the program may be hired as full-time employees by ProMedica Senior Care.
Price: Free
Address: 750 Holiday Dr #110, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412.919.5699
URL: https://careers.promedicaseniorcare.org/pittsburgh-nursing-assistant-training-program
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Promedica hires some graduates to work at their facility.
Mon Valley Career & Technology Center
Mon Valley Career & Technology Center offers a Health Occupations career pathway program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the healthcare industry. The program spans three years and offers individualized curriculum, hands-on application, and state-of-the-art technologies. The curriculum covers medical terminology, body systems and diseases, patient care, vital signs, CPR, first aid, and health screenings.
Students gain real-life experience in the second and third years of the program by completing CPR certification, first aid training, OSHA – Healthcare, patient care technician certification, direct care staff training, and using software and equipment such as Hill-Rom hospital beds, wheelchairs, Hoyer lift, Welch-Allyn automated vital sign machine, 3-D Rover, Promethean Board, and Apollo Training Manikin.
Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared to further their education in any healthcare field, with the added advantage of already having healthcare experience. Additionally, students may choose to become a Patient Care Technician (PTC) and participate in the co-op program at a local healthcare facility.
Price: $167
Address: 5 Guttman Ave, Charleroi, PA 15022
Phone: 724.489.9581
URL: https://monvalleyctc.org/info/class/health-fs-21.pdf
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Available to high school students, program lasts three years.
Pittsburgh Job Corps Center
Pittsburgh Job Corps Center provides CNA classes that provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide basic care for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The program covers subjects such as patient care, basic nursing responsibilities, infection control, safety, and emergency procedures, and caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Upon graduation, students are equipped to work full time and may have to work weekends, holidays, or nights, as hospitals and nursing homes provide care around the clock. Prior to enrollment, students must comply with state requirements, including a criminal background check and completion of a training program that meets federal content requirements, as well as meet basic academic requirements in math and reading and register with the state regulatory authority.
As a Job Corps student, students can earn credentials in their training area, which can lead to better employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.
Price: Free
Address: 7175 Highland Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412.441.8700
URL: https://pittsburgh.jobcorps.gov/careers/179
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Training and supplies are provided for students.
How much do CNA classes cost in Pittsburgh?
The cost of CNA classes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can vary depending on several factors, such as the institution offering the program, the location, and the length of the program. On average, CNA classes in Pittsburgh can cost between $800 to $1,500. Some institutions may offer financial aid or scholarships to help students with the cost of the program. It’s important to note that in addition to the cost of the program, there may be additional expenses, such as textbooks, uniform, and state exam fees.
What’s the salary for CNAs in Pittsburgh?
CNAs in the Pittsburgh metro area make $16.39 per hour, which is 2.5% above the national average for nurse aides. Annually, that works out to $34,080.
Where do CNAs work in Pittsburgh?
CNAs can work in a wide range of healthcare and educational settings. Below are employment statistics for CNAs across the Pittsburgh-metro area:
| Employer | Pittsburgh CNAs Employed |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 6,088 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 4,994 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,820 |
| Home Health Care Services | 1,080 |
| Employment Services | 503 |
| Individual and Family Services | 468 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 337 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 335 |
| Offices of Physicians | 225 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 208 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 183 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 153 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 153 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 118 |
Helpful links for Pittsburgh CNAs
Finding a local class in the Pittsburgh area is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: