CNA Programs & Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to 165 CNA training programs and over 1,250 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 110 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania offers more than 160 CNA training programs across the state, with opportunities available in major cities including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading. The state currently employs over 65,000 Certified Nursing Assistants, reflecting strong demand for skilled healthcare professionals. CNA programs in Pennsylvania prepare students for careers with a median annual salary of $38,540 and median hourly wage of $18.53.
Pennsylvania's aging population and extensive healthcare infrastructure create ongoing opportunities for CNA training graduates throughout both urban medical centers and rural communities. With a large healthcare industry serving over 13 million residents, the state provides diverse career paths for Certified Nursing Assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings.
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in Pennsylvania
Explore CNA opportunities in Pennsylvania's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Training & Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania
Before you enroll, it helps to understand exactly what Pennsylvania requires to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Meeting these standards ensures you’re eligible to test, get placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings.
Eligibility
Age: You must be at least 16 years old to test in Pennsylvania (some schools/employers set the minimum at 18).
Readiness: Programs commonly require basic English and math skills, a recent physical exam, and up-to-date immunizations.
Background checks: All candidates undergo a Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check. If you’ve lived outside PA within the past two years, an FBI fingerprint check is also required. Background clearances must be completed before clinicals begin.
Training Hours & Clinicals
You must complete a state-approved CNA training program with at least 80 total hours of instruction. Of these, a minimum of 37.5 hours must be supervised, hands-on clinical training in a licensed healthcare facility under an RN or LPN. Many schools choose to exceed the minimums to provide additional practice. If a program offers online coursework, remember that the clinical portion is always in person.
Certification Exam (NNAAP)
After training, you’ll take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. It has two parts:
Written (or oral) exam: multiple-choice questions covering safety, infection control, communication, and basic nursing care.
Skills evaluation: you’ll demonstrate five nurse-aide skills (hand hygiene is always included; at least one skill involves recording a measurement).
You must pass both parts to be certified. Candidates typically have up to three attempts within 24 months of program completion; if you don’t pass within those attempts, you must retrain in an approved program before retesting.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Once you pass both exam components, your name is added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, and you’re eligible to work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities. Under federal rules, a facility may employ a trainee for up to 120 days while you complete training and testing.
If you are employed by (or receive an employment offer from) a Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facility when you start training, the facility must cover training and testing costs. If you’re hired within 12 months after completing training, the facility must reimburse those costs on a pro-rated basis.
Reciprocity
Already certified as a CNA in another state and want to work in Pennsylvania? You may be eligible to transfer your license through reciprocity. This process allows qualified CNAs from other states to be placed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our dedicated guide: CNA License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania.
Explore CNA classes in Pennsylvania by city. We currently feature 110 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in Pennsylvania? These 62 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other financial assistance.
Homewood at Plum Creek
✅ State Approved🏫 Nursing Facility⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored🙏 Faith-Based Institution🤝 Job Placement Help
Homewood at Plum Creek offers a paid nurse aide training program running about 4–6 weeks, with daytime training and employment pathway upon completion.
Employer-sponsored nurse aide training delivered in partnership with healthcare employers; enrollment is initiated through the employer. The program focuses on addressing direct care staffing needs and transitioning trainees into employment.
Quality Life Services offers a paid CNA Apprenticeship totaling 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction, with classes hosted at Apollo based on need. Trainees work and earn while they learn, with a stipend option during class.
Warren Manor periodically hires candidates into a paid nurse aide training class, paying for CNA classes and certification while participants are paid during the program.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offers paid CNA training at Southmont with weekday classes plus lab and clinical; the organization covers training and exam fees while paying full-time wages during training. Graduates transition to CNA roles within the network.
Facility-run CNA training advertised as a free 3-week weekday program (7 AM–3 PM) held on site, with employment opportunities available after completion.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 126.5Duration: 3 weeks
Highlands Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides on-site paid nurse aide training with hourly pay during classroom and clinical instruction and a higher wage after certification.
In-person 4–6 week nurse aide training offered through employer-sponsored contract cohorts with day and evening schedules covering theory, skills lab, and daytime clinicals. Books, scrubs, and equipment are included; some cohorts (e.g., Wesley Enhanced Living) pay tuition under a work agreement.
Easton Skilled Nursing & Rehab advertises paid nurse aide training with free tuition, and trainees are offered a CNA position upon successful completion.
Living Branches offers a paid CNA training class at Dock Woods; trainees are hired as employees during a seven or nine week course and earn hourly pay while learning resident care skills. Morning (daytime) and evening cohorts are scheduled throughout the year.
Genesis hires participants into paid roles and covers tuition for a state‑approved nurse aide training program, with graduates transitioning into CNA positions upon completion.
Grove Manor advertises a CNA Nurse Aide Student Training Program with paid training for qualifying hires. The organization is a nonprofit affiliated with the Churches of God.
William Penn Nursing and Rehab in Lewistown promotes a paid CNA training class for new hires, covering certification costs while trainees earn a paycheck. Training leads to employment at the facility upon successful completion.
The Lutheran Home at Kane runs an in‑person Nurse Aide training program and pays students during training, with guaranteed employment after passing the state exam.
The Pavilion at BRMC offers paid CNA training with rolling admissions that combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience, preparing trainees to sit for the PA competency exam and pursue employment at BRMC/OGH.
UPMC Muncy Place offers a paid 16-day Nurse Aide training program for newly hired trainees; UPMC covers costs associated with becoming a CNA and provides a post-training orientation.
Paid 'Earn While You Learn' CNA training on the Wilkes-Barre campuses covers training costs and pays an hourly wage during the program. Trainees who pass required assessments and testing are guaranteed employment at Allied Services.
Paid 'Earn While You Learn' CNA training on the Wilkes-Barre campuses covers training costs and pays an hourly wage during the program. Trainees who pass required assessments and testing are guaranteed employment at Allied Services.
Quality Life Services offers a paid CNA Apprenticeship with 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training and stipends or wages during training. Classes are offered across QLS locations, including New Castle, with Monday–Friday cohorts and guaranteed CNA placement upon completion.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network runs a CNA training program in New Wilmington with daytime classes and a mix of classroom, lab, and clinical; newly hired trainees are paid and training and exam costs are covered.
Cornwall Manor offers an employer-paid Nursing Assistant Training program for those who will work at the community, covering instruction, books, supplies and the certification exam. The full-time daytime program runs 18 days (class 8:00–16:00; clinical 7:00–15:00) and students are paid during training.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 124.8Duration: 4 weeks
The Good Shepherd Long-Term Care Nursing Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) prepares you to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency examination. Candidates accepted into the program are hired as CNA trainees at Good Shepherd and are paid at $14/hour while training. Your pay increases to a higher CNA rate ($22/hour) after completing certification.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 120.5Duration: 4 weeks
Allied Services offers a paid 4-week “Earn While You Learn” CNA training at its Scranton Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with training and exam costs covered. The program includes a guaranteed full-time position upon completion.
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown offers free, paid CNA training as part of its hiring pipeline for multiple shifts. Trainees are employed while completing training.
The 120-hour Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program includes 41.5 hours of lecture, 30 hours of lab, and 48.5 hours of clinical over 15 days. The Rapha School is a licensed exam center and typically offers testing on site.
Quality Life Services offers a paid CNA Apprenticeship where participants work while preparing to become CNAs; the class includes 120 total hours across classroom, lab, and clinical. Classes are offered at QLS Markleysburg and select QLS locations, and a stipend may be available during class.
Quality Life Services runs a paid CNA Apprenticeship that lets you work while training; the program totals 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical. Classes are offered at QLS Henry Clay and other QLS sites, with an option for a stipend during class.
Edinboro Manor provides an employer-supported, earn-while-you-learn nurse aide pathway for team members to complete a state-approved program and achieve CNA certification. Training support is offered as part of employee development.
LECOM Health offers a 4-week, 120-hour CNA training program held at LECOM at Village Square with daytime classroom and clinical rotations. Training and the first exam are covered, and graduates are offered a full-time CNA role upon successful completion.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network hires CNA trainees and provides paid, full-time training with the cost of training and exam covered. Classes are typically 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and trainees transition to CNA roles upon certification.
Pinecrest Manor offers a six‑week CNA certification class held on site; trainees are paid during training and exam costs are covered. The program is free to participants and leads to permanent CNA positions with Penn Highlands upon certification.
Corry Manor offers an earn-while-you-learn nurse aide pathway for employees, providing resources to complete a state-approved training program and obtain CNA certification. Trainees are hired and supported by the facility.
Wesbury offers a paid CNA training program totaling 120 hours with 9 days of classroom/lab and 8 days of clinicals, followed by testing. Training runs Monday–Friday on day shift and graduates transition into CNA roles at Wesbury.
Employer-sponsored Nurse Aide Training with paid training is offered regularly; applicants are encouraged to contact the facility to confirm upcoming class start dates.
Pocopson Home hires Nurse Aides in Training and schedules qualified staff into a state‑approved nurse aide class to become CNAs; trainees are paid during training.
No-cost 120-hour state-approved Nursing Assistant training designed for those intending to work at Christ the King Manor; delivered over 18 days Monday–Friday 7am–3pm.
Maple Heights advertises free Nurse Aide classes through a 21‑day program that prepares trainees for CNA roles with employment opportunities upon successful completion.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, which manages Sherwood Oaks, offers paid CNA training with covered training costs, exam fees, and wages during training leading to CNA roles at its communities. Most classes run Monday–Friday daytime with classroom, lab, and clinical components.
Concordia at Cabot offers a paid training program to become a CNA with classwork and lab skills; Concordia pays for the class and pays trainees while attending. Training typically runs about three weeks with limited seating.
Lutheran SeniorLife offers a paid Nurse Aide Training class at Passavant Community with free training and daytime instruction, preparing trainees to move into CNA roles upon completion.
Quality Life Services offers an employer-sponsored CNA Apprenticeship that combines paid work with 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Classes are offered at the Butler headquarters and select QLS locations; travel assistance and stipends may be available during class.
Guthrie offers a paid four-week CNA training program with weekday classroom and clinical instruction at the Robert Packer Hospital Towanda Campus; Guthrie covers training and testing costs.
Genesis HealthCare hires trainees into paid roles and covers tuition and training fees for a state‑approved nurse aide program, with graduates transitioning into CNA positions typically within four months.
Homewood at Martinsburg offers a paid Nurse Aide in Training program for new hires, typically a 4–6 week course with classroom, lab, and clinical components. Trainees are employed while they learn and transition into CNA roles upon certification.
Genesis HealthCare hires trainees into paid roles and covers tuition and training fees for a state‑approved nurse aide course; after completion, participants transition into a CNA position at a Genesis facility.
UPMC Senior Communities offers paid CNA training at select facilities where trainees are hired as Nurse Aide Trainees for a 16-day course and transition into CNA roles after successful completion.
Vincentian offers a paid, four-week CNA training class for employees with placement into roles at Vincentian communities upon completion; eligible full-time hires may receive a sign-on bonus.
Union-benefit CNA training providing a 110-hour program delivered through TEF hubs for SEIU Healthcare PA members at no cost. The fund also offers tuition assistance and support services for career advancement.
Kittanning Health & Rehab Center offers a paid, employer‑sponsored CNA training class with full‑time daytime sessions (typically 8:00–4:00). The facility covers class tuition and state testing, and participants are offered employment upon successful certification; the site is PDE‑approved for 138 hours. Apply to the facility for upcoming cohorts.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offers a paid CNA trainee program at its Oakmont campus (The Willows). Most classes run Monday–Friday 7:00–3:30 with classroom, lab, and clinical; training and exam fees are covered and trainees are hired and paid during training. Graduates are prepared for the PA CNA exam and transition into CNA roles within the network.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 139.5Duration: 4 weeks
These 42 programs offer accelerated CNA training in Pennsylvania, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in Pennsylvania, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
Homewood at Plum Creek
✅ State Approved🏫 Nursing Facility⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored🙏 Faith-Based Institution🤝 Job Placement Help
Homewood at Plum Creek offers a paid nurse aide training program running about 4–6 weeks, with daytime training and employment pathway upon completion.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offers paid CNA training at Southmont with weekday classes plus lab and clinical; the organization covers training and exam fees while paying full-time wages during training. Graduates transition to CNA roles within the network.
Facility-run CNA training advertised as a free 3-week weekday program (7 AM–3 PM) held on site, with employment opportunities available after completion.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 126.5Duration: 3 weeks
Arbutus Park Retirement Community offers a four-week CNA class hosted at Laurel View Village with two weeks of classroom/lab and two weeks of clinical training.
Approximately 3-week Nurse Aide program with morning and evening cohorts; tuition includes books, uniform, equipment, and career guidance with employer affiliations.
Total Cost: $2,000Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
In-person 4–6 week nurse aide training offered through employer-sponsored contract cohorts with day and evening schedules covering theory, skills lab, and daytime clinicals. Books, scrubs, and equipment are included; some cohorts (e.g., Wesley Enhanced Living) pay tuition under a work agreement.
PDE-approved 5-week Nurse Aide Training Program blending classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, and clinical experiences. Tuition includes textbook, medical supplies, and one pair of scrubs; state competency exam fee not included.
Total Cost: $1,400Total Hours: 134Duration: 5 weeks
CareBridge Academy offers accelerated CNA training with day (about 3.5 weeks) and evening (about 5 weeks) cohorts; classes are in person only and include books and scrubs.
Total Cost: $1,845Total Hours: 106Duration: 4 weeks
NCC’s Nurse Aide program is an intensive 120-hour course with Basic Life Support included, offered in weekday daytime cohorts at the Fowler and Pocono locations.
Total Cost: $1,499Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
MCTI’s Nurse Aide course is 120 hours with classroom, lab, and clinical training, offered in daytime intensive or evening formats through Adult Continuing Education. Cohorts are scheduled throughout the year.
Total Cost: $1,050Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Penn State Hazleton offers a 128 hour Nurse Aide certificate with classroom and lab on campus and clinicals at local skilled nursing facilities, preparing students for the PA Nurse Aide exam.
Total Cost: $1,250Total Hours: 128Duration: 4 weeks
LCCC’s noncredit Nurse Aide program provides 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training to prepare students for entry-level care in long-term care settings. Current offerings list evening classes on weekdays with weekend clinicals and published tuition.
Total Cost: $1,250Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Cornwall Manor offers an employer-paid Nursing Assistant Training program for those who will work at the community, covering instruction, books, supplies and the certification exam. The full-time daytime program runs 18 days (class 8:00–16:00; clinical 7:00–15:00) and students are paid during training.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 124.8Duration: 4 weeks
The Good Shepherd Long-Term Care Nursing Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) prepares you to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency examination. Candidates accepted into the program are hired as CNA trainees at Good Shepherd and are paid at $14/hour while training. Your pay increases to a higher CNA rate ($22/hour) after completing certification.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 120.5Duration: 4 weeks
Allied Services offers a paid 4-week “Earn While You Learn” CNA training at its Scranton Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with training and exam costs covered. The program includes a guaranteed full-time position upon completion.
The 120-hour Nurse Assistant program runs about 3.5 weeks with classroom and lab 8:00 am–4:00 pm Monday–Friday and eight days of clinical at state-approved long-term care facilities. Tuition includes textbooks, two sets of scrubs and shoes, a stethoscope and cuff, and CPR instruction.
Nightingale offers a paid CNA course with weekday daytime classes. Candidates must be hired to attend; class time is paid and the first exam attempt is covered.
LECOM Health offers a 4-week, 120-hour CNA training program held at LECOM at Village Square with daytime classroom and clinical rotations. Training and the first exam are covered, and graduates are offered a full-time CNA role upon successful completion.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network hires CNA trainees and provides paid, full-time training with the cost of training and exam covered. Classes are typically 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and trainees transition to CNA roles upon certification.
Employer-run CNA training with day (3-week) or evening (5-week) cohorts covering classroom and clinical instruction. Designed to build a pipeline of CNAs for Homeland.
Wesbury offers a paid CNA training program totaling 120 hours with 9 days of classroom/lab and 8 days of clinicals, followed by testing. Training runs Monday–Friday on day shift and graduates transition into CNA roles at Wesbury.
NPRC’s Nurse Aide program provides 129 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction over four weeks in Titusville to build core nursing assistant skills and restorative care principles.
Total Cost: $2,419Total Hours: 129Duration: 4 weeks
No-cost 120-hour state-approved Nursing Assistant training designed for those intending to work at Christ the King Manor; delivered over 18 days Monday–Friday 7am–3pm.
Maple Heights advertises free Nurse Aide classes through a 21‑day program that prepares trainees for CNA roles with employment opportunities upon successful completion.
Lutheran SeniorLife offers a paid Nurse Aide Training class at Passavant Community with free training and daytime instruction, preparing trainees to move into CNA roles upon completion.
Guthrie offers a paid four-week CNA training program with weekday classroom and clinical instruction at the Robert Packer Hospital Towanda Campus; Guthrie covers training and testing costs.
UPMC Senior Communities offers paid CNA training at select facilities where trainees are hired as Nurse Aide Trainees for a 16-day course and transition into CNA roles after successful completion.
Vincentian offers a paid, four-week CNA training class for employees with placement into roles at Vincentian communities upon completion; eligible full-time hires may receive a sign-on bonus.
Kittanning Health & Rehab Center offers a paid, employer‑sponsored CNA training class with full‑time daytime sessions (typically 8:00–4:00). The facility covers class tuition and state testing, and participants are offered employment upon successful certification; the site is PDE‑approved for 138 hours. Apply to the facility for upcoming cohorts.
CCAC’s Nurse Aide Training Program is a 168-hour, 24-day in-person course held Monday–Friday at CCAC campuses and partner sites; tuition is 1999 and includes books and a workbook.
Total Cost: $1,999Total Hours: 168Duration: 5 weeks
Saber Healthcare notes nurse aide training classes are offered at select affiliated communities; contact East End Health & Rehab for current availability.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offers a paid CNA trainee program at its Oakmont campus (The Willows). Most classes run Monday–Friday 7:00–3:30 with classroom, lab, and clinical; training and exam fees are covered and trainees are hired and paid during training. Graduates are prepared for the PA CNA exam and transition into CNA roles within the network.
Total Cost: FreeTotal Hours: 139.5Duration: 4 weeks
These 17 programs offer evening CNA classes in Pennsylvania, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Quality Care Nursing
✅ State Approved🏫 Educational Entity⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Philadelphia, 2519 Germantown Ave Suite 213, Pennsylvania 19133
In-person 4–6 week nurse aide training offered through employer-sponsored contract cohorts with day and evening schedules covering theory, skills lab, and daytime clinicals. Books, scrubs, and equipment are included; some cohorts (e.g., Wesley Enhanced Living) pay tuition under a work agreement.
CCP’s Nurse Aide Training combines lecture, lab, and clinical for a total of 124 hours, with multiple daytime and evening schedules available through Corporate Solutions.
Total Cost: $1,495Total Hours: 124Duration: 6 weeks
CareBridge Academy offers accelerated CNA training with day (about 3.5 weeks) and evening (about 5 weeks) cohorts; classes are in person only and include books and scrubs.
Total Cost: $1,845Total Hours: 106Duration: 4 weeks
Living Branches offers a paid CNA training program where students are hired as employees and earn while they learn, with morning and evening cohorts over seven to nine weeks.
The Pavilion at BRMC offers paid CNA training with rolling admissions that combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience, preparing trainees to sit for the PA competency exam and pursue employment at BRMC/OGH.
Penn State Hazleton offers a 128 hour Nurse Aide certificate with classroom and lab on campus and clinicals at local skilled nursing facilities, preparing students for the PA Nurse Aide exam.
Total Cost: $1,250Total Hours: 128Duration: 4 weeks
LCCC’s noncredit Nurse Aide program provides 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training to prepare students for entry-level care in long-term care settings. Current offerings list evening classes on weekdays with weekend clinicals and published tuition.
Total Cost: $1,250Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
120-hour nurse aide course completed in about six weeks with evening classes; orientation is required prior to enrollment. Tuition is 1359 and includes text.
Total Cost: $1,359Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
Six-week, 120-hour CNA program with day and evening cohorts; includes classroom, lab, and clinical training with partner long-term care facilities. Tuition is 1500 and includes textbooks; scrubs are purchased separately.
Total Cost: $1,500Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
FCCTI’s Adult Evening Nurse Aide program totals 120 hours with 40 hours of theory, 25 hours of skills lab, and 55 hours of clinical in a nursing facility. The curriculum covers infection control, safety, personal care, restorative care, and end-of-life topics and prepares students to take the Pennsylvania CNA exam.
Fayette County CTI offers a 120-hour adult evening Nurse Aide program with 40 hours of theory, 25 hours of skills lab, and 55 hours of clinical to prepare students for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide competency exam.
CCTI’s state-approved Nurse Aide Training provides hands-on lab and supervised clinical experience covering resident care, infection control, and core healthcare skills. Day and evening cohorts are offered, and tuition assistance may be available through PA CareerLink.
RACC offers a non-credit Nurse Aide Training program with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction to prepare students for entry-level patient care roles. Classes are offered on campus or at partner long-term care sites.
These 2 programs offer weekend CNA classes in Pennsylvania, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center
✅ State Approved🏫 Nursing Facility✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored🤝 Job Placement Help🕒 Evening & Weekend Classes Available
📍 Bradford, 200 Pleasant Street, Pennsylvania 16701
The Pavilion at BRMC offers paid CNA training with rolling admissions that combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience, preparing trainees to sit for the PA competency exam and pursue employment at BRMC/OGH.
LCCC’s noncredit Nurse Aide program provides 120 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training to prepare students for entry-level care in long-term care settings. Current offerings list evening classes on weekdays with weekend clinicals and published tuition.
Total Cost: $1,250Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Pennsylvania is a strong state for Certified Nursing Assistants, both in terms of employment opportunities and earning potential. With more than 65,220 CNAs working statewide and over 1,253 healthcare facilities, there are ample opportunities to begin or advance your CNA career. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Pennsylvania has more than 661 nursing homes, 187 hospitals, and 405 home health agencies that employ CNAs. While these counts are based on CMS data and may not capture every facility in the state, they show the wide range of job opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in Pennsylvania is about $47,430, or $22.81 per hour. CNAs in Pennsylvania earn a median of $38,540 annually, which equals about $18.53 per hour. While CNA wages are below the statewide average, they provide a solid entry point into healthcare, with opportunities for advancement into higher-paying roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Job Outlook
The outlook for CNA employment in Pennsylvania remains positive. With 65,220 CNAs currently employed and a large number of healthcare facilities, job openings are expected to remain steady. Pennsylvania also has one of the oldest populations in the United States, which increases the need for long-term care and qualified nursing assistants. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh serve as major employment hubs, offering thousands of CNA jobs in large health systems such as Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and UPMC. Many CNAs gain experience and later pursue advanced nursing degrees, which creates turnover and new job opportunities each year.
Becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania is a fast and practical way to enter the healthcare field. Training programs can be completed in just a few weeks, allowing you to quickly transition into paid employment. With more than 661 nursing homes and a robust hospital network, Pennsylvania offers CNAs a wide range of employment settings. The state is also home to many affordable community colleges and vocational schools that provide approved CNA training, often serving as a pathway to LPN or RN programs. For many, CNA work serves as both a meaningful career and a stepping stone toward higher-level nursing roles. You can also explore free CNA classes or accelerated CNA classes available in the state.
CNA Salaries across Pennsylvania
CNA salaries vary by area and region, with urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh often paying higher than smaller metro or rural regions. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across Pennsylvania.
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in Pennsylvania.
Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Pennsylvania
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, CNA programs require a minimum of 80 hours of training, which includes 37.5 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Pennsylvania?
CNA classes in Pennsylvania generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in Pennsylvania offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in Pennsylvania?
Several schools in Pennsylvania offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in Pennsylvania?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in Pennsylvania offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in Pennsylvania?
To become a CNA in Pennsylvania, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Nurse Aide Competency Examination (NACE), and be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the Department of Education (PDE).
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Pennsylvania?
CNAs in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in Pennsylvania?
You can verify your status on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in Pennsylvania.
How much do CNAs earn in Pennsylvania?
The median CNA salary in Pennsylvania is $38,540 per year, or about $18.53 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in Pennsylvania also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in Pennsylvania?
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pennsylvania work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.