CNA Classes & Programs in Erie, Pennsylvania
5 state-approved CNA programs in Erie, including free and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Erie
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,380
- $17.49 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,650
- in the Erie region
- Healthcare facilities
- 27
- 14 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 9 home health agencies
- Population
- 94,826
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Erie is home to 5 state-approved CNA classes for individuals interested in joining the healthcare field along the shores of Lake Erie. These CNA programs in Erie, Pennsylvania offer options such as 4-week classes and free CNA classes, making it possible for students to begin their training quickly and affordably. CNAs in Erie typically earn around $36,380 annually.
With over 25 healthcare facilities serving the local community, Erie presents a range of employment options for newly certified nursing assistants. Training programs cover essential topics like patient safety and basic care, preparing graduates to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities throughout the city.
Starting with CNA courses in Erie can lead to a meaningful healthcare career and connect individuals to opportunities in their own community. Those ready for a rewarding role supporting others will find Erie’s CNA training programs offer a practical pathway to get started.
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Browse CNA Classes in Erie
Students in Erie can choose from 5 CNA programs that prepare them for Pennsylvania state certification. These classes offer 4-week accelerated options and free training opportunities, enabling quick entry into healthcare careers. With flexible learning paths, graduates gain practical skills and certification needed to meet regional healthcare demand and start nursing assistant careers.
Program Types in Erie
| Type | In Erie | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not permitted in Pennsylvania | In-person training only |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Erie | See other Pennsylvania cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Erie
Lowest published cost first.
LECOM at Village Square
CostFreeHours120Weeks4
- Address
- 149 West 22nd Street, Erie, PA 16502
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (814) 868-3470
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.
Visit websitePresbyterian Senior Care Network
CostFreeHours140Weeks5
- Address
- 6351 West Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (814) 314-1612
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.
Visit websiteHVA Senior Living Alliance (multiple locations)
Cost$1,550Hours126Weeks–
- Address
- 4631 West Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (814) 833-1609
126-hour accelerated nurse aide program with on-site classroom, lab, and clinical; daytime schedule and completion in about 19 days. Tuition and state exam are reimbursed after 260 hours of employment.
Visit websiteNightingale Nursing Home & Rehab
Cost–Hours120Weeks–
- Address
- 607 E. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16504
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (814) 451-1239
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.
Visit websiteWalnut Creek Healthcare & Rehab
Cost–Hours129Weeks–
- Address
- 4850 Zuck Road, Erie, PA 16506
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (814) 541-5950
Walnut Creek Healthcare & Rehab is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
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All Pennsylvania cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Erie
| Median annual pay | $36,380 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.49 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,650 |
| Salary region | Erie |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Erie region, approximately 1,650 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are employed, reflecting a steady need for nursing support staff across various healthcare settings. CNA jobs are available in hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies, offering a range of work environments for those entering the field. Local healthcare employers include several CMS-certified nursing homes, such as the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home, a state-operated facility with 107 beds and an average of over 100 residents, and Sarah Reed Senior Living, a nonprofit with more than 100 beds serving Erie’s senior population. These facilities rely on dedicated CNAs to provide essential daily care and support to residents.
For those considering compensation, the median annual CNA salary in Erie is $36,380, with a median hourly wage of $17.49, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) (BLS OEWS). This local median is somewhat lower than the Pennsylvania state median of $38,540, providing a useful benchmark for job seekers and current CNAs assessing their earning potential in the area.
Erie’s healthcare sector is anchored by major regional hospitals, including UPMC Hamot, a nonprofit acute care hospital, and Saint Vincent Hospital, both of which offer opportunities for CNAs in acute and long-term care. Home health agencies such as Interim Healthcare of Erie and UPMC Home Healthcare further expand employment options for CNAs interested in community-based or in-home patient care. The variety of employers and care settings in Erie ensures a range of career paths for those pursuing or advancing in CNA roles.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Erie (14 facilities)
14 nursing homes in Erie providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Soldiers And Sailors Home560 East Third St(814) 871-4531Map | 107 | 3.6 |
| Manchester Commons Of Presbyterian Seniorcare6351 West Lake Road(814) 838-9191Map | 78 | 2.8 |
| Saint Mary'S At Asbury Ridge4855 West Ridge Road(814) 836-5300Map | 80 | 2.7 |
| Lecom At Elmwood Gardens, Llc2628 Elmwood Avenue(814) 920-1220Map | 51 | 2.6 |
| Sarah Reed Senior Living227 West 22Nd Street(814) 878-2600Map | 106 | 2.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Erie (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Erie offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Upmc HamotAcute Care Hospitals · 201 State Street(814) 877-6000Map | 4/5 |
| Saint Vincent HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 232 West 25Th Street(814) 452-5000Map | 3/5 |
| Millcreek Community HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 5515 Peach Street(814) 864-4031Map | 2/5 |
| Erie Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 135 East 38Th Street(814) 868-8661Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Erie (9 facilities)
9 home health agencies in Erie providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Interim Healthcare Of Erie2206 W 15Th Street(814) 836-8836Map | 3.0/5 |
| Upmc Home Healthcare1700 Peach Street, Suite 244(814) 877-6120Map | 3.0/5 |
| Visiting Nurse Association Of Erie County2253 West Grandview Boulevard(814) 454-2831Map | 2.5/5 |
| Bayada Home Health Care, Inc.1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 17(814) 240-0540Map | 2.0/5 |
| Aveanna Healthcare153 East 13Th Street Suite 4000(814) 459-4849Map | – |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Erie? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Fairview, Meadville, Corry, Edinboro, and Greenville, or browse the Pennsylvania CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Erie, PA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Erie, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Pennsylvania. These include completing a state-approved CNA training program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 80 hours of training, including 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice in a healthcare facility
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam (written/oral and skills evaluation)
- Clear criminal background check and required health screenings
- Placement on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
Once you are certified, you can apply for CNA jobs at hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout Erie and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your license into Pennsylvania without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania guide.
For full details on testing, certification, and maintaining an active license, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Pennsylvania guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Erie.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Erie
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Erie?
Most CNA programs in Erie can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at LECOM at Village Square.
How much does CNA training cost in Erie?
HVA Senior Living Alliance (multiple locations) lists a price of $1,550. Ask the other programs in Erie for theirs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Erie?
Yes. 2 programs in Erie are free or employer-paid: LECOM at Village Square and Presbyterian Senior Care Network. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Erie?
No. Pennsylvania does not permit online CNA training, so all training is completed in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Erie?
Yes. 3 programs in Erie are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Erie there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Fairview, Meadville, Corry, Edinboro and Greenville. You can also look at the Pennsylvania state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Pennsylvania CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Pennsylvania, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Pennsylvania CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Erie?
CNAs in Erie are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 14 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 9 home health agencies in Erie. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.