Online CNA Classes in Pennsylvania: Top PA Programs

A Closer Look Inside Online CNA Classes in Pennsylvania

Fortunately, this path to an entry-level allied health role is fast, and some schools may offer online CNA classes in PA that allow you to earn your certificate in just two to four weeks. With your education completed, you’ll find yourself in high demand in nursing homes, hospitals, hospice care settings, and long-term care facilities. Please note, however, that because of the nature of being a CNA, these training programs cannot be completed entirely online. While most of the lectures can be conducted online, you can expect each program to require a specific number of in-person labs and clinicals.

Your education will prepare you to work with multiple patients in need of essential care — bathing, assisting with mobility issues, transporting, logging vital information, and stocking medical supplies, among other duties. You can also expect to learn how to monitor patient food and liquid intake and update care teams on the patients’ progress.

The first step toward your future as a CNA is identifying your future program, so the three spotlights below offer insights into quality programs with flexible elements — some of which may offer online components. Each of these schools gives students a path toward becoming entry-level nursing assistants.

Answering Key Questions from CNA Students

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably interested in how to become a CNA; and while we’ve provided insights and program ideas, we also realize you may still have questions. Concerns about finances, testing, and admission requirements can send you combing the internet in search of answers. To make your research a little easier we’ve addressed many more of prospective CNA students’ most pressing concerns below.

Are there free CNA training programs in PA?

Some healthcare facilities will pay for your class and exams if you subsequently work in the field for a predetermined amount of time. For example, CareBridge Academy provides free nursing assistant training, but this payment arrangement works only on a reimbursement basis. Students must pay costs up front, and once they graduate and work for 260 hours in a nursing home or long-term care facility within one year of passing the state CNA exam, then the nursing home reimburses the full cost of the program.

How long does it take to become a CNA in PA? Can I take the CNA test without completing a program in PA?

Pennsylvania requires at least 80 hours of CNA training. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s recommended certified nursing assistant programs tend to offer 120- to 128-hour courses. These programs typically take between six to 15 weeks to complete and must include 37.5 hours of clinical practice.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, you must graduate from a state-approved nurse aide training program to earn eligibility to take the state nurse aide competency examination. Candidates must also be at least 16 years old to take the exam, although some nursing facilities require candidates to be at least 18 years old.

Do I need my GED to enroll in online CNA classes?

While Pennsylvania doesn’t require a GED to enroll in online CNA classes, many schools and nursing facilities require either a GED or high school diploma for employment. If you don’t have a GED or high school diploma, you might seek out small, private online CNA classes in PA or contact different programs to see if they offer alternative pathways for people without a GED or high school diploma.

Do 4-week online CNA programs exist in Pennsylvania?

While accelerated, 4-week CNA programs exist in Pennsylvania — such as Northampton Community College, CareBridge Academy, and the Philadelphia Academy for Nurse Aide Training (PANAT) — none of these programs are fully online. CNA programs consist of necessary skill labs and clinicals, requiring hands-on training that prepare CNA candidates to work with nurses and patients in Pennsylvania. But some programs may offer hybrid elements, like some lecture materials that may be accessed online. If you’re researching CNA programs outside of Pennsylvania, you might have better luck finding a four-week CNA program. However, if you’re not committed to becoming a CNA and are motivated to begin your healthcare career as quickly as possible, there are multiple healthcare careers you can start in no time.

How much do CNA classes cost in PA?

While the cost of CNA classes in PA varies between programs, most programs range between $500 and $2,000. Northampton Community College charges $1,499, for example, while PANAT charges $1,475. As mentioned earlier, some programs, such as CareBridge Academy, reimburse graduates, resulting in a free education after the candidate has graduated and worked a certain number of hours in a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. Still looking for ways to cut costs? Depending on your program there might be financial aid available in the form of grants or scholarships.

Income & Career Opportunities for CNAs in Pennsylvania

Yes, becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania starts with finding the right program and completing all the steps for certification, but it culminates in actually entering the workforce. So, what can you expect when you reach that point? Let’s take a look.

Pennsylvania’s 10-year projected growth rate for the career is 4%, which is nearly identical to the national figure of 4.2%. This positive upward trend means that job seekers should be able to find sufficient employment opportunities. The median annual salary across the state is $38,540, with the 10th percentile earning around $33,780 and the 90th percentile earning about $46,170. However, the specific region is an important consideration. Take, for example, the Chambersburg-Waynesboro area. Both its median ($41,160) and 90th percentile ($49,920) annual salaries exceed statewide figures. Other areas, such as Johnstown, fall well below. Here, salaries range from $28,650 to $38,760 per year. Dive deeper by examining the tables below.