There are three different nursing roles that prospective nurses can pursue: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN). Each role has distinct responsibilities, educational requirements, and compensation. All roles are employed heavily by the major healthcare employers in Erie, Pennsylvania, including Sunrise Senior Living and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
The first role, certified nursing assistant, requires the least amount of educational time commitment. CNAs provide direct care to patients who may no longer be mobile or able to care for themselves, typically operating under the supervision of practical nurses or registered nurses. Students can complete a certificate in nursing assistant program in a matter of weeks; successful passing of the state-administered examination is also required for official certification. About 1,660 CNAs are currently employed in Erie, and these CNAs receive a median annual salary of $23,960.
The last role, registered nurse, is best suited for individuals with strong interest in the nursing profession and willing to commit a significant amount of time to learning the ropes. They can enroll in either a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN) program. Completion of either program qualifies students to take the NCLEX-RN national licensure examination. While this process is lengthier, the tradeoffs are well worth it. A total of 3,140 RNs are employed in Erie, and these RNs receive a median annual salary of $54,080.
To facilitate your selection of the most appropriate nursing role and training, we have compiled below a detailed list of nursing schools and programs in Erie, Pennsylvania.