Individuals pursuing a nursing career can find several quality schools in Reading, Pennsylvania. Reading Area Community College, Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, and Alvernia College are three local institutions that provide well-regarded training. Upon completing a degree or certificate program, graduates can work at local healthcare employers like Reading Hospital, Haven Behavioral Hospital, and the Women’s Center.
There are several pathways to a nursing career. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate program can be completed in just a few weeks. For example, the Red Cross offers an accelerated four-week certificate program. Candidates review basic skills such as recording blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rates. They also learn the technicalities of recording vital information on medical forms and charts. Over 2,000 nursing assistants are currently licensed in Reading, enjoying a stable median salary of $27,000 per year.
Candidates seeking an even larger role in the healthcare industry may consider licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Most aspiring RNs pursue either a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a shorter associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). RNs can expect to earn about $62,500 annually in the Reading metropolitan area. Nurses who want to specialize in a particular healthcare field, like oncology or pediatric care, must also complete a graduate program. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are very well compensated, with salaries often in excess of $85,000.
To help Reading’s future nurses select their role and educational pathway, we’ve listed below the city’s top nursing schools and programs.