A nursing assistant career can serve as a gateway into Pennsylvania’s nursing industry. As the most junior nursing care provider, nursing assistants work alongside more experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). They can gain valuable exposure and understanding of the healthcare industry before deciding whether or not to further their career in the nursing profession.
Nursing assistants and the workplace
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs prepare candidates for a competitive career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 74,520 practicing nursing assistants in Pennsylvania, earning an average of $23,650 to $31,090 per year. Qualified nursing assistants are well-equipped to work in one of Pennsylvania’s many healthcare institutions, including Philadelphia State Hospital, The Children’s Institute, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
How to become a certified nursing assistant
Nursing assistant candidates must complete a CNA program, which is the basic license required to practice as a healthcare professional in Pennsylvania. These programs are often brief, usually running eight to ten weeks and providing a flexible and simple entry into the field of nursing. Certified nursing assistants often pursue higher certifications at a later date, enabling them to practice as a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse. These programs are more comprehensive and may take one to several years to complete.
Pennsylvania has numerous institutions that prepare potential nursing assistants with the experience, confidence, and ability to contribute to Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. Four of the state’s most prominent CNA programs are offered at Berks Technical Institute, Everest Institute, Commonwealth Technical Institute, and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology.
Below is a more comprehensive list of the best nursing assistant programs in Pennsylvania, organized by major metropolitan area.