CNA Classes Philadelphia, PA

With a population of close to 1.6 million, Philadelphia, PA boasts 96 hospitals and over 220 nursing homes and mental health facilities to serve its residents. The senior population accounts for close to 20 percent of the total population, and as the population continues to age, there’s a growing need for CNAs. In order to meet demand, a growing number of nurse aide training providers are opening their doors to new students, offering both free and paid programs. The Pennsylvania Department of Health approves nurse aide training programs and maintains a registry of certified nurse aides. In order to obtain state certification, you must complete at least 100 hours of clinical and classroom training at one of the Department of Health’s accredited providers. Below, you’ll find a list of approved nurse aide programs in Philadelphia. For specific information about prerequisites for training or exemption from training, you should contact the Board of Nursing.

Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia prepares students for a career in health care with 124 hours of classroom lectures, lab skills, and clinical practicum. The state-approved curriculum covers topics such as resident rights, abuse and neglect prevention, role and functions of nurse aides, communication skills, personal care skills, vital signs, and observation. A review and final exam are included at the end of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the state board exam. Daytime and evening classes are available. Day classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm in the classroom and Monday through Thursday from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm for the clinical rotations. The duration is two weeks. The evening classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:45 pm for both classroom and clinical sessions. The duration is 5 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a general physical exam
  • Obtain a negative 2-step test for TB
  • Must undergo a criminal background check
  • Complete the Pennsylvania Residency Verification Form
  • Submit all required documents two weeks before the start of class

Tuition and fees cost $1,495. The cost of the textbook, uniform, physical exam, background check, immunization, and TB test must be covered by the student.

  • Website: https://www.ccp.edu/
  • Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
  • Phone: (215) 751-8000

Mercy Vocational High       

Mercy Vocational High’s nurse assistant training, designed for high school students, prepares them for careers in the health care industry. Students learn through lectures, clinical exposure, and lab practice over a 3-year period and are prepared to enter the world of work after graduating from high school. The training will also gain educational preparation in phlebotomy, EKG testing, and medical assisting. It covers more hours than a traditional nurse aide program to help students easily transition from high school to the health care setting. Students can apply to take the state certification exam at the end of their junior year and receive both a nurse aide and CPR certification upon graduation. They will be eligible for full-time or part-time employment in nursing homes and admission to nursing programs in a two-year or four-year college.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application online
  • Submit report cards for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades
  • Submit a recommendation from a teacher
  • Take the entrance test
  • Attend an interview with an admission representation

Tuition for high school students to attend Mercy High School is $6975 per year.

Fair Acres Geriatric Center

Fair Acres CNA Training Program is a free training program designed to train potential employees interested in working as nursing assistants. The program has the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and offers 120 hours of classroom, skills lab, and clinical instruction covered in 4 weeks. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tardiness and absenteeism will result in dismissal from the program. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to sit the Certification Test administered by the American Red Cross. Some graduates will be offered employment at Fair Acres.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Attend a CNA information session
  • Must have a valid photo ID and social security card
  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Submit a pre-employment application
  • Take and pass a test assessing reading rate and comprehension
  • Obtain state and federal police clearance
  • Complete a physical exam through a licensed physician
  • Obtain a negative 2-step TB test

Tuition is free for candidates accepted to the program. Completing the program does not guarantee employment by Fair Acres.

Reading Area Community College

Nursing assistant students complete the program in just six months and become eligible to take the Pennsylvania State Competency Exam. The curriculum covers 120 hours of classroom lectures, skills lab, and clinical experiences at a long-term care facility. Course topics include medical terminology, basic nursing skills, communication and interpersonal relationships, nutrition and feeding personal hygiene, infection control, vital signs, and rehabilitation and restorative techniques among others. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the online admissions application or request a paper application
  • Register for the nurse assistant class
  • Complete the non-degree registration form
  • Pay the tuition by the due date
  • Purchase the course textbook
  • Obtain a student ID and parking tag

Tuition for the program is $1,390. Students will be responsible for the cost of medical exam, criminal background check, uniform, shoes, and administrative fee.

Entry-Level Nurse Aide

Entry Level Nurse Aide hosts a 120-hour program to prepare adults to meet the need for compassionate caretakers in long-term facilities. Licensed nurse instructors conduct classroom sessions, practical labs, and supervised patient care experiences in a skilled nursing facility. The instruction will cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, basic nursing skills, personal care, infection control, range of motion exercises, safety and emergency, long-term care, mental health, patients’ rights and independence, legal and ethical concepts, and hospice care. Graduates of the state-approved program will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to apply to take the state certification exam administered by the American Red Cross. Morning and evening classes are available. The morning class meets from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The evening class meets from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Registration takes place one week before the start of classes.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a Nurse Aide Information Session
  • Must have a valid ID and social security card
  • Must complete physical and two-step TB test

Tuition for the program is $1,300. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

Penn Asian Vocational Institute

Penn Asian prepares adults for employment at a healthcare institution, especially in long-term care. More than 80 percent of graduates have gone on to secure employment after graduation. The 120-hour training includes 52 hours of direct patient care in a nursing facility. Training will include basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, basic restorative skills, resident rights, caring for cognitively impaired residents, personal care skills, and infection control. Nurse aide students will also complete four hours of CPR & AED training and certification. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Evening and weekend schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a photo ID showing PA address
  • Pass a CHRI (criminal background check)
  • Submit an up-to-date resume
  • Present a 2-paragraph statement indicating reason for choosing to be a nurse aide
  • Have a high school diploma or GED or submit a completed Education Attestation Form
  • Provide documentation indicating eligibility for employment in the US
  • Submit results of a 2-step PPD test
  • Submit a statement signed by a physician certifying the absence of communicable disease
  • Complete the Hepatitis B Vaccination Acknowledgment Form

Tuition for the program is $850. Registration costs $100.

Pennsylvania Academy for Nurse Aide Training (PANAT)

PANAT prepares adults for the Nurse Aide Registry exam and for employment as a Nurse Aide. Theory and practical instruction will cover the role and function of the nurse aide, communication, nutrition, infection control, personal care, client environment, safety and emergency, conditions of the body system, personal care skills, client rights and independence, care of the cognitively impaired, restorative skills, CPR and First Aid, behavioral health, and review of theory. Students will participate in a clinical rotation to apply the skills covered in the classroom. Graduates will receive a Diploma in Nurse Aide Training as well as certifications in CPR and First Aide and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. The duration of the program is four weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 17 years or older
  • Demonstrate a minimum 5th-grade reading level by passing an entrance assessment
  • Must be able to perform simple math at the 7th-grade level
  • Submit a completed (by a physician) Physical Exam/Health Form indicating good health with no communicable diseases and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds
  • Must complete a satisfactory TB test (2-step PPD or chest x-ray)
  • Pass a criminal background check with no felonies or other prohibitive offenses

The program cost of $1,515 includes tuition, books, uniform, supplies, fees, background check and PPD. Job placement assistance is available to graduates.

Health and Technical Training Institute

The Nurse Aide Program at HTTI prepares adults for state certification. The program exceeds the state’s requirements by delivering 152 hours of theory and practical training. The additional hours seek to provide students with a rounded skill set to provide competent care in various health care settings. Areas of study include the role of the nurse aide, medical terminology, infection control, nutrition, common diseases, basic nursing skills, measuring vital signs, observation and reporting, mental health and social services, and safety and emergency. Students must commit to attend all classes since absenteeism and tardiness will result in dismissal from the program.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an information/testing session
  • Must take and pass the admission test
  • Submit a satisfactory physical exam – a licensed physician must complete the medical clearance form
  • Must have no felonies or qualifying misdemeanors

The cost of attendance is $2,356 and includes tuition, books, lab supplies, criminal background check, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, name badge, CPR certification, and the PA state competency exam.

CareBridge Academy  

CareBridge Academy prepares adults with the knowledge, skills and values to make a difference in the healthcare industry. The program includes hands-on instruction in the school’s well-equipped lab. It provides 100 hours of classroom as well as practical instruction. Students will complete a hands-on clinical at a local health care facility. Course topics include communication skills, infection control, clients’ rights, nutrition, identify and report conditions of the body systems, restorative care, care of cognitively impaired patients, behavioral health and social services, and clients’ environment. The school offers sponsored training, flexible schedules, experienced instructors, accelerated training classes, and connections to top employers. Graduates of the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved program will be eligible to sit for the state nurse aide exam. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The duration of the program is 4 weeks.  

Admission criteria:  

  • Must be at least seventeen (17) years of age 
  • Must have a valid photo ID or birth certificate 
  • Applicants under 18 must have a parent or guardian signature 
  • Submit a two-step negative TB screening test = not older than 12 months. A chest x-ray or blood test reflecting a negative tuberculosis screening within the previous five years is also acceptable  
  • Must complete a satisfactory physical examination prior to commencing the course 
  • Must obtain criminal background check clearance before the start of class   
  • Must pass a reading entrance exam demonstrating the ability to comprehend the English Language at an intermediate reading level and a passing math score of 70 – for applicants who have not graduated high school 

The program cost of $1,495 includes tuition, books, and supplies.  

Tranquility and Allegiance Academy  

Tranquility And Allegiance Academy offers a nurse aide program that is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools. The program covers 103 hours of theory and practical instruction. Course topics include body structure and function, medical terminology, infection control, client rights and independence, nutrition, communication skills, Alzheimer’s care, restorative care, range of motion, measuring vital signs, and observation and reporting. The school maintains small class sizes to provide students with personalized attention and improve their chances of success. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion after completing all the program requirements. They will be eligible to apply to sit for the PA Nurse Aide Competency Exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.  

Admission criteria:  

  • Must be at least 17 years of age or older  
  • Must submit a completed registration form online 
  • Must pay the $50.00 registration fee  
  • Must take and pass the school entrance exam  
  • Must submit a Health Form completed by a physician – including a negative TB screening test = either 2-step PPD or QuantiFERON GOLD TB Plus or chest x-ray if PPD is positive 
  • Must pass a criminal background check – must not have any felonies or other prohibitive offenses 
  • Must sign and date the Enrollment Agreement

The program cost of $1,800 includes tuition, registration fee, uniform, books, and equipment.   

Quality Care Nursing  

Quality Care Nursing offers an onsite nurse aide program to prepare students for success on the nurse aide exam. The progrma includes theory and practical instruction to equip students with the knwoelrge and skills to deliver direct patient care in acute and long-term care settings. Students will participate in a clinical rotation at a local long-term care facility. Through a partnership with  Wesley Enhanced Living, the school is able to offer students the opportunity to have their tuition paid in exchange for employment. Graduates will be prepared for success on the state nurse aide competency exam. The duration of the program is 4 weeks. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. An evening class meets two days a week from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 6 weeks.   

Admission criteria:  

  • Submit a completed application online  
  • Must complete a criminal background check  
  • Must submit a physical completed by a licensed physician  
  • Must obtain a negative TB test  
  • Must have current COVID vaccination  
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED  
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or other government issued photo I 
  • Must obtain a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report from the PA State Police during the current year to begin a nurse aide training program the report must be free of prohibitive offenses 
  • Candidates who have not been residents of PA for at least two years must also obtain an FBI report  

 A flexible payment plan is available for all students.  

Other State-approved Training Providers in Philadelphia, PA 

Allied Tech Institute of Philadelphia 

426 East Allegheny Avenue,  

Philadelphia, PA 19134 

215 423-1000 

 

Cathedral Village School 

600 East Cathedral Road, 

Philadelphia, PA 19128 

215 984-8671 

 

Quality Caring Professionals  

1420 Walnut St. Suite 318  

Philadelphia 19102  

(215) 449-9088 

How Long Is CNA School in Philadelphia, PA  

State approved CNA programs in Pennsylvania cover at least 100 hours of instruction. Full-time classes may be completed in 3 weeks. Part-time classes require approximately 5 weeks for completion.  

How Much Is CNA Classes in Philadelphia, PA   

CNA classes in Philadelphia cost approximately $1,500 for tuition, books, and supplies.  

How Do I Become A CNA in Philadelphia 

As a prospective nurse aide, you must enroll in and successfully complete an approved nurse aide program as a first step to becoming a nurse aide in Philadelphia. You must then apply for and pass the knowledge and skills components of the nurse aide exam before applying for CNA certification.  

Credentia holds the responsibility of administering the nurse aide exam and managing the nurse aide registry. After you have passed both components of the nurse aide exam, your name will be placed on the PA Nurse Aide Registry.  

Full details on obtaining your CNA certification in Pennsylvania.  

How Much Does A CNA Make in Philadelphia? 

Certified nursing assistants in Philadelphia earn a median annual wage of $41,424 annually. Your actual wage will be determined by your education, experience, place of work, and working hours – overtime hours, etc.  

Can I Take CNA Classes Online in Pennsylvania  

Online CNA classes are available in Pennsylvania where students have the option to complete some of the theoretical content through distance learning. The hands-on skills lab and clinical rotation must be completed in-person according to state and federal mandates.  

What CNA Jobs Pay The Most?   

While the majority of CNA work in long-term care facilities, those who work in hospitals have a record for earning the highest wages – upwards of $48,500 in Philadelphia.  

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

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