CNA Certification Pennsylvania
How to Become a CNA in Pennsylvania
CNA training in a Pennsylvania Department of Health-approved program is the beginning of a Pennsylvania CNA certification. From there, you must pass a state Nurse Competency Exam. After passing the state certification exam, you will then be listed on the Pennsylvania State Nurse Aide Registry as required by federal law for employment in a healthcare facility in Pennsylvania.
You might find that working in a facility as a CNA can be very exciting. You get to work closely with and learn from registered nurses whose main goal is to provide patient care and safety. Also, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reports a national CNA growth rate of phenomenal proportions. This means the CNA career is a promising one.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program
You can get an approved CNA training in Pennsylvania program list from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Step 2
Make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements for enrolling in a CNA training program.
Some program coordinators have a set age limit of 18, however, the age limit under Pennsylvania state law is 16 years old for programs and test eligibility. Other requirements include proficiency in English and basic math.
You must also obtain a criminal background investigation from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI). You must also have to have a physical checkup in which you will be tested for infectious illnesses prior to being registered with any program.
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Step 3
Complete your CNA training.
The training program must contain a federally set minimum of 75 class hours and an additional state-mandated 45 hours. This will include a portion of both in-class teaching and clinical skills teaching in a medical supervised facility.
CNA classes in Pennsylvania will teach a nurse aide how to care for patients on a daily basis. This will include how to recognize choking and how to administer CPR, feed patients, bathe and change patients’ bedding, interact with patients, and maintain a clean and safe environment for the patients.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Register to take the PA CNA certification exam.
Pearson VUE will conduct the testing process that follows your training. You will need to apply within 24 months of completing your training. Be aware that there are some fees associated with registering for the licensing examination.
Step 2
Prepare for the CNA certification exam.
You can do this by reviewing what you’ve learned in your CNA training. We offer a number of practice tests available for you to take.
Step 3
Take the CNA certification exam.
On the day you are assigned to take the test, you should arrive early to process your paperwork and settle in. Also, be sure you bring your state issued photo ID.
The exam is made up of two parts– a written knowledge exam and a manual skills exam. You will have 90 minutes to complete the written exam which consists of 70 questions.
You will also be tested on 24 basic nurse aide skills. Five of these skills will be chosen randomly by your evaluator. You must pass four of the five tested skills with 100% accuracy to pass the skills test.
If you pass your exam, you will get your CNA certification and will be added to the Pennsylvania registry immediately, but your certificate will be mailed to you and that within a reasonable time frame.
Step 4
Once you pass the CNA certification exam in Pennsylvania, you will then be set for an exciting and rewarding CNA career. It is important to create a resume highlighting your qualifications before you apply for a job.
As stated by the Pennsylvania Center for Workforce, there is a predicted 14% CNA growth rate over the next decade. Also, the CNA Salary in Pennsylvania is $25,000 a year, on average, but salary will increase with experience and additional training.
For more information on becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Nursing Care Facilities
Room 526, Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
800-852-0518
717-787-1816