CNA Classes in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes Barre CNA Training - Pennsylvania

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

About Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the Wyoming Valley, is known for its rich history and vibrant community. Nestled along the Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre offers a blend of urban amenities and scenic beauty. The city is home to landmarks such as the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and the River Common park. For more information, visit the official Wilkes-Barre website.

CNA Training Programs in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wilkes-Barre, there are several local schools offering CNA programs and courses. Here are three options to consider:

1. Luzerne County Community College
   • Location: Nanticoke, PA (approximately 10 miles from Wilkes-Barre)
   • Program: Luzerne County Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Website: Luzerne County Community College CNA Program
2. Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center
   • Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
   • Program: This center provides a Nursing Assistant course that covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA certification. The program combines theoretical learning with practical training in a healthcare setting.
   • Website: Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center
3. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
   • Location: Media, PA (approximately 115 miles from Wilkes-Barre)
   • Program: Although a bit farther away, the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers a well-regarded CNA program that includes both classroom and clinical training to ensure students are fully prepared for the certification exam.
   • Website: Pennsylvania Institute of Technology CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre hosts several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment opportunities. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
   • Location: Plains Township, PA
   • About: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently hire CNAs to support their patient care teams.
   • Website: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Careers
2. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
   • Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
   • About: As a prominent hospital in the area, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services and has various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Website: Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Careers
3. Highland Park Senior Living
   • Location: Wilkes-Barre Township, PA
   • About: Highland Park Senior Living offers assisted living and memory care services, employing CNAs to ensure the well-being of their residents.
   • Website: Highland Park Senior Living Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 80 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both written and skills test components.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
4. State Registration: Register with the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a rewarding choice. With several local training programs and ample employment opportunities, you can begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact one of the schools listed above today to get started on your path to becoming a CNA.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Pennsylvania may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Wilkes Barre?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Wilkes Barre usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Wilkes Barre will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Wilkes Barre?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Pennsylvania, you can find CNA training starting in March 2026, April 2026, May 2026, or June 2026 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Pennsylvania, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Wilkes Barre is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Pennsylvania CNA Salary info.