CNA Classes in Philadelphia, PA

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Philadelphia?

Tuition at Philadelphia programs runs Free to $2,395 (about $1,957 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee (Approximately $118 total for both portions), the application/registry fee ($37 reciprocity application fee for out-of-state CNAs; no separate state application fee for in-state applicants), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Pennsylvania typically falls around $0 (employer-sponsored) to $1,500 (private program). Note that 1 Philadelphia program offers free training — see the highlighted options above.

How to Become a CNA in Philadelphia, PA

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), and able to read and write English. The Pennsylvania Department of Health does not require a high school diploma or GED, though most training programs require basic English literacy.

2. 2

   Find a Pennsylvania DOH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program

   Look for an 80-hour state-approved program. Approved programs are run by Pennsylvania's community college system (especially Community College of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Technical College, HACC), the American Red Cross, nursing facility chains, and private career schools. Many Pennsylvania LTC operators in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Lancaster sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment.

3. 3

   Complete the 80-hour training program

   Pass all 80 hours, including 37.5 hours of classroom and 37.5 hours of supervised clinical experience. Your program registers you with Credentia for the competency exam.

4. 4

   Complete all three required background checks

   Pennsylvania requires three separate background clearances under OAPSA: a Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check, a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services child abuse history clearance, and a federal FBI fingerprint clearance. Submit fingerprints for the state and federal checks. All three must clear before you can begin work in any licensed facility. Allow 2 to 4 weeks total for processing.

5. 5

   Schedule and pass the Credentia competency exam

   Apply through Credentia's CNA365 portal for the Pennsylvania nurse aide examination. The total exam fee is approximately $118 for both the written (or oral) and skills portions. Schedule both at a Credentia-approved Pennsylvania test center, typically within 2 to 4 weeks of program completion.

6. 6

   Get listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry

   Once you pass both exam portions and all three background checks clear, Credentia transmits your results to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and you are added to the state Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status at sais.health.pa.gov. From that point you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Pennsylvania licensed healthcare facility.

Becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania

Becoming a CNA in Pennsylvania is a slightly longer-than-federal-minimum pathway: the state requires 80 hours of training rather than the 75-hour federal floor, split into 37.5 hours of classroom instruction and 37.5 hours of supervised clinical experience. Most full-time programs at community colleges and career schools run 4 to 6 weeks. Pennsylvania's Community College system — including Community College of Philadelphia, HACC in Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh-area programs — runs the largest network of approved training, typically priced $400 to $1,200 for residents.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Philadelphia