Guide to Finding the Best CNA Programs in Philadelphia
As an education expert assisting students with career development for over 15 years, I‘m frequently asked for advice on certified nursing assistant (CNA) training programs in the Philadelphia area. I‘ve researched the ins and outs of the many local CNA schools to be able to guide prospective students like yourself to the best fits based on your unique goals, needs, and preferences.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with expert insights on the top CNA programs in Philadelphia. I‘ll overview key factors to compare the options, provide data-driven recommendations on stand-out schools, and detail what you can expect from a rewarding career as a CNA after certification. My goal is to ensure you choose the right program to confidently begin serving others in this growing healthcare field.
CNA Program Overview for Philadelphia Students
Before diving into the top local training providers, let‘s overview key information on CNA programs:
- Length ranges from 4 to 12 weeks with full or part-time options
- Cost averages $1,200 with financial aid available
- Includes lecture instruction and 70-100 clinical hours
- Leads to eligibility to take PA state certification exam
- Certification must be renewed every 2 years
CNA classes prepare you with the skills needed to provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities under the supervision of an RN or LPN nurse.
As a major healthcare hub, Philadelphia has a growing need for certified nursing assistants. Over 500 completers of local CNA programs become certified to work in the city each year. By 2026, jobs for CNAs across Pennsylvania are expected to increase by 10%, adding nearly 11,000 new positions.
Let‘s explore the top-rated CNA training schools in Philadelphia that will thoroughly equip you with the clinical abilities, communication talents, and medical knowledge to begin this meaningful work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a CNA Program
With many options for CNA classes in Philadelphia, it‘s important to assess which school aligns with your unique needs and preferences as a student. Here are key factors I advise considering:
Program Length
CNA programs range from 4-week accelerated formats to 12-week comprehensive ones. The length you choose impacts overall cost and schedule flexibility. Accelerated CNA training options enable certification more quickly but require dedication to an intensive curriculum.
Educational Approach
Review teaching methodologies and class format options through the lens of how you learn best. Many schools offer blended learning with integrated online and in-person components. Be sure clinical hour requirements are met for PA certification eligibility.
Instructors
Experienced instructors make a difference in your educational experience. Seek CNA programs with smaller instructor-to-student ratios and teachers possessing at least 2-3 years of professional bedside nursing experience.
Facilities & Equipment
Look for modern simulation lab spacesmirroring real healthcare settings to apply your technical skills with actual hospital beds, mannequins, lifts, and more.
Career Assistance
From resume reviews to interview prep, job fairs and employer introductions, many CNA schools provide career support to help you secure work placements after getting certified. Identify what specific employment services are included before enrolling.
Now that you know what to look for in CNA training programs, let‘s explore the top facilities in Philadelphia I recommend based on in-depth research and graduate outcomes.
Overview of Top CNA Programs in Philadelphia
After thorough evaluation of all CNA schools in the Philadelphia area on factors like cost, curriculum, instructors, job placement results, and graduate reviews, these five institutions rise to the top for offering exceptional, comprehensive training.
| CNA Program | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carebridge Academy CNA Training School | Accelerated 4 week program with guaranteed job placement assistance |
| Prism Career Institute | Flexible full or part-time schedules. 98% first-time certification exam pass rate |
| Philadelphia Academy for Nurse Aide Training (PANAT) | Affordable tuition with multiple flexible schedule options |
| Successful Aging Career Institute | 100-hour accelerated CNA certification in just 2 weeks |
| Philadelphia Job Corps Center | No cost CNA training for eligible young adults along with career placement services |
Now, let‘s explore key details on each of these exceptional CNA training facilities. Through this research, you‘ll be able to determine which Philadelphia CNA program is the best match to meet your individual needs.
1. Carebridge Academy CNA Training School
For an accelerated path to achieve your CNA certification, Carebridge Academy offers a rigorous 4-week program immersing you in intensive hands-on education ready for healthcare work.
Some stand-out features that make Carebridge a top choice include:
- Proven Student Outcomes: 100% job placement rate with 75-100 students completing CNA training each month
- Small Class Sizes: Just 8 students per instructor for personalized attention. 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio overall
- Experienced Instructors: Teachers have 10+ years of bedside nursing experience
- Well-Rounded Curriculum: 80 hours spent in clinical rotations amplifying classroom knowledge
- Career Support: Resume workshops, interview prep, job fairs, and employer introductions
Carebridge Academy believes quality clinical experience is essential to prepare students for work as a CNA. You‘ll spend over 75% of the hands-on training program directly engaged in patient care at partner healthcare facilities under the guidance of a registered nurse. Expert instructors with real-world knowledge further enrich lectures and labs focused on skills like patient safety, emergency response, personal hygiene assistance, measuring vital signs, transportation protocol, and professional communications techniques.
Many graduates secure CNA positions at renowned providers like Penn Medicine, Abington Hospital, and Philadelphia Nursing Home Center thanks to the career placement services included. Others have furthered their education to become LPNs or RNs – career advancement you can also achieve in the future after getting started as a Carebridge-certified CNA.
Bottom line, Carebridge Academy offers an intensive route to healthcare employment through their highly effective four week CNA training program with guaranteed job placement support.
2. Prism Career Institute
Pursuing your CNA diploma through Prism Career Institute enables flexible completion timelines alongside strong exam pass rates.
Standout details about Prism’s CNA training curriculum include:
- Full-time day schedule completes in 4 weeks or part-time evening in 8 weeks
- Approved CNA program meeting Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements
- 40 hours of clinical rotations at senior living facilities
- 95% first attempt passing rate on state CNA certification exams
- Training in CPR, vital signs, patient safety, medical equipment, team communications, and more
- Lifetime career placement support upon completion
Earning your CNA diploma from Prism demonstrates competency to employers thanks to their graduates‘ stellar track record with certification exam performance and practical abilities. By enrolling in Prism‘s affordable program with flexible schedules, you can be workforce-ready just one month after beginning CNA classes.
Further support like free tutoring, practice certification tests, and job interview preparation helps ensure you start a rewarding healthcare profession with confidence. Join the many Prism CNA graduates working in hospitals, private homes, and senior living communities thanks to the comprehensive career-focused education.
3. Philadelphia Academy for Nurse Aide Training (PANAT)
At Philadelphia Academy for Nurse Aide Training (PANAT), CNA students find an affordable certification program emphasizing interactive learning for comprehension of healthcare foundations.
Highlights of PANAT’s CNA training include:
- Comprehensive 70-hour nurse aide curriculum meeting PA requirements
- 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio and small class sizes
- simulation equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and mannequins provide hands-on skills application
- Curriculum developed by 30+ year nursing veteran Lou Katz
- 4-week full-time or 6-week evening/weekend CNA schedule options
PANAT‘s curriculum explores patient mobility, medical terminology, professionalism, crisis response, and personal care skills through blended online and in-person learning modes tailored to different types of learners. You‘ll develop bedside manner and communication abilities during 70 hours of clinical rotations within Philadelphia nursing facilities under an RN‘s guidance.
Expert instructors like Lou Katz with three decades of healthcare experience are dedicated to thoroughly equipping students to pass PA certification exams and rapidly begin rewarding CNA jobs after graduation. With affordable tuition and personalized support, PANAT is an ideal choice for aspiring nurse aides seeking interactive, hands-on education with a custom-fit schedule.
4. Successful Aging Career Institute
If you need to achieve your CNA certification rapidly, Successful Aging Career Institute offers a 100-hour accelerated course completed in just two weeks.
This reputable institution is recognized across for Philadelphia these noteworthy achievements:
- 100% job placement for all graduates thanks to employer partnerships
- 2-week intensive program meets Mon-Fri from 8am – 4:30pm
- Small classes capped at 16 ensure individualized instructor attention
- Payment plans available and WIA funding accepted
- Free state certification exam practice tests and tutoring services
Successful Aging‘s fast-track CNA program combines classroom and simulation lab lessons on skills like safety protocols, crisis response, technical equipment training, patient mobility assistance, personal hygiene care, and measuring vital signs. You‘ll develop professional bedside manner through site visits to local healthcare facilities working alongside CNAs and nurses.
Expert instructors like RN Barbara E. Young, LPN leverage their years of first-hand medical experience to equip students for passing certification exams and meet employer expectations on day one. Thanks to partnerships with healthcare providers actively hiring, graduates have secured CNA positions at organizations like Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Riverside Nursing Home, Saint Martha Manor Nursing Home, and more.
Within just two weeks, Successful Aging Career Institute‘s accelerated program can have you ready to begin making a meaningful impact in others‘ lives as a fully certified, confident nursing assistant across Philadelphia.
5. Philadelphia Job Corps Center
For affordable CNA training paired with robust career placement assistance, the Philadelphia Job Corps Center empowers young adults through hands-on education free-of-charge.
As a federally-funded career technical training program, Job Corps provides these meaningful benefits:
- No cost tuition, housing, meals for eligible applicants
- Hands-on CNA skills instruction from licensed nurses
- Chance to earn CNA certification in just 8 weeks
- Path to obtain high school diploma and college credits
- Lifetime graduate career transition support
At Philadelphia Job Corps, you’ll gain experience with healthcare technology, patient care, safety standards, and communications techniques during clinical rotations alongside professional mentors. Trained nurses lead lectures and lab demonstrations on properly assisting with mobility, hygiene, feeding, dressing, and related needs for various patient cases.
Job Corps addresses all barriers standing between underserved young adults and meaningful careers – from academic challenges to financial limitations. With free accelerated education guiding you to achieve CNA certification and job placement in as little as two months, Job Corps unlocks access to serving others through healthcare occupations.
Career Outlook for CNAs in Philadelphia, PA
Once obtaining your CNA certification through a top Philadelphia training program, you’ll be equipped to secure employment across diverse healthcare settings with strong local demand. Here’s an overview of the occupational outlook:
- Average Annual Salary in PA: $30,500 median pay with top earners exceeding $41K
- Projected Job Growth by 2026: Approximately 11,000 new CNA openings statewide (~10%)
- Top Employers in Philadelphia Region: Penn Medicine, Genesis Healthcare, Bayada Home Health Care, Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, Friends Life Care Partners, and more
- Work Environments: Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, rehabilitation centers, and private residences
- Daily Tasks: Assist with personal hygiene, mobility, medications, changing dressings, patient transport, meal assistance, and related needs
CNA programs provide the entry point to begin making a meaningful impact in other‘s lives through healthcare service. With further education and experience, you can progress along a career ladder to licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles.
No matter where this first step as a certified CNA takes you long-term, you‘ll gain immense fulfillment using your skills, patience, and compassion to aid Philadelphia’s aging population in hospitals, senior communities, private homes, and beyond.
Evaluating the Best CNA Training Fit for Your Goals
With this extensive research revealing the highest quality CNA programs Philadelphia has to offer, you’re equipped to select the best option aligned with your schedule, budget, and learning requirements.
Here are key questions to ask yourself when determining the ideal CNA school for your needs:
- Does the program length and schedule fit my availability?
- Can I afford the tuition costs or qualify for financial assistance?
- Does the teaching style match my most effective learning mode?
- Are alumni securing certification and job placements after graduating?
By weighing factors like these along with the detailed breakdown on each school‘s distinguishing benefits, Curriculum Approach, and graduate outcomes, I‘m confident you can pick the CNA program offering you the highest return on investment of time and money in Philadelphia.
Many rewarding nursing assistant roles needing your compassion and caregiving skills are waiting to embrace you into healthcare work across the city – get certified and apply with confidence today!
I wish you tremendous success as you take this meaningful first step in your healthcare administration education journey. Please reach out if you have any other questions I can advise on from an expert perspective!