CNA License in Pennsylvania

Have you been looking for a quick way to start a medical career in Pennsylvania? Do you want a job that offers room for advancement? If you answered yes to both the questions, you should consider becoming a CNA. Not only can you train for a nurse aide career in just two months or less, but you can also use the experience you gain from a career as a CNA as a stepping stone towards a career as an LPN or RN.

CNA Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania, Pearson Vue handles all certifications for aspiring CNAs. To be eligible for certification, you must be at least 16 years old and submit to a criminal background check. You will also need to complete an approved training program. Finally, you must sit for the Pearson Vue CNA competency evaluation and achieve passing scores on both portions of the exam.

How to Get Your CNA Certification in Pennsylvania

Obtaining certification as a nurse aide in Pennsylvania is amazingly easy. You merely need to succeed in achieving passing scores on both portions of your CNA evaluation. If you are able to do this, Pearson Vue will mail you a certification card and award you a place on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Initial CNA certifications in Pennsylvania are valid for a period of 24 months.

How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Pennsylvania

During your career as a CNA, there may be occasions when you need to verify your certification. In such a situation, just use the Nurse Aide Registry Online which allows facilities to use the Internet to check the status of any nurse aide on the registry.

How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Pennsylvania

According to Pearson Vue, nurse aides in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every two years. You are required to have worked at least eight hours within the last 24 months to be eligible for renewal. You can find the renewal application online by going to the Pearson Vue Uniform Licensing Solution for E-Government, or PULSE, website at pulseportal.com.

How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Pennsylvania

In accordance with regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, if you failed to work at least eight hours prior to your CNA certification renewal date, you will need to reinstate your certification. The current requirement for CNA reinstatement is to retake the nurse aide competency examination.

How to Transfer Your CNA Certification from Pennsylvania to Another State

If you have obtained employment as a CNA in another state and need to transfer your certification, you must fulfill the transfer requirements set by the other state. You can find your new state's CNA regulatory agency by utilizing the search tool offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Although transfer criteria may vary from one state to another, common requirements include CNA verification, transfer fees, and continuing education.

Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry

If you have additional questions, contact the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry at:

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Nursing Care Facilities

Room 526, Health & Welfare Building, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-1816
Email: c-ncomplaistate.pa.us

Pearson VUE

PO Box 13785, Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: (800) 852-0518
Fax: (610) 617-9398
Registry Search Link

State-Approved CNA Programs in Pennsylvania

There are many great schools that offer approved training to prospective CNAs in Pennsylvania. Some of the top ones can be found listed here.

1. Community College of Allegheny County

   808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 237-4470

2. Keystone Job Corps Center

   235 W Foothills Dr, Drums, PA 18222 (570) 788-1164

3. Lancaster County Career & Technology Center

   1730 Hans Herr Dr, Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 464-7050

4. Northampton Community College

   511 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (610) 332-6585

5. Philadelphia Job Corps Center

   2810 S 20th St #12, Philadelphia, PA 19145 (267) 386-2922

6. Pittsburgh Job Corps Center

   7175 Highland Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-8700