CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA)

Like almost all of the other states, Pennsylvania is struggling with the issue of CNAs…they just don’t have enough entering the field! This means that anyone hoping to find employment in the state can readily do so once they complete their formal CNA classes and training. Though bigger cities might beckon, the smaller cities such as Pittsburgh are where the big opportunities and most numerous jobs for certified nursing assistants are found. The first step is to register for CNA classes in Pittsburgh.

Finding Information about CNA Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

If you don’t think that there could be many CNA jobs in this city you need only take a quick look through an easy online resource. Craigslist pages for the region show an abundance of CNA openings, but that is not the only place to find proof. You can also visit medical staffing sites to submit a request for information too. These are places that can cut out all of the searching and give you targeted results. If you want to work one on one or in a large hospital, a staffing service is a good tool. Liken Staffing is a good tool in Pittsburgh.

CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Pittsburgh

It is not possible to simply head to any location in need of a CNA without also having all of the proper training and licensing too. In Pennsylvania that means you have to complete one of the accredited CNA programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You will also need to pass a criminal background check, take a TB test, and get a physical before you can become officially certified.

Once you have completed your CNA classes and training, you can then take the official Nurse Aide Exam through Pearson VUE. A passing grade gets you listed on the Nursing Assistant Registry, and that is when you can go ahead and seek a job as a certified nursing assistant in Pittsburgh.

Key CNA Training Programs in Pittsburgh

This means you need to know where to obtain training and testing in Pittsburgh. The state Board of Education has a list of CNA programs available, but the following are convenient for those looking for CNA classes in Pittsburgh:

• Community College of Allegheny County

Key CNA Employers to Know in Pittsburgh

With the CNA classes, training and credentialing processes done; and the CNA listed on the state registry, it is time to begin looking for work. As already stated, there are a lot of reliable staffing services, but there are also some large scale employers that will give you a chance to get experience in a lot of different areas. Currently some of the best sites of this kind include:

• UPMC
• Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
• Magee-Women’s Hospital

Salary Information

As you get into your search it can become confusing to see that with the need for CNAs and so many job opportunities that salaries in Pittsburgh hover around the national average. According to Salary.com the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $31,790, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $26,403–$38,114.

What has to be remembered is that the cost of living in this part of Pennsylvania is generally lower than other regions, and the lower annual salary will still be extremely reasonable.

Key Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs

What will you learn as you train to be a professional CNA? Your training is going to vary according to the program and goals you set (though it will meet federal standards), and after taking classes, most CNAs in this state must have skills in the following:

• Basic CPR;
• How to take vital signs;
• How to listen and respond to common patient concerns, and how to communicate this to physicians and nurses;
• Lifting and moving techniques (also known as transfer);
• How to properly toilet and dress their patients; and
• How to clean, bathe, feed, and generally care for patients in many settings.

Of course the key skills will always have to include patience, a great sense of humor, and compassion. This is a very rewarding career for those who like to help others, and if you are prepared to get the training, meet the requirements, and get a bit of experience, you will find a very good job for yourself once you become a certified nursing assistant in Pittsburgh, PA.