The nursing assistant classes in Reading, Pennsylvania are all listed here. If you know of other listings that are approved by the state and open for enrollment, you can send them to us and we will add them to the list.

Reading Area Career Center 2
10 South Second St.,
Reading, PA 19603
(610) 372-4721

Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technical Center
2615 Warren Road,
Reading, PA 19604
(610) 921-7300

 

A certified nursing assistant is an individual who has completed an approved training program and has passed the CNA exams. Nurse aides are currently in demand throughout the country; and becoming one is being considered as an excellent way to enter the field of health.

Because of its popularity, many health care facilities and training schools are now offering nursing assistant training program. To ensure that the state’s new nursing assistants are properly educated and trained, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has required all training programs to be certified before taking in any students. You can find such programs offered through:

–    Hospitals
–    Nursing homes
–    Community colleges
–    Technical colleges
–    Vocational schools
–    Rehabilitation centers
–    Government organizations
–    Assisted living centers

Training will teach you the fundamental nursing procedures, and practices you will need to pass the tests and on the job. Before being allowed to enroll you will need to submit a complete application, photo identification, copy of social security card, background checks, TB card, immunization records, and a physical exam.

CNA programs are required to last at least 80 hours. These hours must contain both theory and hands-on skills training while under the supervision of a registered nurse who is qualified to handle student nursing assistants. Both theory and the practical training are required to be taught at the same time. However, before the students are allowed to take care of the patients, they must first be taught the following concepts:

•    Communication and Interpersonal Skills
•    Roles and Responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant
•    Medical and Surgical Asepsis
•    Safety Precaution
•    Emergency Care
•    Respecting the Patients’ Rights
•    Promoting Independence

Depending on a training facility’s schedule, it may take you 3 to 4 months to complete your training. Once you are through, you will be able to apply for the CNA license exams. You cannot work in any federal nursing facility as a nursing assistant if you do not have a license. You may download a copy of the application form from www.pearsonvue.com.

Those who complete the training can arrange to take the two part certification exams at one of the nearby testing facilities. You can find the nearest location by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-795-2350.

The test will consist of a written multiple choice 50 question quiz, and a manual skills demonstration test. Both tests are taken on the same day. If a candidate has trouble reading, then he may request to take the oral version of the written test for no extra charge. The payment for both tests is $102, which must be sent along with the application form to:

American Red Cross
1804 North Sixth St.,
Harrisburg, PA 17102

Those who pass both tests and meet all requirements are placed on the nurse aide registry. Inclusion in the registry enables you to find work for up to 24 months. To remain in good standing on the registry you will need to submit work verification of at least one 8 hour shift on the job for each 24 months time span. For more details about the registry you can contact Pearson VUE at 1-800-852-0518.

An applicant who is currently working as a health care provider prior to enrolling in a program may not be charged with training and testing fee. All payments must be charged to the employer. Those who were not working when they started their training can still get reimbursed if they find work within 12 months after getting certified.

If you are already trained as a CNA from a different state you may still able to become certified in Pennsylvania without retraining by applying for reciprocity. When applying you should have an active status on the state’s registry list and that you should also have a good relationship with the state you come from. You will be required to provide certain documents that will prove you had proper training, such as class transcripts and work record.

This city is the county seat of Berks County. It is situated in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. The name of the city was taken from Reading, England. With a total population of 88,082 during the 2010 census, they are the 5th most populous city in the state. They also rank as the 6th most populous municipality. They have a population density of 8,700/sq mile. The total area of the city is estimated to be about 10.1 sq miles, where only less than 1 square mile of it is water.

The Reading Hospital and Medical Center and the St. Joseph Medical Center are two of the biggest employers in the city. Other health care center that are found in the city include The Sleep Health Center, Spring Psychological Associates, Healthcare Evolution LLC, West Reading Radiology Assocs – West Reading Radiology Associates Doctors Office Building, Berks General Medical Group, Goldberg Joshua E Doctor of Osteopathi, East-West Massage and School of Massage Therapy, and many more. photo attribution: ufv