Statewide Noncredit Certificate Course

HACC's nurse aide training program is a 104-hour (often 13 days) intense training opportunity for those who wish to become certified nurse aides. The purpose of this course is to provide the long-term care nurse aide trainee with a basic level of knowledge and skills needed to care for an elderly resident/client as set forth by the profession of nursing and regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upon successful completion of the course, students are prepared to take the PA State Certification Exam for nurse aides. You must be 16 to take this exam.

Senior Healthcare - Workplace Assistant - Credit Diploma Program

Nurse Aide Training Calendar/Brochure   July-December 2009  (nurse aide portion only) (pdf)
Jan-June 2010 (nurse aide portion only) (pdf)

Printable Program Flier and Enrollment Information  (pdf)

FBI report procedures - effective June 1, 2009 (pdf)
Nurse Aide Health Examination Form (pdf)
Nurse Aide Essential Qualifications (pdf)

PA Nurse Aide Registry (includes info on renewing certification)

About the Program - Curriculum and Costs
Program Accreditation
Who to Contact

A nurse aide (sometimes called nursing assistant or direct care worker) is a very caring person who sees the purpose in his/her life being to help give patients/residents the care and assistance they need to be comfortable, safe, and in the best state of wellness they can be. These Aides always work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. They can work in hospitals or nursing homes.

Some of the basic tasks they perform are:

• taking and recording vital signs
• bathing the patient; exercising with the patient/resident
• changing the patient's bed linens
• helping with teeth brushing, nail care, hair care
• help with feeding when necessary
• keeping the patient/resident's room safe and tidy

Aside from these tasks, the one fulfilling opportunity an aide will always have is talking to and listening to the patient/resident. These people are often sick, scared, in pain, confused, sad, lonely, and experiencing very stressful situations. Pills and doctors do not always cure all ills, a listening ear and a hand to hold can often make a world of difference in someone's day and life!

Nurse aides are people who care for patients. They perform all types of personal care for patients who cannot care for their physical needs. They must have the ability to understand the aging process. They must have good verbal skills to communicate between the patient and other members of the health care team. They must have a desire to be sensitive to the needs of the aging population.

The nurse aide must have the ability to stand, walk, lift, and pull. They will be providing physical and psychosocial care of patients with long-term illnesses, and also patient whom, due to changes of aging, are no longer able to care for them.

Places of Employment and Outlook
Job opportunities are excellent. Some facilities will pay for the training. Occupation with 15th highest number of openings in Pennsylvania. Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and special needs homes.

Salary Range
$25,9767 median salary for CNAs in Harrisburg (zip 17110) from www.salary.com April 2009.

Educational Advancement
Upon completion of this program and with completion of a GED or high school diploma, a student may take the Senior Health Care Workplace Assistant program, the practical nurse program or the registered nurse program. Completion of this certificate program, Nurse Aide Certification and work experience may allow articulation of up to 6 credits* to the Senior Health Care Diploma Program.

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Profession
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
Direct Care Alliance