CNA Programs in Philadelphia with School Overviews

There are several schools within 25 miles of Philadelphia that have CNA training and certification programs. Read an overview of three programs, requirements and admission info and find out which school is the right one for you.

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Comparison of Philadelphia CNA Programs

Students wishing to become CNAs (certified nursing assistants or aides) have a few options in the Philadelphia area. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter offers a nursing assistant training program that can be completed in only four weeks. Community College of Philadelphia offers a nurse aide program sponsored by a foundation that also helps some students with program costs via scholarships. Delaware County Community College offers a nursing assistant program at least three times a year; however, admission is highly competitive. All three programs prepare students to take the nurse aide certification exam at the end of their training.

American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter Community College of Philadelphia Delaware County Community College
CNA Programs Nursing Assistant Training - Certified (CNA) Nurse Aide Training Excellence in Care
Related Programs N/A N/A Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Assistant
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
School Type Nonprofit charitable organization 2-year, public 2-year, public
Total Enrollment (2011) N/A 19,751* 13,248*
Campus Setting N/A Large city Large suburb
Program Tuition (2012) $1,300 (includes supplies, but not uniforms)**** $1,350 (includes text)*** $974 for sponsoring school district; $1,616 for non-sponsoring school district**
% of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2011) N/A 84%* 60%*
Acceptance Rate (2012) Open admissions* Open admissions* Open admissions*
Retention Rate (2010-2011) N/A 55% of full-time, 44% of part-time students* 63% of full-time, 48% of part-time students*
Undergraduate Graduation Rate (2011) N/A 9% (27% transfer-out rate)* 14% (24% transfer-out rate)*
Distance from Downtown .9 miles (5 min.) 1.2 miles (6 min.) 14.9 miles (35 min.)

Source: *NCES College Navigator, **Delaware County Community College, ***Community College of Philadelphia, ****American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.


Programs at American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

This chapter of the American Red Cross in Philadelphia offers health and safety programs in areas such as first aid, babysitting, nurse assisting, and aquatics. In Pennsylvania, the American Red Cross administers the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam required for state registry and employment.

Nurse Assistant Training - Certified (CNA)

Prospective students must pass a reading test, a criminal background check, and a physical exam in order to enroll in the 4-week program. Students may qualify for grants to help defray the cost of tuition, which includes the cost of the exam. Once admitted, students are educated in introductory nursing skills, including how to safely assist patients with basic daily functions such as walking, bathing, and exercising. Other nursing skills taught in the program can include taking blood pressure, administering emergency response procedures, and giving respiratory aid.

Programs at Community College of Philadelphia

The nurse aide program at Community College of Philadelphia is one of several non-credit healthcare and counseling courses offered that prepare students for professional certification.

Nurse Aide Training

The Rudman Foundation, started by Kal and Lucille Rudman, sponsors the nurse aide program at Community College of Philadelphia. After experiencing difficulty finding a qualified nurse aid to care for Lucille's ailing mother, the couple began sponsoring the program to help ensure there are more qualified nurse aides. Approximately 20 students receive scholarships from the Rudman Foundation each year.

The nurse aide class is an intensive training program that lasts nine weeks. Students who qualify for the program with a high school diploma or GED and satisfactory scores on reading comprehension and math tests complete 136 hours of classroom studies, lab training, and clinical education where they obtain hands-on experience. When students' training in nutrition, psychological, and social well-being, infection control, and patients rights is complete, students are prepared to take the state exam and work as CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Programs at Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College's Allied Health, Emergency Services, and Nursing division offers 11 degree, certificate, and training programs for first-responders, health care professionals, and allied health care workers. The school's program for aspiring CNAs, Excellence in Care, is highly competitive.

Excellence in Care Class

This class consists of 133 hours of training; of these hours, 60 are spent at a clinical site. Students learn the aspects of patient care and interpersonal skills necessary for providing nursing care. Additional employment-related skills training in leadership, conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, time management, problem solving, and stress management is also provided.

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