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Dauphin County Technical School CNA Program

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Looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare? The Nurse Aide Training Program at Dauphin County Technical School in Harrisburg, PA offers comprehensive training that prepares you for success as a certified nursing assistant. This 121-hour program is perfect for career changers, recent high school graduates, and working adults who want to make a difference in healthcare. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and start your journey as a certified nursing assistant in a field where compassionate care providers are always in high demand.

CNA Program Quick Facts

  • Program Length: 121 hours over approximately 12 weeks
  • Cost of Program: $1,650 total ($300 for textbook, workbook, and materials; $1,300 for tuition; $50 non-refundable application fee)
  • Accreditation: Pennsylvania Department of Education approved program
  • State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information
  • CNA Program Schedule: Both daytime and evening options available

CNA Training Structure

  • Classroom Learning The program includes 48 hours of classroom theory where students learn essential nursing aide skills and knowledge. Classes cover the fundamentals of patient care, healthcare principles, and the critical role nursing assistants play in healthcare settings. Students gain the theoretical foundation needed to provide quality care under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
  • Clinical Experience Students complete 44 hours of hands-on clinical experience at a local long-term care facility. This practical training allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real healthcare setting while working with actual patients/residents. The clinical portion is conducted under supervision and provides valuable real-world experience before certification.
  • Exam Preparation The program includes 29 hours of lab/skill practice plus additional hours for review time and orientations. This comprehensive preparation ensures students are fully ready to take the nurse aide certification exam (NNAAP) after program completion. The course structure is specifically designed to prepare students for both the written and skills portions of the certification exam.

Admission Requirements

  • Must be able to demonstrate physical and mental stamina for an intense training program
  • Must commit to 100% attendance (all missed time must be made up at learner’s expense)
  • Must be able to speak, write, and understand English fluently (all coursework and exams are in English)
  • High school diploma or GED highly recommended but not required
  • Must complete a reading comprehension and math screening questionnaire
  • Must demonstrate rapid assessment, intellectual and cognitive abilities, and appropriate behavioral, social, and ethical standards
  • Must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 2 years (as of July 1, 2024)
  • Must complete all admission documentation at least two weeks prior to the start of class

Required documentation includes:

  • Copy of PA Driver’s License or other current photo ID (with current address)
  • PA Department of Education Verification of Residency form
  • PA State Background check with state seal
  • Nurse Aide Physical Examination and 2-Step TB form signed by a physician, DO, CRNP, or PA
  • Student Handbook with signature forms
  • Act 14 form
  • Completion of interview or attendance at an informational session

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Dauphin County Technical School offers both daytime and evening class options to accommodate different schedules:

Evening Classes:

  • Orientation and Theory Day 1: 4:00 PM – 9:15 PM
  • Theory & Skills Days 2-19: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM
  • Clinical Days 20-32: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Upcoming Evening Class Start Dates:

  • March 17 – May 28, 2025 (with one Saturday clinical)

Daytime Classes:

  • Orientation and Theory Day 1: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Theory & Skills Days 2-19: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Clinical Days 20-28: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Upcoming Daytime Class Start Dates:

  • March 24 – May 22, 2025
  • June 16 – August 12, 2025

Please note that 100% attendance is required for all classes. All missed time must be made up at the learner’s expense.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

  • Program Tuition: $1,650 total, which must be paid in full before the start of class
    • Textbook, Workbook, Handouts & Materials: $300
    • Tuition: $1,300
    • Application Fee (non-refundable): $50
  • Additional Expenses: (not included in tuition)
    • Criminal History Report (PA State Background check): $22
    • Uniforms (scrubs, shoes, watch with second hand): approximately $60
    • Physical examination & TB testing (Current 2-step PPD): approximately $150
    • PA State Exam fee: $135
  • Financial Assistance Opportunities:
    • Reimbursement is available for individuals paying out-of-pocket, pending successful completion of the nurse aide training course and state exams
    • Potential funding resources include:
      • New Hope Ministries (for Cumberland and York Counties only)
      • Tri-County OIC
      • Career Link

Payment can be made via cash, check, PayPal, Visa, or MasterCard. Checks should be made out to “DCTS ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION” and mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.

How to Apply

The application process for Dauphin County Technical School’s Nurse Aide Training Program is straightforward:

  1. Complete the Online Application form available on the DCTS website
  2. Follow up with a phone call to (717) 652-3170 Option 2 or ext. 7902 to schedule an appointment or attend an informational session
  3. Begin collecting required documentation (note that this process may take 3-6 weeks)
  4. Submit all required documentation at least two weeks prior to the class start date
  5. Pay the full program cost before the start of class

Important notes:

  • Receipt of your application does not secure a spot in the program
  • Admission is only confirmed when all documentation is completed and payment is made
  • Space is limited, so early application is recommended
  • Cancellation requests must be received via email at [email protected] two weeks before the class start date

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Summary and Next Steps

The Nurse Aide Training Program at Dauphin County Technical School in Harrisburg, PA offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant. With 121 hours of training split between classroom theory, skills labs, and clinical experience, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to take the NNAAP certification exam and begin a rewarding career in healthcare.

Nursing assistants are the frontline of patient care and are in high demand across healthcare settings. This program provides not only the skills and knowledge you need but also offers the possibility of tuition reimbursement upon successful completion.

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