Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center CNA Program

Looking to launch a rewarding career in healthcare? The Health Assistant program at Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC) in Johnstown, PA provides comprehensive training for students seeking to become Certified Nursing Assistants. This hands-on program is ideal for high school students and career changers who want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while gaining valuable medical skills. Upon completion of the 150-hour course within the program, students become eligible to take the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license exam, opening doors to employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings throughout Pennsylvania.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 150 hours (embedded within the Health Assistant program)
• Cost of Program: Tuition-free for high school students; contact the program directly for adult education costs
• Accreditation: Pennsylvania Department of Education approved program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information
• CNA Program Schedule: Full-time program with daytime classes for high school students; contact the program directly for adult education schedule options

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning Students in the Health Assistant program learn essential nursing assistant skills including medical terminology, safety procedures, infection control, human body systems and diseases, nutrition and hydration, and proper techniques for moving, lifting, and positioning patients. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare settings using high-tech equipment found in today’s medical facilities.
• Clinical Experience The program provides live clinical instruction at a long-term care facility where students can apply their knowledge in a supervised setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills in patient care while building confidence in a healthcare environment. Students also practice medical assistant skills in a high-tech SIM lab that simulates real patient care scenarios.
• Exam Preparation The program thoroughly prepares students for the Certified Nurse Aide licensure exam through comprehensive training in all required competencies. Students who complete the 150-hour course within the program can take their CNA license exam during their senior year of high school, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

Admission Requirements

• For high school students:
  • Must be enrolled in one of the participating high schools in Pennsylvania
  • Must review courses of interest and discuss career plans with parents and home school guidance counselor
  • Must complete and submit the High School Application form with parent signatures
  • Must meet with GJCTC guidance counselor to review application and career plans
  • Special needs students should request a GJCTC representative at their IEP conference
• For adult students:
  • Must schedule an interview with the career counselor
  • Must provide a high school diploma or GED (for admission into adult programs, excluding short-term programs)
  • Must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $100 at the time of interview
  • Must meet all entrance requirements for the specific program

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Health Assistant program that includes CNA training is offered as a full-time daytime program for high school students. The schedule follows the regular school year calendar.

For adult students interested in the program, please contact Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center directly for current class schedule options, including potential evening or part-time availability.

Specific start dates align with the school year for high school students. For adult education start dates, please contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• For High School Students:
  • The program is tuition-free as part of Pennsylvania’s public vocational education offerings
  • Students are responsible for any uniform or personal equipment costs
• For Adult Students:
  • Contact the program directly for current tuition costs
  • A non-refundable registration fee of $100 is required at the time of interview
  • Financial aid may be available (applicants should review the Financial Aid Handbook)
  • Payment methods include various options; specific details available from the financial office

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.

How to Apply

For High School Students:

1. Review the course and discuss your career plans with parents and your home school guidance counselor
2. Complete the online High School Application form or download an application form
3. Choose up to three programs, numbered in order of preference (ensure both you and your parents sign the application)
4. Return the completed application to your high school counselor or directly to GJCTC
5. Meet with the GJCTC guidance counselor at your home school to review your application and career plans
6. Wait for notification of acceptance by mail, which will include orientation information

For Adult Students:

1. Schedule an appointment for an interview with the career counselor by calling (814) 266-6073, ext. 201
2. Provide a high school diploma or GED during the application process
3. Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $100 at the time of interview
4. Meet all entrance requirements for the program
5. Wait for notification of acceptance by mail

If you need assistance choosing your area of training, counseling services are available to help meet your educational needs.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center
• Address: 445 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904
• Phone Number: (814) 266-6073
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.gjctc.org/Health-Assistant

Additional Resources

• High School Application Form: Available online at the GJCTC website or downloadable as a PDF
• Financial Aid Handbook: Available on the GJCTC website for review of all financial assistance options
• Staff Directory: Available on the GJCTC website for contacting specific program instructors or administrators
• Program Guide: Contains detailed information about all GJCTC programs and requirements

Summary and Next Steps

The Health Assistant program at Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center offers a promising pathway to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Johnstown, PA. With comprehensive classroom learning, hands-on clinical experience, and thorough exam preparation, students graduate ready to pass their CNA licensure exam and enter the healthcare workforce.

Whether you’re a high school student planning your future career or an adult looking to change professions, GJCTC provides the skills, certifications, and experience needed to succeed in the growing healthcare field. The program’s focus on practical skills using high-tech equipment ensures graduates are prepared for the demands of modern healthcare facilities.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.