Northampton Community College CNA Program

Looking for a meaningful healthcare career that makes a real difference? The Northampton Community College (NCC) Certified Nursing Assistant program in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania prepares you to join the rewarding field of patient care in just a few weeks. This intensive 120-hour CNA training program equips career changers, high school graduates, and working adults with the essential skills needed to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP) and secure placement on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey or fulfilling requirements for an advanced degree, NCC’s nurse aide training in Bethlehem provides the perfect foundation for success.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 3 weeks (120 hours total)
• Cost of Program: $1,499 (excluding state exam fee of $135)
• Accreditation: Pennsylvania Department of Education approved
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information
• CNA Program Schedule: Full-time, weekday program with multiple start dates throughout the year

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The NCC nurse aide program includes comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential nursing skills, patient care fundamentals, and healthcare principles. The classroom portion takes place Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for approximately two weeks.
• Clinical Experience Following classroom instruction, students participate in hands-on clinical training at a healthcare facility. Clinical experience occurs Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm for approximately one week, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
• Exam Preparation The program includes preparation for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP), which is required for placement on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) certification is included in the program.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must be a Pennsylvania resident (non-PA residents should contact their state licensing board about reciprocity)
• Must pass a physical examination and be free of communicable diseases
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds to waist level without restrictions
• Must obtain two-step tuberculin skin test and provide results prior to requirements due meeting
• Must provide proof of seasonal influenza vaccination
• Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (Moderna, Pfizer, or J&J)
• Must pass an 11-panel drug screening (to be done at a specified time)
• Must submit Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check (PATCH) and FBI Criminal Background Check (if you have not lived in PA for the past two consecutive years)

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Northampton Community College CNA program offers multiple start dates throughout the year at both the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem and the Pocono Campus in Tannersville. All classes are full-time, daytime programs:

• August 6-28, 2025 (Fowler Center, Bethlehem)
  • Class: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Aug 6-20)
  • Clinical: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (Aug 21-28)
  • Requirements due: July 23
• September 10-October 2, 2025 (Pocono Campus, Tannersville)
  • Class: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Sept 10-24)
  • Clinical: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (Sept 25-Oct 2)
  • Requirements due: August 27
• October 13-November 4, 2025 (Fowler Center, Bethlehem)
  • Class: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Oct 13-27)
  • Clinical: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (Oct 28-Nov 4)
  • Requirements due: September 29
• November 17-December 11, 2025 (Fowler Center, Bethlehem)
  • Class: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Nov 17-Dec 1)
  • Clinical: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (Dec 2-11)
  • No class November 27-28
  • Requirements due: November 3

Please note: This program requires perfect attendance – no absences are permitted for the duration of the course.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $1,499 (due at the time of registration)
• Additional Expenses:
  • NNAAP state certification exam fee: $135 (not included in tuition)
  • Program requirements completion fees: approximately $150 (student responsibility)
  • Drug screening: $34 (due at time of service)

Financial Assistance Options:

• Funding may be available to eligible participants through PA CareerLink®
• Healthcare Non-credit Scholarships from the Justamere Foundation may assist with partial program costs (90% of tuition)
  • Half of the award is reimbursed after the start of the course
  • Remaining balance reimbursed upon successful completion
  • Maximum scholarship award per student is $3,000
  • Veterans given priority for awards
  • Students must have exhausted all other funding opportunities

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

How to Apply

To apply for the Northampton Community College CNA program:

1. Attend a free virtual information session (offered regularly) or review a pre-recorded information session by visiting the program webpage.
2. Download the enrollment packet at northampton.edu/HealthcareCerts.
3. Register and pay tuition at northampton.edu/HealthcareCourses (course code NAIDE300).
4. Complete all program requirements in the enrollment packet (allow 4-6 weeks for completion).
5. Submit required documentation through myRecordTracker® by the specified deadline for your chosen session.

To apply for the Justamere Foundation Healthcare Scholarship:

1. Register for the program
2. Complete the online application at https://forms.office.com/r/ts1ck6ASKp
3. As part of the scholarship requirements, recipients must provide feedback about their experience and write a letter of appreciation to the Justamere Foundation

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Northampton Community College, Center for Business & Industry, Healthcare Education
• Address:
  • Fowler Family Southside Center: 511 East Third Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
  • Pocono Campus: 2411 Route 715, Tannersville, PA 18372
• Phone Number: 610-332-6585
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: northampton.edu/healthcare

Additional Resources

• Virtual Information Session: Available on the program webpage
• Pre-recorded Information Session: Available at northampton.edu/HealthcareCerts
• Enrollment Requirements Packet: Download at northampton.edu/HealthcareCerts
• Healthcare Scholarship Information: Available at northampton.edu/cost-and-financial-aid/scholarships/healthcare-scholarships.html

Summary and Next Steps

Taking the first step toward a healthcare career has never been more accessible than with Northampton Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program in Bethlehem, PA. In just three weeks, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pass your certification exam and begin making a difference in patients’ lives. The program’s intensive structure combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, providing a solid foundation for entry into the growing healthcare field.

Whether you’re launching a new career or working toward an advanced degree, NCC’s nurse aide training offers the perfect starting point. With multiple start dates throughout the year, financial assistance options, and dedicated instructors, your path to becoming a certified nursing assistant is clear. Don’t wait to begin your healthcare journey—explore upcoming class dates, attend an information session, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in patient care today.

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