What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Nursing Assistant or Nurse Aide, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and other acute care facilities. Their duties can include tasks such as assisting patients with daily living activities, taking vital signs, and helping with basic medical procedures.

Training Requirements for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Pittsburgh

To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Pittsburgh, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program. This typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The training program must cover topics such as patient care, infection control, and communication skills.

In Pennsylvania, the minimum training requirement for Acute Care Nursing Assistants is 75 hours of instruction, including at least 37 hours of clinical training. Once you've completed your training, you'll need to pass a competency exam to become certified.

How Quickly Can You Become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Pittsburgh?

The fastest way to become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Pittsburgh is to enroll in a full-time training program. Many local schools and healthcare facilities offer intensive programs that can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks. These programs typically involve a combination of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, allowing you to quickly gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass the certification exam.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Classes in Pittsburgh

Here are some examples of Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes available in the Pittsburgh area:

1. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC): CCAC offers a 120-hour Nursing Assistant Training program at its various campuses throughout the Pittsburgh region. The program includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The cost of the program is approximately $1,200, and it is offered on a full-time and part-time basis.

2. UPMC Mercy School of Nursing: UPMC Mercy, one of the leading healthcare providers in Pittsburgh, offers a Nursing Assistant Training program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program is 120 hours long and includes both classroom and clinical components. The cost of the program is $1,000, and it is offered on a full-time basis.

3. Pittsburgh Technical College: Pittsburgh Technical College offers a 120-hour Nursing Assistant Training program that includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The cost of the program is $1,300, and it is offered on a full-time and part-time basis.

4. Bidwell Training Center: Bidwell Training Center, a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh, offers a Nursing Assistant Training program that is 120 hours long. The program includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. The cost of the program is $1,000, and it is offered on a full-time basis.

All of these Acute Care Nursing Assistant programs in Pittsburgh require students to have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and meet other admission requirements. Upon successful completion of the program and passing the state certification exam, students will be eligible to work as Acute Care Nursing Assistants in a variety of healthcare settings in the Pittsburgh area.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Pittsburgh

If you've been reading this article and long to become an ACNA, but you live in a different state, don't lose hope – achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become an ACNA in Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Little Rock, Provo, or Tulsa. If none of these locations work for you, Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing ACNA classes through a convenient search by zip code. With determination and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

Online and Free Acute Care Nursing Assistant Options in Pittsburgh

In addition to the in-person training programs, there are also online options available for individuals interested in becoming Acute Care Nursing Assistants in the Pittsburgh area. These online programs typically offer a combination of self-paced online coursework and hands-on clinical training at a local healthcare facility.

While there are no completely free Acute Care Nursing Assistant programs in Pittsburgh, some organizations and healthcare facilities do offer tuition assistance or scholarships to help cover the cost of the training. For example, the Allegheny County Workforce Development Board provides funding assistance for eligible individuals to attend Acute Care Nursing Assistant training programs in the region.

Certification Process for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Pittsburgh

After completing an approved training program, Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Pittsburgh must pass a competency exam to become certified. This exam, known as the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination, tests an individual's knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and communication.

Once an individual passes the competency exam, they are added to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry and can begin working as a certified Acute Care Nursing Assistant in healthcare settings throughout the state, including in the Pittsburgh area.

Job Environment for Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to a thriving healthcare industry, with numerous hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities that employ Acute Care Nursing Assistants. Some of the largest employers of Acute Care Nursing Assistants in the Pittsburgh area include:

• UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
• Allegheny Health Network
• VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
• Highmark Health
• Excela Health
• Amedisys Home Health and Hospice

Acute Care Nursing Assistants in Pittsburgh can expect to work in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. The job environment can be fast-paced and demanding, but also highly rewarding for those who enjoy providing compassionate, hands-on care to patients.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant near Pittsburgh, there are plenty of training options available to help you get started. Whether you choose an in-person program or an online option, you'll be able to gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings throughout the city. With the right training and certification, you can embark on a rewarding career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in the Pittsburgh area.

If this article isn't quite hitting the mark for you, why not give these other articles a try:

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