Course Overview
Prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare through DCTS’s 121-hour Nurse Aide Training Program, designed to equip adult learners with the essential skills and knowledge to provide compassionate, competent care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. This program prepares students to perform patient/resident care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to earn their Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential and be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Nurse Aides are in high demand. They are the front line to patient care. Ask us about the opportunity for full tuition reimbursement for all adult learners who successfully achieve their CNA.
Space is limited so sign up early to confirm your seat.
Course Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years (special approvals considered for 17 years)
- Has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least two consecutive years prior to the start of class.
- Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
- No pre-planned commitments.100% attendance required; missed time must be made up at student’s expense
- A high school diploma or GED is highly recommended but not required
>80% score on a reading comprehension and math screening questionnaire - Completion of all admission criteria at least two weeks prior to the start of class
- Copy of PA Driver’s License or other current photo identification (address must be current)
- PA Department of Education Verification of Residency form
- PA State Background check with the state seal
- Federal Background Check
- As of July 1, 2024, we can no longer accept FBI Background Checks for Applicants Who Have Not Lived in Pennsylvania for At Least Two Years. All Applicants Must Be Residents of Pa 2+ Years to Attend Nurse Aide Training at DCTS unless they currently work in skilled nursing facility and can provide a letter of recommendation and PA Department of Aging report from the human resources department of their employer.
- Nurse Aide Physical Examination and 2-Step TB form (can also be a blood test or chest x-ray if there was a + test result) signed by a physician, DO, CRNP, or PA
- Student Handbook with Signature forms
- Act 14 form
- Parent/Guardian Approval form (for minors only)
- Interview or Informational Session – Please email AdultEd@dcts.org or call (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 to schedule a screening questionnaire and interview/informational session. Apply online prior to scheduling your session. Bring any completed documentation for consideration to your appointment.
- Non-refundable Application/Administration Fee: $50. Paid at the time of scheduling appointment to begin the documentation process.
- Textbook, Workbook, Handouts & Materials: $300
- Tuition: $1,300
- Course Total: $1,650 (Includes application fee. Total must be paid in full before the start of class).
Course Information
- Cost: $1,650
- Hours: 121 hours
- Classroom Theory: 48 hours
- Lab/Skills Practice: 29 hours
- Clinical Experience: 44 hours at a local long-term care facility
- Duration: Approximately 12 weeks
- Formats: Daytime or Evening classes available
- Theory Lab Location: 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
- Clinical Locations: Capital Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center (AM classes) / The Middletown Home (PM classes)
How To Apply
- Submit your Online Application
- Call our office to schedule an appointment (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 and pay $50 non-refundable application fee to begin documentation process.
- Take Reading Comprehension/Math Questionnaire
- Complete Documentation and Pay Tuition In Full (minus $50 application fee).
2025-2026 Schedule
Evening Classes
Orientation and Theory
- Day 1
- 4:00PM-9:15PM
Theory & Skills
- Days 2-19
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- 5:00PM-9:15PM
Clinical
- Days 20-32
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- 5:00PM-9:30PM
- All evening classes include one Saturday clinical from 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
August 18 – October 21, 2025
October 27 – December 17, 2025
January 20 – March 31, 2026
- Includes one Saturday clinical on 3/21/26
March 9 – May 14, 2026
- Includes one Saturday clinical on 5/9/26
April 27 – June 29, 2026
- Includes one Saturday clinical on 6/20/26
Daytime Classes
Orientation and Theory
- Day 1
- 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
Theory & Skills
- Days 2-19
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- 9:00AM-1:15PM
Clinical
- Days 20-28
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- 7:00AM-1:00P
June 16 – August 12, 2025
August 25 – October 16, 2025
October 14 – December 3, 2025
January 20 – March 24, 2026
March 9 – May 12, 2026
June 8 – July 29, 2026 (Fast track Mon-Thur, finish before school starts!)
Payment Information
Payment Methods
- $50 application fee when scheduling initial appointment to begin documentation process.
- Remaining $1,600 must be paid in full before the start of class. Total tuition $1,650 includes application fee.
- We accept cash, check, PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard.
- Credit Card payments can be made over the phone by calling our office at (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902.
- Checks can be made payable to “DCTS Adult & Continuing Education” and brought to the office or mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
- No refunds will be issued after the start of class.
- Reimbursement for successful completion of training and state exams is available for individuals paying out-of-pocket for nurse aide training pending successful completion of the nurse aide training course and state exams (written and skills).
- Click here for more information from the Department of Public Welfare (Statement of Policy – Title 55 – Public Welfare).
Participant Responsibility
These are estimates and items are not included in DCTS tuition.
- Criminal History Report (PA State Background check with the state seal): $22
- Uniforms (estimate; supply your own scrubs, shoes, watch with second hand): $60
- FBI Background (Federal Background check): $24
- Physical examination & TB testing (Current 2–step PPD): approximately $150
- Can be obtained by a family doctor or Urgent Care (Walk-In) facility.
- PA State Exam fee (Credentia.com): $135
Resources
Here are some resources that may offer funding:
- New Hope Ministries (for Cumberland and York Counties only)
- Tri-County OIC – Carol Hess – (717) 238-7318
- Career Link
It is the Adult Learner’s responsibility to provide documentation to DCTS Adult Education verifying funding from a sponsoring organization. Sponsored individuals must call to schedule appointment with the DCTS Adult Education office.
Paperwork & Cancellations
- Deadline for all paperwork and required forms is two weeks prior to the first day of class.
- No refunds will be granted after class has begun.
- The $50 application/administrative fee is non-refundable.
- Cancellation requests must be received via email at AdultEd@dcts.org two weeks before the class start date.