Nursing Assistant Training at Memorial Hospital (Towanda, PA): What to Expect

Memorial Hospital in Towanda offers a short, state-aligned Nursing Assistant Training Program that mixes classroom and supervised clinical practice. Applicants generally need a high school diploma/GED, a physical, and TB screening. After training, students must pass a state competency evaluation to be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. Confirm current tuition, schedule, exam administrator, and program leadership with the hospital.

Overview

Memorial Hospital in Towanda, Pennsylvania runs a Nursing Assistant Training Program designed to prepare students for entry-level work in long-term care and acute settings. The program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice to meet state training expectations for nurse aides.

Who can apply

Prospective students typically need a high school diploma or GED, a recent physical exam, and tuberculosis screening before registration. Background checks and current immunizations may also be required by the facility or clinical sites.

Course format and curriculum

The training usually runs as an intensive short course that covers basic care skills: bathing, dressing, feeding, transfers and lifts, vital signs, infection control, and communication/behavioral supports. Classroom lessons are paired with hands-on clinical experience in a nursing unit or personal care home under licensed supervision. The program follows Pennsylvania training standards for nurse aides and emphasizes the resident's physical and emotional needs.

Certification and testing

After completing the training hours, students must pass a state-approved competency evaluation to be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. The evaluation includes a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration. Historically, organizations such as the American Red Cross administered some evaluations, but administration partners and vendors have changed over time; verify which organization conducts the competency exam for this program.

Cost and time commitment

The original program ran about four weeks and had modest tuition plus a separate fee for the competency exam. Program tuition and exam fees can change; confirm current costs and schedule with the hospital education office. ¹

Career path and benefits

Successful candidates receive a certificate of completion and, after passing the competency evaluation, state nurse aide certification. Completing this training is a common pathway into health care: many graduates use CNA work as a foundation for LPN or RN training at community colleges and universities.

How to verify current details

If you are in the Towanda area and considering the program, contact Memorial Hospital's education or human resources office to confirm: current schedule, tuition, exact registration requirements, the program director or instructor, and which organization administers the state competency evaluation. Specifics such as the class location (previously held at the hospital's Personal Care Home on William Street) and staff leads may have changed. ²

1. Confirm whether Memorial Hospital in Towanda currently runs a Nursing Assistant Training Program and its current schedule.
2. Verify current tuition for the training program and the fee for the competency evaluation.
3. Confirm which organization currently administers the Pennsylvania state nurse aide competency evaluation for this program.
4. Verify current registration requirements (physical, TB test, immunizations, background checks) and the present program director/instructor.
5. Confirm the exact class location (e.g., Personal Care Home on William Street) if still in use.