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Messiah University nurse aide training program

Take your first step to becoming a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)

Students who complete Messiah University's nurse aide training program will receive a completion certificate and are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written exam and skills test. Nurse aides who pass this state exam receive certification as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and are added to Pennsylvania's nurse aide registry.

 

Who is Messiah's nurse aide training program designed for?

Becoming a nurse aide is an in-demand full-time or part-time employment opportunity in a variety of healthcare settings. This program could be right for you if:

  1. You are seeking a full-time, entry-level position in healthcare—whether as a first job or you are looking to re-career.
  2. You are seeking a meaningful, flexible part-time job helping others.
  3. You are a high school or college student exploring a career in healthcare; gain valuable experience and build your resume while earning a part-time paycheck.

 

Location

Messiah University's program is taught at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, a leading regional provider of a comprehensive network of senior community services and residential living communities.

What do nurse aides do?

Nurse aides, also known as nursing assistants or direct care workers, perform various patient care duties under the supervision of a nurse, such as:

  • Render care and assist clients who are unable to care for themselves
  • Measure and record vital signs
  • Assist clients with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other personal care
  • Assist with range of motion exercises
  • Transport clients
  • Ensure client comfort
  • Maintain infection control and safety awareness

Nurse Aide Training Program Details and Requirements

 The 120-hour Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) includes:

  • 40 hours of theory
  • 25 hours of lab
  • 55 hours of clinical experience.

Graduates will receive a certificate from Messiah University and will be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written exam and skills test.

Upcoming Course Sessions: Messiah Lifeways, 100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

  • September 8 - October 3, 2025
  • January 5 - January 30, 2026
  • March 3 - March 31, 2026
  • May 19 - June 17, 2026
  • September 1 - September 29, 2026
  • October 27 - November 24, 2026

Applicant Requirements

This course is taught in English. Applicants must be able to speak, read, write and understand English fluently.

  • Age 16 years or older (by the first day of class)
  • Verification of PA residency with photo ID. Note: If you have not lived in PA for the past 2 consecutive years, you must obtain FBI report in addition to the PA State Background Clearance. This process can take up to 6 weeks, so please plan accordingly. 
  • Free from communicable diseases and can meet the physical demands of the nurse aide job which require full use of hands, ability to stand for extended periods, bend, pull, push, and lift a minimum of 40 pounds without restriction.

Required Forms and Clearances

All application materials must be submitted at least 2 business days before the first day of class.

Tuition

Tuition for this course is $1600. Payment is required at the time of registration. If you are employed by Messiah Lifeways, or any other long-term care facility, please contact your human resources department to inquire about possible reimbursement. 

Refunds

Students may request a full refund up to 1 week prior to the first day of class. Otherwise, no refunds are issued. Students dismissed or withdrawn from the program will not receive a refund. 

Attendance Policy

  • Attendance is mandatory. All students must complete the entire amount of approved program hours. This includes all classroom, laboratory, and clinical time.
  • There are two make-up days (class and lab between days 9 and 10; clinical after day 17). If clinical time is missed, it must be made up on the clinical make-up day provided in the program calendar. Class, lab, or clinical not made up on the make-up days will result in dismissal from the program. 

Dress Code:

Uniform

  • Solid navy blue scrub pants and top must be worn every day. Pants must be full length (no Capri pants). 
  • Solid shoes or leather/vinyl white or black athletic shoes are required. Shoes must be clean and slip resistant with clean laces.
  • Long sleeve blue or white shirts under scrubs is permitted.
  • Students must wear a watch with a second hand.

Non-Discrimination Policy

In accordance with state and federal laws, participation in the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program is governed and administered on individual achievement and mastery of program competencies. Participants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability although some disabilities may preclude a person from being able to perform essential functions of the job.

This nondiscrimination policy supports Title VI of the Civil Right Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972. Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

 

Further questions about the application process? Contact bridgecenter@messiah.edu

 

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