Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry
Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Nursing Care Facilities
Room 526, Health & Welfare Building, 7th and Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (800) 852-0518 or (717) 787-1816
The online Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Pearson VUE.
Phone: (800) 852-0518
Fax: (610) 617-9398
For all those who want to become a nurse aide in Pennsylvania it is important to know that you need to be at least sixteen years old in order to be hired as a nurse aide. Furthermore, only those nurse aides who are enrolled in a CNA program, or are already certified and listed in good standing on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry, can be employed in a long term care facility reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid. All health care facilities must verify that a CNA job candidate is state qualified and has no history of client abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry has an on-line verification system which can be used to verify the credentials and status of a nurse aide. In order to receive a nurse aide certification one must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). This state test evaluates the knowledge and skills learned throughout a nurse aide training class. An individual who obtains a passing score on the assessment test is considered qualified and able to safely perform the duties associated with an entry-level nursing assistant position.
CNA Registries in the United States
Select an area from the map below to find addresses and phone numbers for Nurse Aide Registries in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia as well as links to online nursing assistant registries if available.
Should you know about your state's nursing assistant registry? Absolutely. A state's nurse aide registry serves important functions for any certified nursing assistant as well as for those looking to become certified. An individual who has finished a nursing assistant training program and has passed the state competency exam becomes listed on the CNA registry. Employers check the registry listings to confirm that a potential employee satisfies the training and testing requirements to obtain a nursing assistant job. To work as a certified nursing assistant, your status on the CNA registry must be active, without any charges of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. It is important to update your name and address on the registry. By doing so, your information is current and you are able to receive important documents sent by the registry.
For example, renewal forms are mailed to the address you have provided to the registry. You will not receive the certification renewal forms unless your address on the registry is accurate. One of the most frequent questions we get is how to get a copy of a CNA certificate. The nurse aide registry is in charge of issuing a duplicate of your nurse aide certificate and to obtain a copy you need to contact them. A nursing assistant certificate is typically reprinted when the original has been lost, accidentally destroyed, stolen, or when the individual has changed their name. The nurse aide registry is also the entity in charge of revoking a nursing assistant's certification in cases of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of a client's property. In such cases, an individual's name is permanently listed on the registry along with the specific findings.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
Name: Rachael C. Date posted: July 31, 2009 - 11:08 AM
Message: I am having trouble with renewing my CNA license in Pennsylvania. I got the renewal form in the mail and it was thrown out. How can I renew everything without my numbers. It is due by August 2! Please help! Thank you!
Name: Admin Date posted: July 31, 2009 - 11:47 AM
Message: You need to call 800-852-0518 to get your Renewal ID number. I assume you have your license number but even if you don't call the number and explain your situation. You should also visit Pearson VUE's Credentials Management System for Certification and Licensing Programs if you didn't already and after you select Pennsylvania Department of Health from the drop-down menu on that page explore the various services they offer. You need to hurry and get it done today since I don't know if they are available on weekends. Good luck!
Name: Susan R. Date posted: August 05, 2009 - 01:00 AM
Message: I would like to take the Pennsylvania state test for CNA. Where do I begin?
Name: Admin Date posted: August 05, 2009 - 05:40 PM
Message: The CNA exam in Pennsylvania is scheduled through the American Red Cross. The nursing assistant competency exam cost is $102 if you choose to take the written and skills components, and $112 if you choose the oral and skills route. The first step is to complete a registration form which may be obtained by calling the American Red Cross, or from the school or facility which provided your nurse aide training. If you need assistance filling out this application, ask your program instructor or employer for help. Along with the completed exam registration form you must also send copies of your training certificate and the payment for the examination. All these documents must be mailed together in the same envelope to the American Red Cross at the following address: American Red Cross Competency Evaluation Program, PO Box 5875, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Phone: (800) 795-2350. The American Red Cross is responsible for scheduling your exam as soon as all the required documents are received. The nurse aide candidate handbook provides all the information regarding the scheduling, available test locations, exam fees, and eligibility requirements for taking the Pennsylvania CNA exam. You are encouraged to review the information in the nurse aide candidate handbook by visiting this link: Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook.
When asking a question, please provide as much relevant information as possible (for example include the state in which you are certified when asking about how to verify your license or about CNA classes in your area).