Why Being a CNA or HHA is a Great Career Choice

When you are considering a new career track, you want to make sure that opportunities are plentiful both now and in the future. There are many things to consider when looking at a change in your future. Besides a job that you like or find meaning in, you will probably value stability, growth, and pay.

Luckily, a role as a Certified Nurse Aide or Home Health Aide has numerous advantages. Consider all the benefits that make these programs a great career choice and a bright future!

A promising future

The demand for both CNAs and HHAs is growing faster than for workers in nearly all other jobs across the United States and right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a jobs increase of 9% for CNAs and 36% for HHAs through 2028, which is well above the projected increase in all jobs as a whole (The average rate of job growth is only 5%.) What this means is that new CNAs and HHAs will be needed to meet the future demands of healthcare, particularly from the aging baby boomer population in America.

There is a growing and healthy demand for current and future CNAs and HHAs. In addition, read about some of the other benefits and perks of being a CNA or HHA, both personally and professionally.

Demand for CNAs continues to increase.

Demand for CNAs exists right now too!

There is a huge need for direct care workers, including nursing assistants. Don’t take our word for it. Right now, there are over 5,000 jobs open for CNAs in the state of Pennsylvania on Indeed! That’s one way to help ensure job security is to find your skill set always in need.

Salary and benefits

The average annual salary for a CNA in America is around $32,366 as of May 2018. The statewide average in Pennsylvania is very similar at $32,303. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the pay average is $34,671, which is higher than the national and state average.

CNA Median Salary across the United States, Pennsylvania, and in Philadelphia.

The average annual salary for a Home Health Aide (HHA) in America is around $24,060. The statewide average in Pennsylvania is a bit higher at $25,810. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the pay average is $26,220, which is higher than the national and state average.

Plus, pay can be higher, depending on where one lives and works. Full-time workers can do even better. On average, they will earn about 25% more when you add in the value of benefits that many employers offer. These perks include paid vacation and holidays, medical insurance, and retirement contributions. You may also receive some other employer perks such as tuition reimbursement, among others.

Get Certification Quickly

CareBridge Academy’s classes can be completed in as little as two weeks. The full time Home Health Aide class runs for two weeks. Part-time offerings last for four weeks. The course consists of 59 hours of classroom time and 16 hours of hands on training in a laboratory setting. Successful graduates will receive their certificate of completion.

The Certified Nursing Assistant program last from four to eight weeks. You’ll get 65 hours of classroom training, plus 55 hours of time learning the clinical skills you’ll need on the job at a nearby long term care facility. After completing the Philadelphia course, you’ll be eligible to take the CNA examination for the state of Pennsylvania.

No college degree is required

To enter a CNA or HHA program, you’ll only need a high school diploma or a GED credential. In Pennsylvania, you are eligible to be a CNA or HHA starting at 17 years old.

Affordable Tuition

In comparison to other health care training, the cost of CareBridge Academy’s programs are very reasonable.

CareBridge Academy’s Certified Nurse Aide program runs an affordable $1845, which includes all necessary items. To be certified in Pennsylvania, you’ll spend $102 on the state examination.

Start climbing the career ladder

Working as a CNA or HHA are great careers to be a direct caregiver. It could also be the first step to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN) here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In most roles, you will also get the chance to work alongside other medical specialties. This exposure may help you find your healthcare passion. You may then decide to pursue additional roles and advanced education such as a physical or occupational therapy, or even a doctor. The opportunities are endless!

Get a head start on nursing school.

Many current and future CNAs and HHAs ultimately decide that they enjoy their exposure to nursing. They feed their passion by obtaining advanced responsibilities and education as a LPN or RN. With professional experience and knowledge attained in a CNA or HHA role, these roles foster strong candidates for nursing school.

Job satisfaction

Working in health care can be challenging. Passionate CNAs and HHAs find that the ability to contribute in helping someone get better or attain a higher quality of life is very rewarding. Every new day presents an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

Variety in every workday

Enjoy no two days that are the same in these positions. Regardless of the healthcare setting, each shift will be different. Patients will come and go, and each will present their own unique challenges and conditions to be addressed. Many nursing assistants and home health aides find that time passes quickly in their role and that they rarely get bored.

Want to learn more or ready to take the first step towards a new career? Working as a CNA or HHA can lead to a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities. Contact CareBridge Academy today and make the first move in changing your life!