Program Overview
This program is offered to Penn State Berks students in cooperation with Penn State University Commonwealth Campuses.
This course is for current and aspiring personal care administrators or nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who wish to fulfill continuing education requirements. This program features Pennsylvania Department of Human Services standardized and approved curriculum and consists of nineteen courses that vary in length from two to nine hours.
Spring 2025 PCHA Online Program Options
Penn State Beaver
- January 14, 2025 to March 28, 2025
- Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Saturdays
- Instructor-led course on Zoom
- $1,450
- Register here for the January 2025 Online Option
Penn State Abington
- February 18, 2025 to May 20, 2025
- Tuesday, Thursday, and occasional Wednesday evenings
- 6:00-9:30pm
- $1,450 (this includes the cost of the PCHA Exam
- Register here for the February 2025 Online Option
- Pay as you go option for Spring 2025
Penn State DuBois
- March 10, 2025 to April 11, 2025
- Monday and Wednesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm; Fridays, 8:00am to 12 noon
- $1,450 (this includes the cost of the PCHA Exam)
- Register here for the PSU DuBois Online Option
PCHA Attendance and course make-up policy: If you miss a class or a significant portion of a class (more than 30 minutes), please be aware that there will be an additional fee to schedule a make-up class. You will need to pay for that class again in full at a separate rate of $16 per hour of the class(es) missed. This policy helps us to ensure that all students stay on track and are prepared for the upcoming exam.
Our goal is to support you in being fully prepared to pass the exam. If you anticipate any scheduling conflicts or have questions about this policy, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to support your learning experience and want to help you stay on course and succeed.
Course Overview
This course is for current and aspiring personal care administrators or nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who wish to fulfill continuing education requirements.
In order to be hired and work as a Personal Care Home Administrator in Pennsylvania, you must meet the educational requirements (see below), complete the 100-hour program, pass the test, and attend a one-day Department of Human Services Orientation. There is no fee for the orientation.
- An associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university
- A license as a registered nurse from the Pennsylvania Department of State
- A license as a licensed practical nurse from the Pennsylvania Department of State and one year of experience in a related field
- A license as a nursing home administrator from the Pennsylvania Department of State
- For a home serving eight or fewer residents, a general education development diploma or high school diploma and two years of direct care or administrative experience in the human services field
Why choose the Penn State PCHA program?
- Earn your professional education with Penn State-the Big Ten in your backyard!
- Penn State offers online and in person options to fit your busy schedule each semester.
- Our instructors are subject matter experts.
- Our proven track record speaks for itself: we have trained hundreds of graduates since 2012 and have a pass rate of 98%.
Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.