Congratulations to Penn Highlands Healthcare Recent CNA Graduates

Seven students recently graduated from the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) course at Penn Highlands Healthcare. The rigorous six-week course included both classroom instruction and clinical work.

Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor

At Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor Sherry Tipton, Brandi Mecusker, Gweneth Erickson and Brittany Green successfully completed the CNA course.

"Throughout their training, the students demonstrated an outstanding commitment to hard work in the successful completion of a written and skills exam. The graduates recently took the state certification exam, and we have every confidence they will succeed in their careers," said Megan Bolden, NHA, Administrator of Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor.

Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor has become a certified clinical site where students can take their exams. The recent graduates along with some students from a previous class took the skills portion of their state certification exam at the facility.

Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

On January 29, 2025, three students completed the CNA course at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor. The newest CNA graduates include: Jana Bianco, Kimberly Gardner and Melissa Orr.

“We are very proud of our students,” said Mandy Nugent, Manager Human Resources, Penn Highlands Healthcare Post-Acute Facilities. “Each of the students is very well prepared to provide a high level of care to our residents.”

The CNA Program

The program is open to Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and members of the community free of charge. The students are paid an hourly wage during the training, orientation and until they pass their Pennsylvania State CNA exam. Since its introduction, the program has trained dozens of CNAs who have successful careers throughout the health system.

For more information about the nurse aide program, contact Hannah Danko, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at [email protected] or 814-577-3042.