Fulfill your required training in a convenient format

Penn State delivers continuing education for health care professionals who are preparing to become personal care home administrators and to administrators and direct-care staff who must meet continuing education requirements.

Individuals who are providing elder care for family members or friends and find any of these topics to be of value may choose to take any of these courses for personal enrichment.

Our programs address issues surrounding personal care homes as well as the responsibility to provide safe, humane, comfortable, and supportive residential settings for adults who don't require the services of a licensed, long-term care facility, but do require assistance or supervision with daily living activities and other physical and mental life skills.

All individuals who completed the 100-hour standardized, department-approved administrator training course after Jan. 31, 2009, must successfully complete the orientation program for new administrators and a competency test with a passing score in accordance with 55 Pa.Code § 2600.64(a)(3) (relating to administrator training and orientation).

In addition, current administrators must complete at least 24 hours of training related to job duties. All direct-care staff must complete 12 hours of training.

Penn State is an approved provider through the Department of Human Services Bureau of Human Services Licensing under the Personal Care Homes Licensing Regulations as of April 23, 2005, published in 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600 (35 Pa.B.2499).

You must attend a one-day Department of Human Services Orientation in addition to the 100-hour course. There is no fee for the orientation.

Registration 

You may register for the entire program for $1,450, or you may choose to take classes as needed. These courses may be taken as part of the required 24-hour continuing education credits. Scholarships for the 100-hour course are available through the Thomas R. Roth Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 To register for individual courses, please call 724-773-3700.

Required orientation

You must attend the required Department of Human Services orientation in addition to the 100-hour course. There is no fee for the orientation. The PCHA exam certificate must be uploaded prior to registering for the Orientation.

Personal Care Administrator Training

PCHA Orientation

  • Dates: Monthly options available, PCHA Exam Certificate must be uploaded upon registration.
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Format: Instructor-led course on Teams facilitated by DHS Registration: DHS orientation schedule
  • Registration: DHS Orientation Schedule
     

PCHA 100-hour Training Spring/Fall 2025 Options

Penn State Abington

Penn State DuBois

Annual Training 24 CEUs

Register for all 24-hours of continuing education for a discounted rate of $349. Upon registration you will receive a Microsoft form to choose the specific courses you plan to attend. Once the courses are chosen, Zoom links and course materials will be provided via email. Register today to start saving.

Individual courses

*CPR in-person demonstration

In accordance with §2600.63b, a portion of the CPR and first aid training is required to be in-person for this course. Although the first part of the course will be online, a two-hour CPR and first aid demonstration will be required on exam day. If students cannot attend the Penn State Beaver CPR and first aid in-person training, students are expected to obtain their CPR and first aid certification training from an approved provider. Students must provide proof of approved training prior to taking the PCHA examination. The demonstration will be held prior to the exam.

Prerequisites

Qualifications necessary to attend this program:

  • In accordance with §2600.53a, an individual must have one of the following qualifications to be a personal care administrator:
  • A license as a registered nurse from the Department of State.
  • An associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university.
  • A license as a licensed practical nurse from the Department of State and one year of work experience in a related field.
  • A license as a nursing home administrator from the Department of State.
  • For a home serving eight or fewer residents, individuals must have a general education development diploma or high school diploma and two years of direct care or administrative experience in the human services field.
     

Licensure

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification for employment. 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.

Cancellations and refunds

Payment is due upon registration. Students may request a registration cancellation through the start date of the course. A $25 cancellation fee will apply. No refunds will be given for withdrawal requests after the course start date. The University reserves the right to cancel course selections. If the course is cancelled, the student will be issued a full refund.

For more information, please contact:

Jamie Merida
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
610-285-5059