Certified Nursing Assistants are vital in creating positive, hands-on experiences for people in retirement communities, hospitals and wellness environments. If you’re exploring career opportunities in health care, CNA jobs in central PA are worth a closer look. Each workplace has its own culture, benefits and expectations, so it’s worth taking the time to compare them. You’ll find a wide variety of employers in Pennsylvania offering rewarding opportunities to grow your skills and make an impact.
1. Messiah Lifeways Mount Joy Country Homes
Certified Nursing Assistants may not always get the spotlight, but they’re the backbone of everyday care. The job involves assisting with daily activities and providing basic care. Messiah Lifeways Mount Joy Country Homes in the Mechanicsburg and Harrisburg area is one of the better-known employers for someone seeking CNA jobs in central PA. In central Pennsylvania, it’s seen as a large employer in the care and wellness space. Its recruitment pages list multiple openings for CNAs, including night, evening and as-needed roles.
It also offers incentives like sign-on bonuses to attract staff and operates as a nonprofit network that runs a continuum of senior living, wellness, and clinical services. Working as a CNA at Messiah Lifeways gives you exposure to a structured setting with a focus on care quality, with opportunities to advance into restorative roles. Its job listings mention shift differentials, full-time and part-time options, and bonuses for those willing to commit to evenings or nights.
Because Messiah Lifeways has multiple operation types like wellness-focused and memory-support, a CNA might rotate through different parts of the campus, which helps build broader skillsets. The organization also emphasizes community culture, training and employee support in its “clinical positions” track.
Key Features
- Sign-on bonuses
- Multiple shifts available
- Shift differentials such as extra pay for less desirable hours
- Opportunities for advancement
- A stable employer in central PA with a reputation in wellness and care networks
2. Acts Retirement-Life Communities
Acts Retirement-Life Communities is a major player in the Pennsylvania senior living and continuum-of-care space. Its model is based on multiple campuses that offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and health services under one umbrella. Because Acts operates many campuses, it tends to have a demand for CNAs across its network.
Job listings for Acts in PA include Certified Nursing Assistant roles with rates around $17.82 to $22.10/hour in some locations, accompanied by benefits and sign-on or retention bonuses. When you join its team in a CNA role, you’ll often be part of a large organization with strong internal systems, HR support, and benefit packages that include health insurance, retirement matching and tuition reimbursement.
Some Acts listings highlight vision, medical, dental, paid time off, life insurance and retirement benefits. Because the brand spans many communities, lateral movement or transfers may be possible. Also, the size and reputation of Acts means that more formal training, mentorship, and career-path support are often available.
Key Features
- Hourly pay in many PA locations starts from $17
- Benefit packages including medical, dental and retirement matching
- Sign-on retention bonuses in some postings
- Multiple shift schedules
- Internal mobility across Acts campuses
3. UPMC Senior Communities
UPMC Senior Communities is part of the larger University of Pittsburgh Medical Center network. While UPMC is often considered a hospital and medical system, its senior communities branch handles operations for senior living, rehabilitation, memory support and care settings. Because the network is so extensive, there are plenty of CNA positions available.
As a large, integrated system, CNAs working under UPMC Senior Communities may enjoy advantages like access to a large infrastructure, including health benefits, training resources, and opportunities to cross over into hospitals or medical operations. On the flip side, because UPMC is large and has many layers, the pace and expectations may be more regulated and structured. You might find more formal protocols, documentation demands and more oversight than in smaller entities.
Key Features
- Large number of openings across PA
- Integrated benefits and resources as part of UPMC
- Various shift options
- Potential for career crossover or advancement
- Formalized policies, standards, and oversight due to size and medical affiliation
4. Kadima at Lititz
Kadima is a well-established name in the Pennsylvania care and wellness space, especially in Lancaster County. Its career page highlights that it treats employees like family, and there are opportunities for internal promotion, flexible schedules and benefits.
In a CNA position at Kadima, you may work closely with residents on daily activities, follow personalized care plans, monitor health changes, and coordinate with nursing staff and therapy. Kadima emphasizes empathy, dignity and individualized care. It also highlights staff benefits like competitive wages, flexible scheduling, continuing education, sign-on and referral bonuses, and health coverage.
The provider’s approach seems to lean toward a “family” model, where teams are encouraged to give feedback, build relationships and grow with it. Because Kadima operates multiple campuses, you may find opportunities to shift between locations or roles.
Key Features
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Flexible scheduling and shift options
- Continuing education support, staff development, and internal mobility
- Sign-on bonuses and referral incentives
- Emphasis on personalized, respectful care and a close-knit work culture
5. ScionHealth
ScionHealth is the parent company behind care networks including Kindred Hospitals. Working under Scion means entering a highly medical and rehabilitative setting. There are more acute patients, more clinical protocols, greater oversight, possibly higher intensity and more documentation.
However, the upside is exposure to challenging cases, growth potential into hospital or therapy roles, and solid credentials on your resume. Scion emphasizes staff development, training, interdisciplinary teamwork and career growth. Because it is a larger health care network, a CNA might also benefit from cross-departmental movement, access to institutional resources, professional development programs and possibly transition into higher clinical roles within the hospital system.
Key Features
- Access to a medical environment with high standards and protocols
- Development programs, training and strong institutional support
- Opportunities for advancement into other hospital or clinical roles
- Structured documentation, interdisciplinary coordination and strict compliance standards
- Strong brand name and resume value
6. Sunrise Senior Living
Sunrise Senior Living offers plenty of CNA and caregiver roles in Pennsylvania. At its facility, CNAs work in environments that aim to balance medical needs with a home-style, dignity-focused approach. They’re responsible for helping with daily living tasks, documenting care, observing condition changes and communicating with nurses.
Because Sunrise operates multiple communities, CNAs may find transfer opportunities, schedule flexibility, and exposure to different neighborhoods or care models. The enterprise frames itself in terms of quality of life and resident dignity rather than just medical care, so a CNA might find a slightly more balanced rhythm with meaningful work and structure but less of a clinical push.
Key Features
- Hourly pay of around $15.75-$19.75 for many positions
- Full-time, part-time and shift flexibility
- Tuition reimbursement, benefits, retirement plan and paid time off in many postings
- Emphasis on training, career growth and a supportive culture
- Regular documentation, care planning and cross-team communication
7. Aveanna Healthcare
Aveanna Healthcare offers home-based and private duty care services, so CNAs there often work one-on-one or with small caseloads in contrast to more institutional settings. Its listings show many open CNA roles in Pennsylvania, including the Harrisburg region.
Because Aveanna works in patients’ homes, you might enjoy more independent work, direct relationship-building and a sense of ownership. However, you also need to be self-reliant, comfortable traveling between assignments and good at documentation. This employer emphasizes flexibility, training support and the possibility of growing within its network.
Key Features
- Flexible scheduling
- Opportunities for one-on-one care and closer patient relationships
- Training, documentation support and supervision are available remotely
- Career growth and internal mobility
- Wide geographic presence in PA, meaning more openings in various counties
| Employer | Type of Organization | Pay/Benefits | Scheduling | Growth Opportunities | Unique Perks |
| Messiah Lifeways | Nonprofit, retirement community in Mechanicsburg | Competitive wages, shift differentials, sign-on bonuses | Day, evening, overnight, PRN | Restorative nursing track, clinical advancement | Strong community, culture, faith-based mission |
| Acts Retirement-Life Communities | Large multi-campus retirement network | Strong benefits, including medical and retirement | Multiple shifts, weekend rotations | Internal mobility across campuses | Large organization with structured training |
| UPMC Senior Communities | Part of UPMC health system | Competitive pay, full benefits, system-wide resources | 24/7 scheduling options | Career crossover into hospital roles | Access to UPMC network and advanced training |
| Kadima at Lititz | Regional retirement and rehab provider | Competitive wages, health insurance, bonuses | Flexible scheduling | Continuing education support | Emphasis on family-like staff culture |
| ScionHealth | National hospital and rehab network | Competitive wages, solid benefits | Structured shifts in hospital settings | Professional development and clinical pathways | Resume value from hospital and rehab experience |
| Sunrise Senior Living | Retirement living communities with multiple sites in PA | Competitive wages, tuition reimbursement, paid time off | Flexible with day, evening and night shifts | Career growth programs | Focus on dignity and relationship-based care |
| Aveanna Healthcare | Home health and private duty care | Varies, with benefits for full-time roles | Flexible, one-on-one assignments | Internal mobility within home health | Independence and closer client relationships |
Finding the Right Fit
Looking for CNA jobs in central PA can feel overwhelming because there are so many options, from large health care systems to retirement communities. The key is ensuring your chosen role suits your lifestyle, values and career goals.
Work Environment
Some CNAs thrive in fast-paced hospital settings, while others prefer the steady rhythm of a retirement community. Think about whether you want a highly clinical environment with strict protocols or a more personal, relationship-driven space. The right work environment will help you enjoy your daily tasks and manage stress.
Scheduling and Flexibility
Health care is a 24/7 world, so shifts can vary a lot. Before committing, ask yourself what works best for your lifestyle. Do you need daytime hours to align with family schedules, or are you open to evenings and overnights, which often come with higher pay differentials? Flexibility can make or break your satisfaction in the role.
Pay and Benefits
Wages are important, but the full package matters more. Look at health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Some employers also offer sign-on bonuses or referral perks, which can add up quickly. Make sure you’re comparing total compensation, not just hourly rates.
Training and Perks
If you’re aiming to move into Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse roles down the line, choose an employer that offers educational support and advancement programs. A good CNA job should help you sharpen your skills and keep you moving forward rather than just keep you in place.
Workplace Culture
This factor is easy to overlook, but it’s crucial. Some organizations are very team-oriented, while others may feel more corporate or task-driven. Look for reviews, talk to current or former staff, and pay attention during interviews to see how supportive the culture feels.
The Importance of Certified Nursing Assistants
CNAs are often the first point of contact throughout the day and ensure comfort, safety, and dignity are central to someone’s experience. By being attentive and present, they notice small changes that others might overlook — things that can make a big difference in health and wellness.
You’ll connect individuals with nurses, therapists and doctors, translating small observations into valuable insights that help guide treatment. The role is often described as “the bridge” because it ties clinical direction to day-to-day experiences.
Some responsibilities are hands-on, but they’re never just about tasks. Whether helping with mobility, offering encouragement, or ensuring someone feels seen and respected, CNAs bring a human touch to health care. This is what transforms services from being clinical into something personal and meaningful.
Working as a CNA is also a springboard into the broader health care field. Many licensed practical nurses and registered nurses started their careers as CNAs. The role offers stability and a pathway for growth, with training and advancement opportunities available through many employers.
Continue Your CNA Career in Pennsylvania
CNA jobs in central PA create lasting impact. You provide care, patience and dedication that shape daily life in health care environments. Employers across Pennsylvania are looking for CNAs who want to grow, learn and make a difference, from local retirement communities to major health systems.
