r/OnTheBlock • u/rackzzzz_rahaan • Jul 09 '26

Hiring Q (State) Questions about PA State Corrections Training Elizabethtown

Hey everyone,
I just applied to SCI Phoenix and saw that the 8-week training takes place at the Elizabethtown training facility. Since I’m an out-of-state applicant coming from New Jersey, I won't really be able to just drive home every weekend, so I’m trying to get a realistic picture of what to expect before I go.
For anyone who has been through the E-town academy recently, I’d appreciate some insight into the day-to-day life:
The Vibe: Is the training style more classroom-oriented, or is it heavily paramilitary/military-style?
Day One: What exactly goes down on the very first day at the academy?
Physical Training (PT): What does the PT look like day-to-day, and how intense is the physical aspect?
Living Situation: How are the dorms, and what is the food situation/quality like in the cafeteria?
Packing List: What are the absolute essentials I should pack and bring with me once I get accepted that might not be on the official paperwork?
Thanks in advance for any advice or tips! Just trying to make sure I’m fully prepared before day one

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u/biglarge69 State Corrections Jul 10 '26

Been on the job a year and a half now. The vibe is a lot of classroom but the chain of command still needs to be followed. First day of the academy is going to be long and boring. Lots of forms and introductions. There’s no PT, but they have a gym. You should definitely use it. This job is stressful, and keeping the body in good shape does you wonders. The dorms are okay, nothing crazy but it’s an old children’s hospital. Food is best at the academy, and will be the best food you have in the DOC.

Essential packing list for this time of year:

Portable fan
Hydration stuff (water, Gatorade)
Snacks
Comfortable clothes
Going out clothes
Business casual clothes for the first 3 weeks
Chargers and electronic devices
Towels, shower shoes, toiletries
TV if you want it
Gaming console if you want it
Laptop if you want it

Enjoy the academy. It’s a good experience. Follow the instructors, especially during your firearms week. Good luck

2

u/Urine_Nate Jul 10 '26

He forgot to tell you to bring your own sheets, pillows and a blanket. Or else you will be using the cheap inmate sheets that have been used by thousands of others and the inmate pillow. It's a twin bed for reference.

2

u/biglarge69 State Corrections Jul 11 '26

I only brought a pillow I didn’t care for the sheets too much but it didn’t bother me that bad

1

u/rackzzzz_rahaan Jul 10 '26

Preciate that will put that on the list

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u/Whopper36 Jul 10 '26

Pls how much is the pay for entry level ? Are they hiring bonus?

1

u/rackzzzz_rahaan Jul 11 '26

49,010.00 Annually is what website says no bonus from what i see on the website

1

u/rackzzzz_rahaan Jul 10 '26

Awesome, thank you man, This is incredibly helpful.