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How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia

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(found 265 schools, updated in July 2017)

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is a healthcare professional who helps patients in medical facilities, and residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with daily living activities and delivers basic healthcare care services. The CNA is the person who patients and clients need on a daily basis, meaning they are an important source of information for other medical professionals concerning the condition of the people they monitor and assist.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Virginia
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Virginia
  • Get Certification in Other States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Virginia

The following steps apply to a person who will be a new Certified Nurse Aide, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and to anyone who must retake training for any reason. There are other paths to CNA certification in Virginia that are described in Step 6.

One point to note is that Virginia has an “Advanced Certified Nurse Aide” (ACNA) designation. To earn this designation requires satisfying additional training above and beyond the training for a CNA described in the following steps. To become an ACNA, the person must:

  • Hold a current CNA certification
  • Have been certified as a CNA for at least three years
  • Be able to provide a recommendation for advanced certification from a Registered Nurse (RN) who had direct supervision of the Certified Nurse Aide for a minimum of six months in the prior 12 months
  • Complete an additional 120 hours of advanced CNA training that also includes a competency evaluation

To maintain certification, the ACNA must complete at least three hours of continuing education each year. The ACNA can assume additional duties beyond that of the CNA, including supervising new CNAs.

Step 1: Research Available CNA Programs

There are numerous CNA programs in Virginia offered at different facilities. It is very likely that anyone interested in attending CNA classes in Virginia can find a local program. It is important to choose a state-approved CNA training program. The state-approved nurse aide education programs are offered at community colleges, high schools, career and technical centers, hospitals, healthcare education centers, the American Red Cross, nursing homes, medical centers and long-term care facilities. People who train in nursing homes and long-term care facilities can also work for up to four months before earning CNA certification.

When researching programs, there are a few points to keep in mind:

  • Training programs must consist of a minimum of 120 clock hours of training which includes a minimum of 40 hours of skills training
  • The actual time it takes to complete CNA training can range from four to eight weeks
  • Some programs are college credit programs, while others are certificate programs
  • The Virginia Board of Nursing regulates and approves CNA programs and is responsible for the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, so questions can be directed to the Board concerning valid programs
  • There are programs offering day and evening classes, or a mixture
  • There are hybrid programs that offer a mix of online training and clinical training (clinical training always involves direct patient care)

Local CNA Classes in Virginia

Virginia has 265 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide programs for you to consider if you are interested in pursuing a Certified Nurse Aide career in the state. You can choose CNA training programs at community colleges, nursing homes, hospitals, high schools or other organizations. The data is updated in July 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

Program TypeCityCNA Program ProviderYear 2016
Pass Rate
Written/Skills
High SchoolAbingdonWilliam Neff Vocational Center (High School Program)
neff.wcs.k12.va.us
100% / 100%
Community CollegeAbingdonVirginia Highlands Community College
www.vhcc.edu
100% / 77%
High SchoolAbingdonWilliam Neff Vocational Center (Adult Program)
neff.wcs.k12.va.us
0% / 0%
Community CollegeAlbertaSouthside Virginia Community College - Greensville County Public Schools
www.southside.edu
67% / 67%
Community CollegeAlbertaSouthside Virginia Community College - Nottoway High School
www.southside.edu
94% / 56%
Community CollegeAlbertaSouthside Virginia Community College - Brunswick Public Schools
www.southside.edu
91% / 27%
Community CollegeAlbertaSouthside Virginia Community College (Adult Programs)
www.southside.edu
100% / 0%
High SchoolAlexandriaT. C. Williams High School, Alexandria City Schools
www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw
94% / 88%
OtherAlexandriaGlobal Health College
www.global.edu
100% / 83%
OtherAlexandriaClassic Nurses Academy
classicnursesacademy.com
70% / 82%
OtherAlexandriaNew Era Nursing Services
www.neweranursing.com
88% / 76%
OtherAlexandriaSalvation Academy
salvationacademy.org
73% / 75%
OtherAlexandriaAccess Medical Institute and Technology, Inc.
www.accesshomecareinc.com
71% / 58%
OtherAlexandriaMaralex Allied Health Educational Services
www.maralexhealthservices.com
55% / 57%
OtherAlexandriaUltimate Keepers Nurse Training Services
www.ultimatekeepers.com
61% / 56%
OtherAlexandriaAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
99% / 44%
High SchoolAmherstAmherst County High School
achs.amherst.k12.va.us
90% / 18%
High SchoolAppomattoxAppomattox County High School (Adult Program)
website
100% / 100%
High SchoolAppomattoxAppomattox County High School (High School Program)
website
71% / 93%
OtherArlingtonGlobal Educational Institute, LLC69% / 43%
Nursing HomeArodaMountain View Nursing Home, Inc.
www.mvnursing.net
93% / 80%
OtherAshlandCompanion Extraordinaire Nursing Network, Inc.
cenninc.com
91% / 57%
High SchoolBedfordBedford Science and Technology Center (High School Program)
bedfordbstc.sharpschool.net
100% / 100%
High SchoolBedfordBedford Science and Technology Center (Adult Program)
bedfordbstc.sharpschool.net
100% / 90%
HospitalBedfordCentra Bedford Memorial Hospital
www.centrahealth.com
99% / 78%
High SchoolBen HurLee County Career & Technical Center
website
unknown
High SchoolBerryvilleClarke County High School
cchs.clarke.k12.va.us
100% / 56%
Community CollegeBig Stone GapMountain Empire Community College - Dickenson County Education & Research Center
www.mecc.edu
100% / 100%
Community CollegeBig Stone GapMountain Empire Community College - Scott County Public Schools
www.mecc.edu
88% / 82%
Community CollegeBig Stone GapMountain Empire Community College
www.mecc.edu
100% / 70%
Nursing HomeBig Stone GapHeritage Hall Health Care100% / 60%
OtherBlacksburgFast Track Health Care Education - Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery
www.fasttrackhc.com
unknown
High SchoolBlacksburgBlacksburg High School
bhs.mcps.org
100% / 100%
Nursing HomeBridgewaterBridgewater Home, Inc.100% / 50%
High SchoolBuckinghamBuckingham County Career & Technical Center
website
100% / 100%
OtherBurkeFirst Nursing Academy, LLC
firstnursingacademy.com
86% / 55%
High SchoolCarsonRowanty Technical Center
www.rowanty.us
100% / 77%
High SchoolCharlottesvilleCharlottesville‑Albemarle Technical Education Center (High School Program)
www.catec.org
78% / 50%
OtherCharlottesvilleFast Track Health Care Education
www.fasttrackhc.com
94% / 48%
Community CollegeCharlottesvillePiedmont Virginia Community College Wordforce Services
www.pvcc.edu
100% / 43%
High SchoolCharlottesvilleCharlottesville‑Albemarle Technical Education Center (Adult Program)
www.catec.org
95% / 39%
OtherCharlottesvilleEleos Nursing Academy - Trinity Presbyterian Church
www.trinitycville.org
100% / 29%
OtherCharlottesvilleFaithful Nursing Resources100% / 0%
OtherCharlottesvilleCommonwealth Care Group
www.commonwealthcaregroup.com
0% / 0%
High SchoolChathamPittsylvania Public Schools
www.pcs.k12.va.us/abe
unknown
OtherChesapeakeDailey’s Health Care Inc.
daileyshealthcareinc.com
unknown
High SchoolChesapeakeChesapeake Center for Science and Technology (High School Program)
www.cpschools.com/Schools/CCST
88% / 56%
OtherChesapeakeDerai Health Training Center
www.deraihealthcare.com
90% / 50%
High SchoolChesapeakeChesapeake Center for Science and Technology (Adult Education Program)
website
80% / 20%
OtherChesterChester Career College
chestercareercollege.edu
0% / 0%
Nursing HomeChesterfieldLucy Corr Village
lucycorr.org
90% / 70%
High SchoolChesterfieldChesterfield County Public Schools
mychesterfieldschools.com
100% / 42%
High SchoolChristiansburgChristiansburg High School
chs.mcps.org
100% / 95%
Nursing HomeClifton ForgeAlleghany Health & Rehabunknown
Community CollegeClifton ForgeDabney S. Lancaster Community College
www.dslcc.edu
100% / 100%
High SchoolClintwoodRidgeview Nursing Assistant Program
rvhs.dcps.k12.va.us
100% / 80%
Nursing HomeClintwoodHeritage Hall50% / 25%
High SchoolColonial HeightsColonial Heights High School
chhs.colonialhts.net
100% / 79%
High SchoolCovingtonJackson River Vocational Center (High School Program)
www.jrtc.info
100% / 100%
High SchoolCovingtonJackson River Vocational Center (Adult Program)
www.jrtc.info
0% / 0%
High SchoolCumberlandCumberland County High School
www.cucps.k12.va.us
100% / 29%
Community CollegeDanvilleDanville Community College - Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center
www.danville.edu
100% / 83%
OtherDanvilleMedical Solutions Academy
www.medicalsolutionsacademy.org
96% / 64%
Community CollegeDanvilleDanville Community College - The Woodview Nursing Home
www.danville.edu
96% / 61%
Community CollegeDanvilleDanville Community College - Roman Eagle Memorial Home
www.danville.edu
96% / 46%
Community CollegeDanvilleDanville Community College - George Washington High School
web.dps.k12.va.us/schools/gwhs
92% / 8%
Community CollegeDanvilleDanville Community College - Piney Forest Healthcare Center
www.danville.edu
100% / 0%
High SchoolDublinPulaski County High School
pcva.us/pchs.html
100% / 85%
Nursing HomeDublinHighland Ridge Rehab Center LLC
website
100% / 83%
Community CollegeDublinNew River Community College
www.nr.edu
100% / 67%
OtherDumfriesEveready Healthcare Training Center
evereadytraining.com
unknown
OtherDumfriesRose Hill Healthcare Resource
rosehhr.com
unknown
OtherFairfaxMedical Learning Center
www.medicallearningcenterva.com
88% / 88%
OtherFalls ChurchStandard Healthcare Services, Inc.
www.standardcollege.edu
64% / 36%
OtherFalls ChurchNOVA Nursing Academy
novanursingacademy.com
0% / 0%
High SchoolFarmvillePrince Edward County Public Schools
www.pecps.k12.va.us
100% / 60%
High SchoolFincastleBotetourt Technical Education Center
website
100% / 94%
Nursing HomeFincastleKissito Healthcare
www.kissito.org
100% / 36%
High SchoolFishersvilleValley Career & Technical Center (High School Program)
www.augusta.k12.va.us/valleyvts
100% / 100%
OtherFishersvilleWilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center - Training Department
wwrc.net
94% / 94%
High SchoolFishersvilleValley Career & Technical Center (Adult Program)
www.augusta.k12.va.us/valleyvts
92% / 62%
High SchoolFloydFloyd County High School
website
100% / 92%
OtherForestRaspberry Hill Adult Daytime Center
www.raspberryhilladc.com
0% / 0%
Community CollegeFranklinPaul D. Camp Community College
www.pdc.edu
93% / 57%
High SchoolFranklinFranklin City High School
fhs.fcpsva.org
67% / 44%
OtherFredericksburgChambers Training Academy
chamberstrngacademy.vpweb.com
95% / 85%
Nursing HomeFredericksburgGenesis Woodmont Center
www.genesishcc.com
71% / 43%
OtherFredericksburgComfort Assured79% / 38%
OtherFredericksburgEastern Virginia Career College
www.evcc.edu
100% / 25%
OtherFredericksburgCardinal Institute for Health Careers
cihealthcareers.com
0% / 0%
OtherFredericksburgLamm Healthcare Academy
www.anursestouchrva.com
0% / 0%
HospitalFront RoyalWarren Memorial Hospital
website
98% / 98%
High SchoolFront RoyalBlue Ridge Technical School
www.wcps.k12.va.us/brtc
100% / 74%
Nursing HomeGalaxWaddell Nursing and Rehab Center
website
100% / 80%
Nursing HomeGalaxGalax Health & Rehab (Golden Living Center of Blue Ridge)
galaxrehab.com
100% / 56%
Community CollegeGalaxWytheville Community College
www.wcc.vccs.edu
95% / 44%
HospitalGloucesterRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
OtherGoochlandRoyal Careers Institute, LLC - Goochland Technical Center (High School Program)unknown
OtherGordonsvilleDivinely Inspired Nursing Instruction
website
92% / 40%
High SchoolGrundyBuchanan County Technology & Career Center
bctcc.buc.k12.va.us
0% / 0%
Community CollegeHamptonThomas Nelson Community College
tncc.edu/home
unknown
High SchoolHamptonNew Horizons Regional Education Center (High School Program)
nhrec.org
unknown
High SchoolHamptonNew Horizons Regional Education Center (Adult Program)
nhrec.org
unknown
OtherHamptonTidewater Medical Training
www.tidewatermedicaltraining.com
96% / 78%
Community CollegeHamptonThomas Nelson Community College Workforce Training & Continuing Education
tncc.edu
81% / 78%
OtherHamptonHealth Service and Education
www.naclass.info
92% / 75%
HospitalHamptonHampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
www.hampton.va.gov
100% / 50%
OtherHamptonAllegiance Home Care Services, Inc.
allegiancehomecareservices.net
100% / 0%
High SchoolHarrisonburgMassanutten Technical Center (Adult Program)
www.mtcva.com
94% / 71%
High SchoolHarrisonburgMassanutten Technical Center (High School Program)
www.mtcva.com
100% / 69%
Nursing HomeHarrisonburgSunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community
www.sunnyside.cc
83% / 50%
OtherHenricoDominion Health Education Center (Hybrid Online Program)
www.dominionhealthed.com
unknown
OtherHenricoUnique In-Home Care, LLC - Advanced Nurse Aide Training unknown
OtherHenricoCompanion Extraordinaire Nursing Network, Inc.
cenninc.com
91% / 57%
OtherHenricoFamily 1st of Virginia Healthcare & Safety Training Center93% / 28%
High SchoolHenricoHenrico County Public Schools
website
100% / 0%
OtherHenricoAbrial Training Center
abrialtrainingcenter.com
100% / 0%
OtherHenricoDominion Health Education Center
www.dominionhealthed.com
100% / 0%
OtherHerndonGrace Ministries, Inc. - Floris United Methodist Church
www.florisumc.org
100% / 46%
High SchoolHighland SpringsHCPS-The Advanced Career Education Center100% / 84%
High SchoolHillsvilleCarroll County High School
cchs.ccpsd.k12.va.us
100% / 95%
High SchoolHopewellHopewell High School
hhs.hopewell.k12.va.us
83% / 58%
High SchoolIndependenceGrayson County Career and Technical Education Center
cate.grayson.k12.va.us
92% / 62%
Community CollegeKeysvilleSouthside Virginia Community College
www.southside.edu
91% / 77%
Community CollegeKeysvilleSouthside Virginia Community College - Charlotte and Lunenburg County Public Schools
www.southside.edu
92% / 69%
High SchoolLebanonRussell County Career & Technology Center
rcctc.russell.k12.va.us
100% / 100%
Nursing HomeLeesburgINOVA Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
www.inova.org
100% / 100%
Nursing HomeLeesburgHeritage Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center100% / 60%
High SchoolLexingtonFloyd S. Kay Vocational‑Technical Center100% / 70%
OtherLocust GroveCareer Nursing Academy
careernursingacademy.com
unknown
Community CollegeLocust GroveGermanna Community College - Nursing & Allied Health
www.germanna.edu
100% / 74%
High SchoolLouisaLouisa County High School (Adult Program)
lchs.lcps.k12.va.us
100% / 75%
High SchoolLovingstonNelson County High School
website
100% / 100%
Nursing HomeLow MoorKissito Healthcare
www.kissito.org
100% / 36%
High SchoolLurayPage County Technical Center (High School Program)
website
93% / 33%
HospitalLynchburgCentra
website
100% / 100%
OtherLynchburgCareers in Care
careersincare.org
96% / 78%
OtherLynchburgCareers in Care - Lynchburg City Schools Heritage High School
careersincare.org
54% / 77%
OtherLynchburgCareers in Care - Lynchburg Community Action Group
careersincare.org
100% / 0%
High SchoolMadisonMadison County High School
mchs.madisonschools.k12.va.us
91% / 64%
Nursing HomeMadisonAutumn Care of Madison
website
100% / 17%
Nursing HomeManassasBirmingham Green
www.birminghamgreen.org
100% / 100%
OtherManassasExcel Health Institute, LLC
excelhealthinstitute.com
95% / 78%
OtherManassasUltimate Health Schools
www.ultimatehealthschool.com
82% / 69%
OtherManassasCare Perfections Health Services, LLC
www.careperfections.com
76% / 53%
OtherManassasAstar Education Institute
www.astarinstitute.org
100% / 50%
High SchoolMarionSmyth Career and Technology Center (High School Program)
www.scsb.org/sctc
100% / 90%
Nursing HomeMarionFrancis Marion Manor Health & Rehabilitation - Smith County Community Hospital96% / 78%
OtherMarionBlue Ridge Job Corps Center
blueridge.jobcorps.gov
86% / 77%
Community CollegeMartinsvillePatrick Henry Community College
www.ph.vccs.edu
96% / 72%
HospitalMathewsRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
High SchoolMathewsMathews High School
www.mathews.k12.va.us
100% / 27%
High SchoolMechanicsvilleHanover High School
website
100% / 84%
Community CollegeMelfaEastern Shore Community College
es.vccs.edu
87% / 38%
Community CollegeMiddletownLord Fairfax Community College - Health Professions
lfcc.edu
100% / 62%
High SchoolMineralLouisa County High School (High School Program)
lchs.lcps.k12.va.us
100% / 72%
High SchoolMount JacksonShenandoah County Public Schools - Triplett Tech (Adult Program)
shenandoahtt.sharpschool.net
100% / 100%
High SchoolMount JacksonShenandoah County Public Schools - Triplett Tech (High School Program)
shenandoahtt.sharpschool.net
100% / 92%
Community CollegeNew KentRappahannock Community College - Bridging Communities
www.rappahannock.edu
87% / 73%
HospitalNewport NewsRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
HospitalNewport NewsRiverside College of Health Careers (Evening and Weekend Program)
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
Nursing HomeNewport NewsVirginia Health Services - The Lancashire, Kilmarnock100% / 69%
Nursing HomeNewport NewsVirginia Health Services - York Convalescent Center, Yorktown84% / 56%
Nursing HomeNewport NewsVirginia Health Services - James River Convalescent Center90% / 44%
OtherNewport NewsDivine Home Care Nurse Aide Training Center
www.divinehomecarellc.com
89% / 39%
OtherNewport NewsProfessional Technical Learning Center, LLC
www.protechlearning.com
92% / 17%
Community CollegeNorfolkTidewater Community College Workforce Development Center
www.tcc.edu
91% / 50%
OtherNorfolkTraining Solutions
www.trainingsolutionsva.com
89% / 34%
OtherNorfolkCentura College
centuracollege.edu
90% / 11%
OtherNorfolkAmerica Medical Careers Academy
www.amcacademy.org
0% / 0%
OtherNorth ChesterfieldProfessional Career Institute
procareerinstitute.org
87% / 29%
OtherNorth ChesterfieldAsher Comprehensive Training Program
www.ashercomptrain.org
85% / 29%
High SchoolOnleyT. H. Badger Career and Technical Education Center
www.nhs.accomack.k12.va.us
100% / 93%
High SchoolOrangeOrange County High School
website
100% / 94%
Nursing HomeOrangeDogwood Village of Orange County
www.dogwoodvillageocva.org
100% / 56%
High SchoolPalmyraFluvanna County High School
fluco.org/fluvanna-county-high-school
89% / 89%
High SchoolPearisburgGiles County Technology Center
gctc.gilesk12.org
94% / 100%
High SchoolPetersburgPetersburg Public Schools (Adult Program)
www.petersburg.k12.va.us
100% / 55%
OtherPetersburgHealth Care Training Institute100% / 13%
High SchoolPetersburgPetersburg Public Schools (High School Program)
www.petersburg.k12.va.us
0% / 0%
Community CollegePortsmouthTidewater Community College
www.tcc.edu
89% / 100%
OtherPortsmouthHampton Roads Nursing Careers and Training Center
website
60% / 42%
High SchoolPortsmouthPortsmouth Public Schools
ppsk12.us
50% / 38%
OtherPortsmouthILS Medical, Inc. - Anew Nurse Training Program
ils-medical.com
0% / 0%
OtherPortsmouthProfessional Training Institute, Inc.
www.protraininginst.com
0% / 0%
High SchoolPowhatanPowhatan High School
website
100% / 43%
OtherRapidanHartland Institute of Health and Education
hartland.edu
0% / 0%
Nursing HomeRich CreekHeritage Hall96% / 44%
Community CollegeRichlandsSouthside Virginia Community College - Mecklenburg County Public Schools
www.southside.edu
unknown
Community CollegeRichlandsSouthwest Virginia Community College
sw.edu
93% / 89%
Community CollegeRichlandsSouthside Virginia Community College - Parkview High School
www.southside.edu
96% / 52%
Community CollegeRichlandsSouthside Virginia Community College - Bluestone High School
www.southside.edu
83% / 43%
Community CollegeRichmondJ. Sargeant Reynolds Community College - Advanced Career Education Center Hermitage
www.reynolds.edu
unknown
Community CollegeRichmondJ. Sargeant Reynolds Community College - Advanced Career Education Center Highland Springs
www.reynolds.edu
unknown
Community CollegeRichmondJ. Sargeant Reynolds Community College - Richmond Public Schools
www.reynolds.edu
unknown
OtherRichmondVirginia School for Nurse Aides and Health Education
virginiaschoolfornurseaides.com
97% / 69%
OtherRichmondCentura College
centuracollege.edu
100% / 67%
Community CollegeRichmondJ. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Online Hybrid Program)
www.reynolds.edu
100% / 53%
OtherRichmondAmerican Red Cross (Evening/Weekends)
www.redcross.org
100% / 51%
High SchoolRichmondHCPS-The Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage77% / 51%
OtherRichmondAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
99% / 44%
Community CollegeRichmondJ. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
www.reynolds.edu
95% / 42%
OtherRichmondBreath of Fresh Air Healthcare Training Center
www.cpr-bofa.com
98% / 39%
Community CollegeRichmondCommunity College Workforce Alliance
ccwatraining.org
100% / 0%
High SchoolRichmondRichmond Technical Center
www.rvaschools.net
0% / 0%
OtherRoanokeTotal Action Against Poverty/This Valley Works (TAP)unknown
Community CollegeRoanokeVirginia Western Community College Center for Science and Health Professions
www.virginiawestern.edu
100% / 94%
OtherRoanokeFast Track Health Care Education
www.fasttrackhc.com
91% / 72%
Nursing HomeRoanokeFriendship Health Care Center
www.friendship.us
90% / 70%
OtherRoanokeMiller-Motte Technical College
www.miller-motte.edu
96% / 53%
OtherRoanokeFast Track Health Care Education - Goodwill Industries of the Valley
www.fasttrackhc.com
0% / 0%
OtherRocky MountFast Track Health Care Education - Franklin Center
www.fasttrackhc.com
90% / 70%
OtherRuckersvilleJullian’s Health Education Academy
www.jullianshealthed.org
100% / 65%
High SchoolRustburgCampbell County Technical Center
cctc.campbell.k12.va.us
100% / 91%
Nursing HomeSalemSalem Health and Rehabilitation Center
www.salemhealthrehab.com/center
91% / 33%
HospitalSaludaRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
HospitalSmithfieldRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
High SchoolSmithfieldSmithfield High School
shs.iwcs.k12.va.us
unknown
High SchoolSouth BostonHalifax County/South Boston Public Schools
www.halifax.k12.va.us
72% / 11%
OtherSperryvilleRappu, Inc.unknown
Community CollegeSpringfieldNorthern Virginia Community College
www.nvcc.edu
97% / 67%
OtherSpringfieldHanmi School of Nurse Aide Education Central Senior Center
hanminursingschool.com
0% / 0%
OtherSpringfield CTS Professional Healthcare, LLC83% / 55%
High SchoolStaffordNorth Stafford High School
www.staffordschools.net
100% / 100%
High SchoolStanardsvilleGreene County Technical Education Center
greene.schoolwires.net/Domain/13
93% / 64%
Community CollegeStanardsvillePiedmont Virginia Community College Eugene Giuseppe Center
www.pvcc.edu
0% / 0%
Nursing HomeStauntonEnvoy of Staunton
www.consulatehealthcare.com
0% / 0%
OtherSterlingClary’s CNA Training Centerunknown
Community CollegeSterlingNorthern Virginia Community College - Loudoun Campus
www.nvcc.edu
100% / 58%
Nursing HomeStuartBlue Ridge Nursing Center100% / 100%
High SchoolStuartPatrick County High School
pch.patrick.k12.va.us
100% / 80%
OtherSuffolkHealthCare Services 101, LLCunknown
High SchoolSuffolkPruden Center for Industry and Technology, The Center for Lifelong Learning (Adult Program)
www.prudencenter.net
78% / 44%
High SchoolSuffolkPruden Center for Industry and Technology, The Center for Lifelong Learning (High School Program)
www.prudencenter.net
62% / 29%
Nursing HomeTazewellHeritage Hall0% / 0%
High SchoolTazewellTazewell County Career and Technical Center
ctc.tazewell.k12.va.us
0% / 0%
OtherViennaColumbia College, Inc.
www.ccdc.edu
40% / 60%
Community CollegeVirginia BeachTidewater Community College
www.tcc.edu
100% / 79%
OtherVirginia BeachTidewater Medical Training
www.tidewatermedicaltraining.com
96% / 78%
OtherVirginia BeachAbbott Education Center, Inc.
abbotteducationcenter.com
81% / 32%
OtherVirginia BeachECPI University, Medical Careers Institute
www.ecpi.edu
0% / 0%
High SchoolWarrentonFauquier High School
www.fcps1.org/Domain/8
100% / 95%
Nursing HomeWarrentonFauquier Health, Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
www.fhrnc.org
100% / 27%
OtherWarrentonCare Perfections Health Services, LLC
www.careperfections.com
0% / 0%
High SchoolWarsawNorthern Neck Technical Center
www.northernnecktech.org
94% / 91%
Community CollegeWarsawRappahannock Community College - Middlesex High School
www.rappahannock.edu
88% / 67%
Community CollegeWarsawRappahannock Community College (High School Program)
www.rappahannock.edu
93% / 40%
Community CollegeWarsawRappahannock Community College (Adult Program)
www.rappahannock.edu
100% / 0%
Community CollegeWarsawRappahannock Community College - King George High School
www.rappahannock.edu
0% / 0%
HospitalWest PointRiverside College of Health Careers
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
Community CollegeWeyers CaveBlue Ridge Community College
www.brcc.edu
75% / 50%
HospitalWilliamsburgRiverside College of Health Careers - Patriots Colony
www.riversideonline.com
unknown
OtherWilliamsburgHeart to Heart Career Training Center
www.hearttoheartctc.com
93% / 50%
Community CollegeWilliamsburgThomas Nelson Community College - Williamsburg Landing Retirement Community
tncc.edu
0% / 0%
High SchoolWinchesterDowell J. Howard Center
djh.frederick.k12.va.us
96% / 92%
High SchoolWinchesterWinchester Public Schools
jhhs.wps.k12.va.us
92% / 92%
OtherWinchesterAdvanced Health (Evergreen Health & Rehabilitation)
www.evergreenwinchester.com
100% / 29%
High SchoolWiseWise County Career-Technical Center
www.wisek12.org/ctc/Home.aspx
100% / 100%
OtherWoodbridgeQuality Health Services, LLC - First Career Center
qhscares.com
100% / 100%
OtherWoodbridgeAmerica School of Nursing & Allied Health
www.asnahlearning.com
80% / 78%
OtherWoodbridgeHealing Hands Health School100% / 75%
OtherWoodbridgeGee’s Career Training Institute
www.geestraining.com
78% / 64%
OtherWoodbridgeSuperior Healthcare Services, Inc.73% / 58%
High SchoolWythevilleWythe County Technology Center
wctc.wythe.k12.va.us
100% / 70%
Nursing HomeWythevilleCarrington Place
www.carringtonplaces.com
96% / 61%

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Step 2: Review CNA Training Program Costs

Training program costs will vary. For example, the American Red Cross fee is currently $1,250 (subject to change at any time). A college credit program will charge a per credit tuition and fee rate. In another example, Danville Community College’s CNA training program is a 9-credit course. The current rate (subject to change at any time) for tuition and fees is $148.75 per credit, meaning the CNA course will cost a minimum of $1,338.75.

However, it is important to remember there will be other expenses for things like supplies, uniforms, health exam, immunizations, insurance and possibly other items like textbooks. A credit course may be eligible for federal and state financial aid. There could be scholarships and grants available too. Some programs offer payment plans, while others require full payment up front. The best approach is to discuss payment options with program staff or the financial aid office.

Possible Free CNA Training

Students who work and train in a nursing home or long-term care facility get free CNA training per federal regulations. The facility in Virginia must cover the cost of training, making this an excellent option for students who cannot afford program tuition and fees.

Step 3: Review CNA Program Prerequisites

Every CNA education program has prerequisites. In addition, a school, college or technical center may also have admission prerequisites that must be met before enrolling in the Certified Nurse Aide program in Virginia. Prerequisites include:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • May require high school diploma or GED
  • Have ability to write and read English
  • Pass a medical exam
  • Show proof of current immunizations for measles, tetanus, mumps and rubella
  • Show proof of a negative TB test
  • Pass a criminal background check which includes fingerprinting

Step 4: Attend a State-Approved CNA Training Program

The CNA training program in Virginia addresses many topics and skills typically needed to provide compassionate services to people with a variety of medical conditions and to the elderly and disabled. The program consists of a mix of classroom, laboratory and clinical training.

What to Learn

Students learn, among other topics and skills, the following:

  • Infection control
  • Communicating with patients and residents
  • Take and record critical vital signs like temperature, blood pressure and pulse
  • Assist with patient movement and mobility, i.e. positioning in bed, transferring from bed to wheelchair, exercising, walking to the restroom, etc.
  • Protecting the rights of patients and residents
  • Assisting clients with gaining maximum possible independence
  • Maintaining personal and patient safety
  • Maintaining quality standards for hygiene
  • Recognizing client mental health needs
  • Delivering personal care skills, including bathing, feeding, grooming and using a bedpan
  • Using assistive devices like a transfer belt

This is just a sample of the type of information students learn and the skills they master during training.

Step 5: Take and Pass the NNAAP Exam

The Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) contracted with Pearson VUE to administer, score and report CNA exam results. Testing is scheduled and administered through Credentia. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) developed the test to ensure CNAs trained in various states meet federal requirements for knowledge and skills training in order to work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

The exam consists of two parts: Written Exam and Skills Evaluation.

Written Exam

There are 70 multiple-choice questions on the Written Exam in Virginia when it is administered in English, unless the applicant requests and schedules an Oral Examination. The Oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice knowledge questions and 10 questions that test reading comprehension. The Pearson VUE “Virginia Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook” contains a self-assessment reading test and a sample multiple-choice exam. Since the NNAAP test is used in most states, there are also many free sample exams available online. The questions are all derived from material taught during the CNA training program.

Skills Evaluation

During the Skills Evaluation in Virginia, the exam taker will perform actual caregiving actions mastered during CNA training. A different candidate will volunteer to pretend to be an elderly person who receives the caregiving services. Five skills are tested, and one of them will always be hand-washing. The other four skills are selected randomly.

Applicants in Virginia can take the CNA exam as many times as needed to pass within a two-year period. The exception are the students working in nursing homes and long-term care facilities while enrolled in a training program. They must obtain Certified Nurse Aide certification within four months to continue employment.

Step 6: Get Certified as a CNA in Virginia

Successfully completing a state-approved training program and passing the NNAAP exam, or meeting other path requirements, leads to the applicant’s name being placed in the Virginia Certified Nurse Aide Registry. Active Certified Nurse Aides can be found here.

In addition to enrolling in a state-approved training program and taking the CNA exam (Route E1), there are other eligibility routes to get certified as a Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia.

Route E2 – Nursing Students

A student who is currently enrolled, or enrolled in the prior 12 months, in an approved nursing school program to become a RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) can apply to take the CNA exam without additional training. The requirement is that the student has completed a minimum of one clinical nursing program course which requires hands-on client care. The clinical training must be at least 40 hours.

Route E3 – Nurse Graduates

Anyone who has completed the RN or LPN education program can apply to take the NNAAP exam. This applies to domestic and foreign trained students who can provide official school transcripts. However, foreign trained students must also provide CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) documentation to provide verification the completed program meets the requirements of their country.

Route E4 – Lapsed CNA Certification

If a nurse aide completed CNA training in Virginia but allowed certification to expire for any reason, it may be possible to retake the CNA exam. One requirement is that the applicant must have submitted a reinstatement application to the Virginia Board of Nursing within the previous 12 months. Otherwise, it is necessary to retake Certified Nurse Aide training and the exam in the state.

CNAs From Other States

Out of state Certified Nursing Assistants who went through state-approved training in a state other than Virginia, may apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for certification by endorsement. If approved, the applicant’s name will be entered into the CNA Registry.

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active in Virginia

CNA Certification in Virginia is valid for two years. The period starts from the last certification expiration period. Certification requirements for renewal include working a minimum of eight hours of paid employment as a CNA during the last 24-month certification period. If unable to meet the employment requirement, it is necessary to retake both sections of the CNA exam before applying for recertification in the state.

If a nurse aide can meet the employment requirement but has a lapsed certification that is more than 90 days, it is possible to get reinstatement. To renew CNA certification, the applicant must provide verification of employment during the 24 months prior to the certification expiration date and show proof of having repeated and successfully passed the CNA exam.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Virginia

The Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia can work for home health agencies, long-term healthcare facilities, licensed healthcare facilities and adult care programs. The number of CNA jobs is expected to increase by 26.3 percent for the period 2014-2024. This is significantly higher than the national projection for the same period which is 17.6 percent. There are currently thousands of nurse aide jobs available across the state. | See Job Openings

The average CNA salary in Virginia, per the U.S. Department of Labor‘s May 2016 survey was $26,040 or $12.52. However, top earning CNAs with experience earn an average of $34,440 per year. The demand for CNAs in some areas of Virginia is so great that facilities are offering $13 per hour or higher for part-time work to CNAs who have as little as one-year of experience. The facilities are even offering benefits like flexible shifts and enrollment in a 401K. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Virginia

VA CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Virginia3717012.52260400.89.3412.2316.56194202545034440
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA59012.02250002.09.6811.5814.94201302408031080
Charlottesville, VA141013.25275602.610.1713.1717.08211602740035530
Harrisonburg, VA74012.79266103.38.9412.5517.69186002611036790
Lynchburg, VA172010.63221002.58.1410.5113.84169302185028790
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area74011.70243302.49.0411.6214.68188002417030530
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area110011.64242102.98.6411.5514.68179802403030540
Richmond, VA671012.61262201.59.8712.3116.10205302560033480
Roanoke, VA269012.01249802.18.9311.4416.46185802380034230
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area251011.35236203.58.3411.0114.99173502290031180
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area160010.37215602.77.949.8614.15165202052029420
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA64012.00249602.49.2111.9014.96191602475031120
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC749012.33256401.49.7412.0615.29202602509031800
Winchester, VA-WV86011.80245501.69.8511.4914.80204902390030790

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Get CNA Certification in Other States

  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • North Carolina
  • West Virginia
  • Washington, D.C.

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