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Home ยป Become a CNA in West Virginia

How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in West Virginia

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(found 118 schools, updated in December 2017)

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) provides basic nursing services to residents and patients in healthcare facilities. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources-Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC) approves all nursing assistant training programs. The Certified Nurse Aide has proven her or his competency by completing a training program and/or taking a competency evaluation exam. West Virginia also has a reciprocity and challenge exam process. It is important to follow all state rules and guidelines to enjoy the smoothest path possible to CNA certification.

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

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in West Virginia

Following are the basic steps an individual will take to become a Certified Nurse Aide in West Virginia.

Step 1: Identify Appropriate Path

Most nurse aides get their name placed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry by completing a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). When taking this training path, CNA certification in West Virginia requires meeting minimum training hours and proving competency through examination in the various skills a typical nurse aide uses while employed.

West Virginia certification requirements also offer other paths to inclusion on the Registry. Individuals meeting certain requirements can request to:

  1. Complete the competency evaluation (exam) only, OR
  2. Challenge the training program as RN or LPN nursing students and only take the CNA exam, OR
  3. Get reciprocity as an out of state Certified Nurse Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant

Nursing students must show proof of successful completion of a fundamentals of nursing class and a minimum of 32 hours of clinical training. To qualify for reciprocity, the out of state CNA must be in good standing on the other state’s Registry. People with equivalent training, like military-trained healthcare workers and foreign nurses, are the ones most likely to request to take the CNA exam without additional training under the first option. The OHFLAC makes a determination on a case-by-case basis.

Step 2: Select a State-Approved Training Program

If an individual needs to complete a nurse aide training program, it is necessary select a state-approved training program. OHFLAC-NAP approved CNA courses include community and technical colleges, institutes of technology, career centers, high schools, nursing homes, convalescent centers and other long-term care facilities.

A good place to begin a CNA school search is within the local area of the student’s residence. West Virginia has 118 state-approved training programs (subject to change) across the state, giving people many convenient options. Most of the nursing assistant training programs are offered at long-term care facilities. A typical CNA training program is four to six weeks long.

Local CNA Classes in West Virginia

66 Long-Term Care Facility Based Programs / 21 Programs at Secondary Career Technical Colleges / 10 High School Programs / 8 Programs at Community College / 6 Programs at Adult Career Technical Colleges / 7 Private Programs

66 CNA Programs Offered by Long-Term Care Facilities

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CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
BeckleyRaleighHARPER MILLS(304) 256-1650
BeckleyRaleighJackie Withrow Hospital
website
(304) 256-6600
BeckleyRaleighPine Lodge
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 252-6317
BelmontPleasantsCarehaven of Pleasants
www.carehavenwv.com
(304) 665-2065
Berkeley SpringsMorganBerkeley Springs Center(304) 258-3673
BluefieldMercerMaples Health Care
www.mapleshealthcare.com
(304) 327-2485
BuckhannonUpshurHolbrook Nursing Home(304) 472-3280
CameronMarshallCameron Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.cameronwv.com/index.htm
(304) 686-3318
Charles TownJeffersonWillow Tree Manor
www.communicarehealth.com
(304) 725-6575
CharlestonKanawhaEastbrook Center
www.eastbrookwv.com
(304) 925-4771
ClarksburgHarrisonClarksburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
www.amfmwv.com
(304) 624-6500
ClarksburgHarrisonRiver Oaks(304) 624-6601
CullodenCabellCabell Health Care Center
www.amfmwv.com
(304) 721-2171
DanielsRaleighRaleigh Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 763-3051
ElkinsRandolphElkins Regional Convalescent Center
www.ercc.biz
(304) 636-1391
ElkinsRandolphNella's Nursing Home(304) 636-2033
FairmontMarionPierpont Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 363-2273
FairmontMarionTygart Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 366-9100
FollansbeeBrookeBrightwood Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 527-1100
FranklinPendletonPendleton Manor
www.good-sam.com
(304) 358-2322
GlenvilleGilmerGlenville Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 462-5718
GraftonTaylorGrafton City Hospital
www.graftonhospital.com
(304) 265-0400
GraftonTaylorRosewood Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 265-0095
HarrisvilleRitchiePine view Nursing and Rehabilitation Center(304) 643-2712
HilltopFayetteHilltop Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 469-2966
HintonSummersSummers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center LLC(304) 466-0332
HuntingtonCabellHeritage Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 525-7622
HuntingtonCabellHuntington Health and Rehabilitation Center(304) 529-6031
HurricanePutnamTeays Valley Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 757-7826
KingwoodPrestonHeartland of Preston County(304) 329-3195
LoganLoganLogan Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 752-2273
LoganLoganTrinity Health Care Services
www.trinitywv.com
(304) 752-8723
MarlintonPocahontasPocahontas Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 799-7375
MartinsburgBerkeleyCare Haven Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 263-0933
MartinsburgBerkeleyClary Grove
www.clarygrovewv.com
(304) 263-8921
MontgomeryFayetteMontgomery General Elderly Care(304) 442-2469
MorgantownMonongaliaMadison Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 285-0692
MorgantownMonongaliaMapleshire Nursing and Rehabilitation(304) 285-2720
MoundsvilleMarshallMound View Health Care(304) 843-1035
New MartinsvilleWetzelNew Martinsville Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 455-2600
Oak HillFayetteHidden Valley Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 465-1903
ParkersburgWoodEagle Pointe
www.eaglepointewv.com
(304) 485-6476
ParkersburgWoodOhio Valley Health Care(304) 485-5137
ParkersburgWoodParkersburg Care Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 485-5511
ParkersburgWoodWillows Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 428-5573
ParkersburgWoodWorthington Healthcare Center
www.communicarehealth.com
(304) 485-7447
PetersburgGrantGrant Rehabilitation and Care Center
website
(304) 257-4233
PhilippiBarbourMansfield Place(304) 457-8220
PrincetonMercerPrinceton Health Care Center
pmhonline.org
(304) 487-3458
RainelleGreenbrierMeadow Gardens(304) 438-6127
RavenswoodJacksonRavenswood
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 428-5573
RichwoodNicholasNicholas County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center(304) 846-2668
RipleyJacksonEldercare Health and Rehabilitation
www.eldercarehealthrehab.com
(304) 372-5115
RonceverteGreenbrierBrier Rehabilitation & Nursing Center(304) 645-7270
SalemHarrisonSalem Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 782-3000
ShepherdstownJeffersonCanterbury Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 876-9422
SistersvilleTylerSistersville Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 652-1032
South CharlestonKanawhaValley Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 768-4400
SuttonBraxtonBraxton Health Care & Rehabilitation Center
www.amfmwv.com
(304) 765-2861
ThomasTuckerCortland Acres Nursing Home
www.cortlandacres.org
(304) 463-4181
WeirtonHancockWeirton Geriatric Center(304) 723-4300
WellsburgBrookeWellsburg Center(304) 394-5322
West ColumbiaMasonLakin Hospital
website
(304) 675-0860
WheelingOhioGood Shepherd Nursing Home(304) 242-1093
WheelingOhioPeterson Rehabilitation Hospital and Geriatric Center(304) 234-0556
White Sulphur SpringsGreenbrierWhite Sulphur Springs Center
www.genesishcc.com
(304) 536-4661

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21 CNA Programs Offered by Secondary Career Technical Colleges

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CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
BuckhannonUpshurFred W Eberle Technicall Center (Secondary)
fetc.edu
(304) 472-1259
ClarksburgHarrisonUnited Technical Center
website
(304) 326-7583
CraigsvilleNicholasNicholas County Career and Technical Center(304) 742-5416
DunbarKanawhaBen Franklin Career Center
benfranklinctc.weebly.com
(304) 766-0369
ElkinsRandolphRandolph Technical Center
rtc.rand.k12.wv.us
(304) 636-9195
FosterBooneBoone Career and Technical Center
www.gobctc.com
(304) 369-4585
FosterBooneBoone Career and Technical Center (Morning)
www.gobctc.com
(304) 369-4585
FosterBooneBoone County and Technical Center (Afternoon)
www.gobctc.com
(304) 369-4585
GraftonTaylorTaylor County Technical Center
www.wvonline.com/techcenter/
(304) 265-1050
KeyserMineralMineral County Technical Center
mctc.mine.tec.wv.us
(304) 788-4240
LeroyJacksonRoane-Jackson Technical Center
www.rjtcwv.com
(304) 372-7335
LindsideMonroeMonroe County Technical Center(304) 753-9971
New CumberlandHancockJohn D Rockefeller Career Center
www.jdrcc.org
(304) 564-3337
ParkersburgWoodWood County Technical and Career Center
woodcountyschoolswv.com/WCT
(304) 420-9500
PetersburgGrantSouth Branch Career & Technical Center
southbranchtech.org
(304) 257-1331
PinevilleWyomingWyoming County Career & Technical Center
wcvtc.wyom.tec.wv.us
(304) 732-8050
Point PleasantMasonMason County Vocational Center
vtc.maso.k12.wv.us
(304) 675-3039
PrincetonMercerMercer County Technical Education Center
website
(304) 425-9551
RomneyHampshireHampshire High School
website
(304) 822-3979
Saint MarysPleasantsMid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute
website
(304) 684-2464
WelchMcDowellMcDowell County Career and Technology Center
boe.mcdo.k12.wv.us/ctc
(304) 436-3488

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10 CNA Programs Offered by High Schools

CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
BrooksSummersSummers County High School
schs.summers.k12.wv.us
(304) 466-6040
Glen DaleMarshallJohn Marshall High School
jmhs.mars.k12.wv.us
(304) 843-4444
KingwoodPrestonPreston High School
preston-k12.wvnet.edu/phs/
(304) 329-0400
LewisburgGreenbrierGreenbrier East High School
gehs.greenbriercountyschools.org
(304) 647-6469
PhilippiBarbourCareer and Technical Education Center (High School)
pbhs.barb.k12.wv.us
(304) 457-4807
SmithersFayetteValley High School(304) 442-8284
UppergladeWebsterWebester County High School
wchs.webs.k12.wv.us
(304) 226-5772
WellsburgBrookeBrooke High School
website
(304) 527-1410
WheelingOhioWheeling Park High School
wphs.ohio.k12.wv.us
(304) 243-0400
WilliamsonMingoTug Valley High School
website
(304) 235-2266

8 CNA Programs Offered by Community Colleges

CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
BeckleyRaleighValley College
www.valley.edu
(304) 252-9547
CharlestonKanawhaGarnet Career Center
garnet.edu
(304) 348-6195
MartinsburgBerkeleyValley College
www.valley.edu
(304) 263-0979
MoorefieldHardyEastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
www.easternwv.edu/Home.aspx
(304) 434-8000
ParkersburgWoodWest Virginia University at Parkersburg - Community Education
www.wvup.edu
(304) 424-8266
PrincetonMercerValley College
www.valley.edu
(304) 425-2323
South CharlestonKanawhaBridgeValley Community and Technical College - Montgomery Campus
www.bridgevalley.edu
(304) 205-6666
South CharlestonKanawhaBridgeValley Community and Technical College - South Charleston Campus
www.bridgevalley.edu
(304) 205-6666

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6 CNA Programs Offered by Adult Career Technical Colleges

CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
ClarksburgHarrisonUnited Technical Center
website
(304) 326-7583
MartinsburgBerkeleyJames Rumsey Technical Institute
www.jamesrumsey.com
(304) 754-7925
New CumberlandHancockJohn D Rockefeller Career Center
www.jdrcc.org
(304) 564-3337
Oak HillFayetteFayette Institute of Technology
fit.faye.tec.wv.us
(304) 469-2911
PrincetonMercerMercer County Technical Education Center
website
(304) 425-9551
WelchMcDowellMcDowell County Techincal Center(304) 436-6180

7 Private CNA Programs in West Virginia

CityCountyCNA Progam ProviderPhone
BridgeportHarrisonUS Nursing Network
www.usnursingnetwork.com
(304) 623-5777
ClarksburgHarrisonHealth Consultants Plus(304) 782-3765
CoraLoganMed-Care Training Center(304) 239-3225
KingwoodPrestonPreston Memorial Hospital
www.prestonmemorial.org
(304) 329-1400
OnaCabellProfessional Health Care Development (Refresher Course Only)
www.profhd.com
(304) 733-6145
PinevilleWyomingKnights Enrichment(304) 732-8050
SummersvilleNicholasFamily Learning Center(304) 872-7060

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Training Costs and Financial Aid

Students attending programs at community colleges and technical centers will have to pay for the cost of training and testing which can range from $350 to $1,500 for tuition, textbook, uniform, medical supplies, health exam, immunizations and exam fees. Students at educational facilities may qualify for state financial aid, including the Higher Education for Adult Part Time Students grant, the Higher Education Grant Program grant, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds and vocational rehabilitation funds.

Free Training

One of the reasons the long-term care facility-based CNA programs in West Virginia are popular with students is because federal and state laws require employers to pay all training program costs while the student is also employed. This makes training free. The student must earn CNA certification within 120 days to continue working.

Even if someone completes a program at an educational facility, he or she can still claim a prorated reimbursement for training costs from an employer operating a Medicare or Medicaid long-term nursing facility. Employment must be obtained within 12 months of completing a CNA training program.

Step 3: Meet the CNA Program Prerequisites

Every nurse aide program in West Virginia has prerequisites. They include but are not limited to:

  • Passing a criminal background check
  • Showing proof of negative TB test
  • Showing proof of High School diploma or GED, if required by school or program
  • Showing proof of immunizations
  • Being at least 18 years old, if required by school or program
  • Meeting minimum skill levels in reading and writing in English

step 4: Complete Training Program

West Virginia requires a minimum of 120 hours of CNA training. The 120 hours includes classroom and laboratory education hours and at least 55 hours of practical training in a state-approved clinical setting.

The CNA courses in West Virginia teach the skills commonly used as a nursing assistant. Students also gain general knowledge on topics like anatomy and disease progression. Following are examples of the knowledge and skills learned:

  • Hand washing
  • Preventing infection
  • Safety
  • Maintaining resident’s area
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Assisting resident with maintaining and/or improving range of motion
  • Assisting resident with personal care and hygiene
  • Caring for an unconscious resident
  • Positioning resident in bed or transferring resident from bed to chair or table
  • Utilizing assistive devices
  • Basic anatomy
  • Aging process
  • Disease progression
  • Communication skills
  • Ethical and legal considerations

Within each of these general categories are many detailed skills and tasks. Ultimately, the Certified Nurse Aide is the person who has the most contact with residents and patients on a daily basis and provides services that are critical to helping clients achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Step 5: Take the Competency Examination

After completing CNA training, a competency evaluation is administered. OHFAC has contracted with Professional Healthcare Development (PHD) to administer the Nurse Aide exam. PHD maintains the testing sites which are listed on its website. Testing includes a computer-based written test and a skills test.

Written (Oral) Test

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and earning 70 percent or higher is considered passing.

Skills Evaluation

The skills test consists of 300 points and earning 225 points (75 percent) is considered passing. The individual completes five CNA skills, and passing all five is required to pass this part of the Certified Nurse Aide exam.

An individual is allowed three attempts to pass both parts of the CAN state exam. If unable to do so, retraining is required before another three attempts to pass the exam are allowed. Another requirement is that individuals must pass the exam within two years (24 months) of completing a state-approved training program. The exception is the Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who challenges the training program. Those persons are allowed six months to take the exam from the date the challenge is approved.

Individuals who completed a CNA training program more than 24 months ago will need to retrain and then take the CNA exam.

Step 6: Get Name Placed in the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

After passing the exam, PHD will notify the Nursing Assistant Registry. The individuals who followed a path that did not require taking the competency evaluation exam (i.e. reciprocity individuals) will have their name placed on the Registry after the OHFAC approves the request.

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active

Renew CNA Certification

The nurse aide must renew certification every two years. The state requires the CNA to work at least eight hours as a paid nursing assistant during the two-year certification period. The facility employer provides verification of employment. If a nurse aide works for a staffing agency or provides in-home care, the non-facility employer will verify the CNA worked at least eight hours providing paid nursing duties within the two-year certification period.

Refresher Course and Retest

Certified Nurse Aides who do not reregister their certification in the allotted time frame must take a 16-hour refresher course and retest. Failing to reregister could be due to the inability to report the required minimum work hours within the prior two to four years. If an individual completed a state-approved training program, passed the CNA state exam and worked in West Virginia, but allowed the certification to lapse within the last five years, he or she must complete a 16-hour refresher course and then retake the exam. In other words, the person failed to renew their certification, but could have done so.

If there are no reportable work hours between two to four years since being certified, the individual can take a refresher course and retest within six months of course completion to renew certification. If there are no reportable work hours (CNA did not work as a CNA) within the prior five years since the last certification, the nurse aide must complete a full nurse aide training program and retest.

Individuals taking a refresher course must make all three testing attempts within six months of completing the refresher class. If unable to pass the exam within three attempts, full CNA retraining is required. People completing a full training course and retesting will get three attempts to pass the exam like a new Certified Nurse Adie in West Virginia.

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Job Outlook and Salary for CNAs in West Virginia

In West Virginia, a Certified Nurse Aide can work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals and special units in hospitals for long-term care and rehabilitation, clinics, staffing agencies and private homes.

The West Virginia jobs growth rate for CNAs for the period 2014-2024, per the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), is 9.2 percent, compared to a 17.6 percent employment growth rate for CNAs nationwide. However, this lower employment growth rate is partly attributable to the fact that West Virginia is the tenth smallest U.S. state. | See Job Openings

CNA Salary in West Virginia

According to the latest BLS salary report in May 2016, the average yearly salary for a West Virginia CNA is $25,210 which is an hourly rate of $12.12. The highest paid CNAs earn $32,560 annually, and the entry level CNAs earn an average annual salary of $19,450. In West Virginia, Certified Nurse Aides earn significantly more than Home Health Aides (HHA) who earn an average yearly salary of $20,060. | See Job Openings

WV 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
West Virginia758012.12252101.49.3511.6015.66194502412032560
Beckley, WV58012.02250102.79.7511.5315.19202702399031590
Charleston, WV105011.87246901.69.7911.4814.66203702387030480
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH187012.32256303.49.5611.6816.71198802429034750
Morgantown, WV-12.58261704.410.0712.7514.60209502652030370
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area196011.78244903.39.0611.1315.77188402314032800
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV27010.74223402.59.1510.4613.12190302175027290
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area97011.64242101.79.2311.2414.70192002338030580
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH83011.41237402.69.1110.9914.74189602287030650
Wheeling, WV-OH71011.99249402.09.6211.7414.78200102443030740

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Becoming a CNA in Bordering States

  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia

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