CNA Classes & Programs in West Virginia
- CNA Programs in West Virginia: At-a-Glance
- Why Train as a CNA in West Virginia?
- West Virginia CNA Certification Step by Step
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in West Virginia
- How Long Does CNA Training Take in West Virginia?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in West Virginia?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in West Virginia
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in West Virginia
- West Virginia CNA Employment and Wages
- Evaluating CNA Programs in West Virginia: Good Signs vs Red Flags
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in West Virginia
- 2026 Updated List of West Virginia Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
West Virginia's healthcare system depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)—sometimes called nurse aides—who provide essential hands-on care in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and home health settings throughout the Mountain State. From the medical centers in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington to rural critical access hospitals in counties like McDowell, Webster, and Pocahontas, CNAs form the frontline of patient care, helping with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and supporting patients' dignity and comfort.
For West Virginians pursuing healthcare careers, CNA training offers a fast, practical pathway into a field with consistent demand and growth opportunities.
This guide covers:
- How West Virginia structures CNA training and certification
- Clinical and classroom hour requirements specific to the state
- Typical curriculum content and hands-on training expectations
- What programs cost and how long they take
- Key factors when choosing a CNA program in West Virginia
CNA Programs in West Virginia: At-a-Glance
| Category | West Virginia CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 120 hours (state-approved) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical training required |
| Certification exam | West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam |
| State registry | West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Between 6–12 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $700–$1,800+ depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in West Virginia | Approx. $26,000–$36,000 annually (varies by region and setting) |
Why Train as a CNA in West Virginia?
The Mountain State faces unique healthcare challenges. West Virginia has the nation’s second-oldest population, extensive rural geography, and high rates of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and COPD. These factors create sustained demand for CNAs across all 55 counties.
Healthcare employers range from large systems like Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia University Health System, and Cabell Huntington Hospital to small community facilities in towns like Buckhannon, Logan, and Elkins. Home health agencies have expanded significantly as West Virginians increasingly prefer aging in place.
Becoming a CNA in West Virginia provides:
- Quick entry into stable employment with consistent patient contact
- Foundational experience valuable for advancing to LPN or RN roles
- Opportunities in diverse settings from urban medical centers to rural clinics
- Competitive wages relative to the state’s low cost of living
West Virginia CNA Certification Step by Step
West Virginia’s pathway to CNA certification follows this process:
Complete Approved Training
You must finish a state-approved CNA training program meeting West Virginia’s 120-hour minimum. This combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered through community colleges like BridgeValley, Blue Ridge, and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, as well as private training centers and healthcare facilities.
Pass the Competency Exam
After completing training, you’ll take the West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam, consisting of:
- Written or oral knowledge assessment covering patient care, safety, and communication
- Skills demonstration evaluating your ability to perform essential CNA tasks
Registry Placement
Successful exam completion gets you listed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, which employers verify before hiring. This registry listing is your official credential to work as a CNA in West Virginia.
Maintaining Certification
West Virginia requires CNAs to work at least one paid shift during each two-year certification period to maintain active registry status. If you don’t meet this requirement, you’ll need to complete retraining before returning to CNA work.
Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in West Virginia
West Virginia’s training programs prepare students for the realities of patient care in the state’s healthcare facilities.
| Training Area | Skills Developed |
| Care Fundamentals | Infection prevention, safety protocols, patient rights |
| Personal Care | Assisting with bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing |
| Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs, recognizing changes |
| Communication | Effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams |
| Clinical Experience | Hands-on care in actual healthcare settings |
The clinical component happens entirely in person at facilities like nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted living centers. This allows students to practice skills under supervision before working independently. Many West Virginia programs partner with local healthcare employers, sometimes leading directly to job offers for successful graduates.
How Long Does CNA Training Take in West Virginia?
Most West Virginia CNA programs run between 6 and 12 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on:
- Schedule intensity: full-time programs finish faster than part-time options
- Class format: day, evening, or weekend sessions
- How clinical hours are distributed
- Individual program structure
Some accelerated programs compress the 120 hours into 4–6 weeks of intensive study, while others spread the same content over several months to accommodate working students.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not allow fully online CNA certification. The hands-on nature of patient care requires in-person training and clinical practice before you can qualify for testing.
However, some West Virginia programs use a hybrid approach:
- Online theory instruction covering topics like anatomy basics, infection control principles, legal and ethical considerations, and communication strategies
- In-person skills laboratories where you practice patient transfers, vital signs measurement, personal care techniques, and emergency procedures
- Supervised clinical rotations at healthcare facilities where you provide actual patient care under instructor oversight
Regardless of how much theory is delivered online, you’ll complete substantial hands-on clinical hours in person to meet West Virginia’s requirements for the competency exam.
When evaluating programs, ask about:
- Exactly how many hours are online versus in-person
- Clinical site locations (important in a rural state where travel distances matter)
- State approval status; verify with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- Whether exam preparation is included
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in West Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| New River Community and Technical College |
|
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| United Technical Center |
|
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| Valley College-Beckley |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in West Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| New River Community and Technical College |
|
|
| United Technical Center |
|
|
| Valley College-Beckley |
| - |
West Virginia CNA Employment and Wages
Where you work affects CNA salary and compensation in West Virginia:
| Work Setting | Pay Trend |
| Hospitals | Highest wages, especially at larger medical centers |
| Long-term care facilities | Mid-range, most common CNA employer |
| Home health services | Variable, may include travel time pay |
| Specialized care units | Higher compensation reflecting additional skills |
West Virginia’s cost of living is among the nation’s lowest, meaning CNA wages, while modest in absolute terms, often provide reasonable purchasing power, particularly outside the Eastern Panhandle where proximity to Washington, D.C. drives up housing costs.
CNA Salary in West Virginia
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| West Virginia | 8,860 | $36,340 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Counties like Kanawha (Charleston), Cabell (Huntington), and Monongalia (Morgantown) typically offer higher wages than rural counties, but competition for positions may be greater. Rural areas often have immediate openings and may offer benefits like signing bonuses or flexible scheduling to attract CNAs.
Evaluating CNA Programs in West Virginia: Good Signs vs Red Flags
| Strong Program | Possible Red Flag |
| Lists West Virginia DHHR approval clearly | Vague or absent approval information |
| Has established clinical partnerships with local facilities | Requires students to find their own clinical sites |
| Provides comprehensive exam preparation resources | No mention of competency exam support |
| Clearly itemizes all costs upfront | Hidden fees or unclear total pricing |
| Can point to recent graduate employment outcomes | No placement assistance or graduate success data |
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in West Virginia
| Role | Training Length | Main Focus | Advancement Path |
| CNA | Weeks | Hands-on daily patient care | LPN → RN |
| Medical Assistant | Months | Clinical and administrative tasks in offices | Can transition to LPN/RN |
| LPN | ~1 year | Medication administration, wound care, supervision | RN advancement |
| RN | 2–4 years | Comprehensive nursing assessment and care | BSN → advanced practice roles |
Starting as a CNA gives West Virginians immediate healthcare employment while building experience that strengthens applications to LPN or RN programs. Many of the state’s community and technical colleges, including Mountwest, New River, and Pierpont, offer bridge programs specifically for CNAs seeking to advance. Additionally, several West Virginia healthcare employers provide tuition assistance for CNAs pursuing further nursing education, recognizing that investing in workforce development helps address the state’s healthcare staffing challenges. The relatively low barrier to entry, combined with clear advancement pathways and stable employment demand, makes CNA certification an attractive option for West Virginians entering or re-entering the healthcare workforce.
Looking to advance from a CNA career? Check out CNA to RN programs, and explore nursing schools in West Virginia.
2026 Updated List of West Virginia Schools Offering CNA Classes
Beaver, WV
New River Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Six-week comprehensive training
- In-person lectures and clinical
- No program cost
- Certification exam preparation
- Open to community members
Beckley, WV
Valley College-Beckley
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate program
- Campus-based training in Beckley
- Programs 6 weeks to 16 months
- Career-driven training focus
- No wasted time on general education
- Instructors with industry experience
- Personalized assistance throughout
- Job placement assistance available
Clarksburg, WV
United Technical Center
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 120 hours total training
- $1220 program cost
- In-person classroom instruction
- Clinical training included
- Prepares for CNA exam
- Background check required
- Drug test required
- Teaches anatomy and terminology
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 120 hours of training.
- In-person classroom and clinical.
- Cost is $1220.
- Requires background check.
- Requires drug test.
- Prepares for certification exam.
- Teaches anatomy and terminology.
- Teaches basic personal care skills.
Martinsburg, WV
Valley College-Martinsburg
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Small class sizes.
- Personalized instruction.
- Industry-current equipment.
- Job placement assistance.
- Financial aid available.
- Instructors with experience.
- Hands-on training.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate program
- Campus-based training in Martinsburg
- Career-driven curriculum
- Hands-on skills development
- Experienced industry instructors
- Personalized student assistance
- Job placement support
- Financial aid available
Wheeling, WV
West Virginia Northern Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant Training
Campus Based - Website
- 5-week program duration
- Combines classroom and clinical training
- Prepares for state certification exam
- Total cost $1,999
- Financial aid available
- Pathway to further healthcare education
- Classes Tuesday-Thursday
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule
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