CNA Classes & Programs in Virginia

As demand for quality healthcare grows, getting a foot in the door as a Certified Nurse Aide/Assistant (CNA) is a popular route for many. CNAs provide valuable assistance to registered and practical nurses, helping to bathe and feed patients, answer call lights, tidy rooms, and much more. In fact, many nurses start out as CNAs and grow from there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia CNAs make a mean salary of $28,770 annually. Read on to find out more information on how to choose a great CNA program in the state and begin working as a nursing aide.

Choosing the Best CNA Programs in Virginia

The CNA route is a popular one, as programs are generally affordable and quick to complete, making it an easier process than earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. CNA programs can be found all across Virginia in community colleges, technical schools, medical centers, and more. To find out more about the admissions process, visit our CNA Training Programs Admissions page to ensure you are eligible. Finding the right CNA program is important; to make sure you are applying to only the best, consider the following as you research schools.

• Program Length: Do you have a busy schedule and need a CNA training program to work around you? Choosing a longer, more flexible program may be the ticket. Anxious to start working as an aide ASAP? There are programs that don't take longer than a few weeks to complete. Be sure to check out all the scheduling options your school of choice offers; most schools allow both part-time and full-time attendance options to accommodate students. The advantage of CNA programs is that they generally take just 4-12 weeks to finish.

• Program Cost: It's important to thoroughly understand the full cost of each school you consider. Some will include mandatory expenses like textbooks and scrubs into the total cost, while others will only list tuition. Be sure you scout out all required costs before you settle on a school. You may also want to look into financial assistance and installment payment plan options. To provide an example on costs, the CNA program through Tidewater Medical Training, with locations in Hampton and Virginia Beach, will run students roughly $880. This includes tuition, registration, books, and a criminal background check.

• Board Approved Programs: To ensure that you will be eligible for certification, students must make sure they enroll in a Virginia-approved CNA training program. Approved programs consist of the minimum required training hours for students to take the certification examination and be placed on the state's CNA registry. Don't take your chances with an unapproved program; your future career as a nursing aide depends on it. To find out more, check out the CNA certification requirements in Virginia.

• Online/In-Person Options: For those who may live in more rural areas, or who have otherwise busy schedules with work and family obligations, online programs make completing a CNA training program feasible. These programs deliver the didactic portion of the curriculum in an online format, while the hands-on clinical portion will still need to be taken in-person. For those who prefer to learn in a face-to-face environment, traditional classroom-based programs are also still an option.

2023 List of CNA Classes in Virginia

To get a feel for the CNA curriculum in Virginia, see our list of classes and courses available in the state:

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.