Find the Best Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Virginia for 2023
Have you ever considered pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Virginia? With a projected 8% growth rate in employment over the next 10 years, now is the perfect time to explore this rewarding field. By enrolling in one of the certified nursing assistant programs in Virginia, you will receive the necessary training and skills to excel in this essential healthcare role. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the best CNA programs in Virginia and guide you through the certification process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a fulfilling career as a CNA.
Short Summary
- Explore the top Certified Nursing Assistant programs in Virginia for 2023.
- Requirements and certification process to become a CNA in VA, including exam costs and career outlook.
- Access free & affordable classes with potential access to scholarships, grants & loans plus additional resources from professional organizations.
Top Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Virginia
Choosing the right CNA program is crucial for your success in this field. By enrolling in a top-notch program, you’ll receive the training and skills necessary to provide excellent care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best CNA programs in Virginia. These schools offer state-approved programs that will prepare you for the CNA exam and provide you with essential clinical training.
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville Community College, located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a comprehensive 160-hour CNA program. This course provides instruction in basic life support techniques as well as other crucial skills necessary for providing quality healthcare to patients in hospitals and long-term nursing care facilities.
For tuition information regarding the CNA program at Wytheville Community College, you can reach out to the school at (276) 223-4700.
Mountain Empire Community College
Located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Mountain Empire Community College offers a comprehensive 9-month (2 semesters) CNA program composed of four courses totaling 21 credit hours. Students enrolled in these courses receive theoretical and hands-on training. They also participate in clinical externship programs, which take place in acute or long-term care healthcare facilities.
The cost of the program for in-state students is $4,291, with an additional $1,000 for books and supplies. Upon successful completion, students are prepared to work in various healthcare roles, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care agencies.
Southside Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College offers a seven-week CNA program that equips students with the proficiency to obtain and record vital signs, perform non-invasive monitoring techniques, and communicate changes in a patient’s condition. The cost of the program is $700 plus applicable fees, making it an affordable option for those looking to enter the healthcare field without breaking the bank.
Eastern Shore Community College
Eastern Shore Community College offers a unique Long-Term Care Assistant program designed to prepare students for careers as CNAs. Students in this program will gain the necessary skills required for effective verbal and written communication. They will also understand the principles and methods of client safety, infection control techniques, patients’ rights and common techniques for recognizing human injury, disease, and deformities.
For program tuition information, you can contact Eastern Shore Community College at 757-789-1789.
Lord Fairfax Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College, situated in Middletown, Virginia, offers a one-semester CNA program designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and abilities to care for a variety of patients. The course consists of four credit hours, three for lectures and one for the lab.
Upon successful completion of the lecture and lab skills components, students will proceed to a clinical externship at a local long-term nursing care facility, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, located in Clifton Forge, Virginia, offers a CNA course with a duration of approximately two months. The total cost of the program is $2,250, including textbooks, making it an affordable option for aspiring CNAs.
Students in this program will learn basic nursing care skills, as well as how to attend to the social, physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of patients, with a particular emphasis on geriatric nursing.
Danville Community College
Danville Community College offers a range of Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) programs. These include a 9-credit hour traditional nursing assistant course, and a 16-credit hour extended care program. Both programs provide instruction in basic nursing care skills, fundamental observation skills, communication techniques, methods in infection control, CPR, medication aide, and first aid safety.
With multiple program options available, students can choose the path that best suits their career goals and schedule.
Requirements and Certification Process for CNAs in Virginia
Now that you’re familiar with the top CNA programs in Virginia, let’s discuss the requirements and certification process. To become a CNA in Virginia, you’ll need to complete a state-approved program and pass the CNA exam.
In this section, we’ll provide more information about the certification requirements and the promising career outlook for CNAs in Virginia.
Virginia CNA Certification Requirements
To become a CNA in Virginia, you must complete a minimum of 140 total hours of training, including 40 hours of clinical training. Prerequisites for enrolling in CNA classes in Virginia may include a high school diploma.
Once you’ve completed a state-approved program, you’ll need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Credentia.
Career Outlook for CNAs in Virginia
The job outlook for CNAs in Virginia is promising, with an estimated 8% growth rate over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all other professions, making it an excellent time to pursue a career as a CNA in Virginia.
By enrolling in one of the top CNA programs in Virginia, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful career in this high-demand field.
CNA Exam Information and Costs in Virginia
The CNA exam in Virginia is a crucial step in the certification process. This exam consists of a written portion with 70 multiple-choice questions and a skills evaluation with 5 randomly selected nursing assistant skills assessed.
The Virginia NNAAP test is available at various regional locations throughout the state, making it accessible for aspiring CNAs. The CNA exam fee in Virginia is $150. This cost needs to be paid before the exam can be taken.
Credentia’s Role in Administering the CNA Exam
Credentia plays a vital role in administering the CNA exam in Virginia. Having acquired the Nurse Aide testing program from Pearson VUE in 2021, Credentia is now responsible for ensuring that aspiring CNAs in Virginia are thoroughly assessed before entering the workforce.
By overseeing the CNA exam, Credentia helps maintain high standards among CNAs and guarantees that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care to patients.
Transferring Out-of-State CNA Certification to Virginia
If you’re a CNA certified in another state and looking to move to Virginia, you can transfer your certification by filling out an application for endorsement and submitting certification from your previous state. The requirements for transferring out-of-state CNA certification to Virginia may vary depending on your state of origin, but generally, you’ll need to submit a copy of your current CNA certification and a passport-sized photo of yourself along with the application.
Fees associated with transferring out-of-state CNA certification to Virginia vary depending on your state of origin and may include an application fee and any additional fees related to the transfer process.
Free and Affordable CNA Classes in Virginia
For those who are budget-conscious or looking for financial assistance, there are free and affordable CNA classes available in Virginia. These classes can be found at community colleges, technical colleges, private schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit agencies.
Additionally, families with low incomes may qualify for scholarships, grants, and special loans to help cover the cost of CNA classes. By exploring these options, you can pursue your dream of becoming a CNA without putting a strain on your finances.
Additional Resources for Virginia CNAs
Apart from the top CNA programs and the certification process, there are additional resources available for Virginia CNAs. The Department of Health Professions, located at 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463, offers support and guidance for CNAs in the state. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Another valuable resource for CNAs in Virginia is joining a professional nursing organization. Membership in such organizations can provide access to continuing education opportunities, networking and leadership opportunities, and career development resources. Additionally, these organizations advocate for nurses and healthcare at all levels of government.
By taking advantage of these resources, you can maintain a successful and fulfilling career as a CNA in Virginia.
Summary
In this blog post, we’ve introduced you to the top CNA programs in Virginia, the requirements and certification process, as well as the CNA exam information and costs. By enrolling in one of these top-notch programs, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the CNA exam, earn your certification, and embark on a rewarding career in healthcare.
With a promising career outlook and a variety of resources available to support your professional growth, there’s never been a better time to become a CNA in Virginia. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career today by choosing the right CNA program for you and beginning your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Virginia?
In Virginia, the process of becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) involves completing an 80-hour course consisting of 40 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical time. On average, this process takes about 4 weeks to complete.
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Virginia?
A Certified Nursing Assistant in Virginia makes an average of $29,336 per year or $14,10 per hour. Those at the entry-level can expect to make around $29,250 a year.
Those with more experience may earn up to $41,357 annually.
How much is the CNA exam in VA?
The CNA exam in Virginia typically costs $35.75 for a written test or $45.85 for both the written and skills tests. The cost may vary depending on the testing site, so make sure to verify the prices when purchasing the voucher.
