How to Become a CNA in Virginia
Choosing to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is one of a handful of professions that focuses on personal care rather than just medical care, and offers the opportunity to interact more directly with patients. Being a CNA is both challenging and rewarding and the right choice for a highly motivated individual in search of a fast paced career.
CNAs are very much sought after individuals who work with the nursing staff and provide personal and basic care to patients while under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). CNA opportunities are always increasing as healthcare options also increase. Medical candidates also become CNAs and work within the industry while pursuing other healthcare fields such as nursing, physician and medical technicians.
The state of Virginia requires all CNAs to complete an approved CNA training program and become licensed. The training program must cover 120 hours and include 60 hours of class work and 60 hours of clinical training. After completing the training program candidates are required to take the state mandated CNA exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE Testing Services and candidates must contact Pearson VUE to schedule the exam. The exam is a two part exam, one part being 75 multiple choice questions and the second part being the clinical task demonstration. The clinical demonstrations are performed before the chosen evaluation board. CNA candidates must pass both parts to become licensed. Candidates who pass the exam will be issued a license and those who do not pass the exam will be given another opportunity to take the exam.
Once licensed, CNAs are required to renew their license every two years. CNAs will be notified of renewal 60 days prior to license expiration and renewal is accomplished online. CNAs must document 8 hours of actual CNA employment within the 24 months prior to expiration to qualify for license renewal.
CNAs find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted care centers and home and private duty care. CNAs typically work one of three shifts, day evening and night, and either work one typical shift or different shifts on a rotating basis to include weekdays, weekends and holidays.
CNAs assist the nursing staff with patient care and the tasks include toileting, dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, transporting patients to other areas of the facility for appointments, tests and recreational events and light housekeeping. CNAs also assist physicians and nurses with procedures if necessary, gather vital signs, document patient interactions when warranted and collect non-invasive fluid specimens.
The average CNA salary in Virginia is $29,000 annually. Starting salaries are about $20,000 annually and top out at about $48,000. The salary package for CNAs often include health benefits sometimes including dental and vision care, compensated time off, short and/or long term disability, tuition reimbursement, performance bonuses and night shift differential payments.
CNA Training Classes in Virginia
- Gain Knowledge and Skills While You Earn Your Nursing Degree at Fortis!
Programs:
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Assisting - Diploma
- And more...
- Named a Best for Vets school by the Military Times in 2014.
- Has specialized in student-centered technology, business, criminal justice, health science, and culinary education for over 45 years.
- Makes it possible for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years or an associate’s in 1.5 years by providing a year-round schedule.
- Offers externships and clinical experience that help students prepare for life after they graduate.
- Has 10 campuses across the mid-Atlantic, plus online degree programs.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting - Diploma
- Medical Assisting - Associate's
- Practical Nursing - Diploma
- And more...
- Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.
- Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
- Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting
At Kaplan University, we offer over 180 degree and certificate programs. With three different ways to learn, you can choose the format that works best for you:
- Study wherever you have an Internet connection, because almost all of our courses are 100% online, or
- Take campus-based classes(with day and evening options available), or
- Combine campus learning with online classes (blended).
Programs:
- Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
- Master of Science - DNP Executive Leader
About Brightwood College
Brightwood College offers accelerated programs that combine flexible schedules and professional instruction to create a rewarding learning experience for individuals focused on gaining the skills for specific careers. Brightwood College is owned and operated by Education Corporation of America.
About Education Corporation of America
Education Corporation of America's institutions broaden access to postsecondary educational opportunities.
Programs:
- Medical Assistant
Miller-Motte Technical College (MMTC) has a history of helping students succeed through hands-on education and career training. Our faculty and staff work to ensure that when you've completed your program, you're truly ready to begin your career.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting - Associate of Occupational Science
Programs:
- Respiratory Therapy
Centura College, with campus locations in Virginia, South Carolina and Florida, is dedicated to helping students gain the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. Drawing from over 30 years of career school experience.
Programs:
- Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting-Concentration in Clinical Support
- Medical Assisting Diploma
- Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting-Clinical Concentration
- And more...
Founded in 1886, National College and American National University (ANU) are dedicated to the training and education of men and women for a full life and a successful career in a number of fields in business, information technology, and health care. National College and ANU offer more than 45 academic programs including numerous masters’, bachelors’, and associate degree programs, short-term diploma programs, English as a Second Language, and corporate training.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting - Associate
Programs:
- Medical Assisting - Associate
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