CNA Training in D.C.
Nursing Assistant programs in the District of Columbia are approved and regulated by the District of Columbia Department of Health – Health Care Facilities Division. For a new CNA without previous training, completion of an approved CNA program is required for eligibility to take the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP™) Examination. There are quite a few facilities and vocational schools offering CNA training programs, so finding one that is convenient should not be a problem. A list of approved schools can be found below.
The CNA programs in DC are required to be at least 120 clock hours with 45 hours spent on classroom instruction, 30 hours in laboratory and 45 hours spent in clinical practicums. The program is intended to prepare students for the NNAAP exam as well as to perform the duties expected of a CNA at the professional level.
Unfortunately, one of the best kept secrets in CNA training is that there is such thing as free CNA training in the District of Columbia. Here’s how it works. A CNA who is offered employment with a nursing facility that is federally certified for Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement can not be charged fees for training, testing or any training related course materials. This also goes for a CNA who is offered employment by a federally certified nursing facility that accepts reimbursement from Medicaid/Medicare within 12 months of completing a nursing assistant training program. This CNA is entitled to reimbursement of any training, testing or course related material fees that they have paid for out of pocket. Inquire with your employer or instructor to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
CNA Certification in the District of Columbia
As was mentioned above, completion of a District of Columbia Department of Health Health Care Facilities Division approved CNA training program is required to be eligible for the competency exam. After completing the CNA program you will have to apply for the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP™) Examination. You will find the application on the Pearson Vue – District of Columbia Nurse Aides website, the DC Board of Nursing website or on the American Red Cross – District of Columbia website. The test is a two part exam with the first component is a written or oral multiple choice exam. The second component is a skills evaluation where an instructor or test administrator will select 5 random skills that were taught in the CNA classes and ask the test taker to perform these skills. Upon successful passing of the exam your name will be placed on the District of Columbia Nurse Aide Registry. You can search the Registry for your name via the Pearson Vue website.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the District of Columbia
According to the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, job growth for CNA, Orderlies and Attendants is projected at 9% through 2016. The Department of Employment Services also reports on average salaries for major occupations. They found that the average annual salary for a CNA is $27,710 and the average hourly wage is $13.32. Job growth for the CNA occupation in the District of Columbia is significantly lower than the overall national projections, however job growth is still positive in DC. Earnings for a CNA are above the national average. To get a better idea of what to expect for yourself, you may want to contact some potential employers such as nursing homes to see what their entry-level CNA pay is and if they currently have job openings. Based on this data, the potential for finding a job is pretty good and the earnings are quite good considering the opportunity to receive free CNA training, as mentioned above.
A popular health care career option that individuals researching LNA programs may also consider is Medical Assisting. Medical Assisting offers similar earnings and job growth projections, 20.1%% job growth in DC. Training for a Medical Assistant usually takes 6 months to 18 months depending on the program. Learn more about the Medical Assistant programs in DC.
Nurse Aide Training Programs in the District of Columbia
| Bethel Training Institute 824 Upshur Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 PH: 202 723-0755 | Capitol Health Institute 7826 Eastern Avenue, Suite 515 Washington, DC 20012 PH: 202 722-8830 | CAPTEC Med Care 3925 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011 PH: 202 291-7744 | Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School 1100 Harvard Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 PH: 202 797-4700 |
| Comprehensive Health Academy 1106 Bladensburg Road, NE Washington, DC 20002 PH: 202 388-5500 | J. C. Inc. American Institute of Professional Studies 6411 Chillum Place NW Washington, DC 20008 PH: 202 291-8787 | Success International School of Allied Health Sciences, Inc. 1916 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20018 PH: 202 636-1878 | University of the District of Columbia 4108 8th Street, NE 4th Floor Washington, DC 20004 PH: 202 274-6950 |
| VMT Education Center 4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 301 Washington, DC 20008 PH: 202 282-3010 |