CNA Training Programs in Virginia
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia requires completion of a Virginia Board of Nursing approved Nurse Aide education program. There are a quite a few approved programs offered throughout the state at high schools, nursing facilities, vocational/technical colleges and community colleges. A list of approved programs can be found below. Upon completion of the approved CNA program you will be eligible to sit for the nurse aide competency exam or National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination (NNAAP exam). Successfully passing the competency exam, which is required by the the Virginia Board of Nursing to practice as a CNA in Virginia, enables you to apply for the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry and begin working as a CNA. When contacting programs, verify that they are in fact approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and have not recently been removed from their list.
Approved CNA program curriculum covers the necessary skill sets for performing as a CNA in Virginia including safety and emergency procedures, infection control, basic nursing care skills, recognizing changes in patient body function and reporting changes to a supervisor, taking vital signs, bathing, grooming, toileting, addressing patient’s mental health and social service needs, techniques for addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, patients’ rights, maintaining a patient’s range of motion and related knowledge and skills. The approved Nurse Aide training programs in Virginia must provide at least 120 clock hours of instruction and students may not have any direct patient contact until they have had at least 24 clock hours of instruction.
(Source: Regulations Governing Certified Nurse Aides – Virginia Board of Nursing)
The CNA position in Virginia is often a stepping stone career. Many of the state’s registered nurses and licensed practical nurses have launched their career by starting off as a CNA in Virginia. Working as a CNA is demanding both physically and mentally. CNAs must be able to cope with losing patients and dealing with difficult patient behavioral issues among other trying situations. This can be an extremely rewarding career for the right person.
According to Virginia Workforce Connection, a CNA in Virginia makes a median annual salary of $22,600 or a median hourly wage of $10.86. The Virginia Workforce Connection projects job growth for this profession at 31%. This means there are excellent opportunities for new CNAs to enter this field.
Medical assisting is a related career that many in the CNA profession have transitioned to. Medical Assistants in Virginia are often found working in physician practices, medical clinics, some hospitals and related medical facilities. Medical assistant training takes a bit longer than CNA training, about 6 months to a year for a certificate or diploma program. Medical Assistants in Virginia earn a median annual salary of $28,000 or a median hourly wage of $13.48 and job growth is projected at 39%, according to the Virginia Workforce Connection. You may also be interested in the Medical Assistant programs in Virginia. Find career, school and salary information for this rapidly growing field of health care.
Virginia Board of Nursing Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs
CNA Training Programs in VA
Programs Offered: Nurse Aide
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List of approved schools courtesy of the Virginia Board of Nursing: Click Here