CNA Certification in Virginia

Virginia has a growing need for qualified nurse aides in the states licensed medical care centers and federal law wants to help fill these positions. This is why they implemented free CNA training in Virginia. You are eligible to receive this free training if you have been recruited by an employer or will be employed within a year of taking the training and completing the CNA certification process.

The process to become certified in the state of Virginia includes completing a training course that is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination (NNAAP),  and then applying to be listed on the register through the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. It is an exciting time for the CNA as this position is expected by the U.S Department of Labor to continue to grow tremendously over the next several years, opening up a world of possibility in the career movement.

Approved CNA classes in Virginia can be found in more than 300 medical centers, schools and private training facilities throughout the state. You can get a full list from the Virginia Board of Nursing. You can expect to receive no less than 120 training hours between your classroom and the classes that occur within a medical setting. At least the first 24 hours will be spent in the classroom learning nursing basics before you move on to on the job training with a licensed nurse as an instructor. You should also expect to provide a background investigation report and current medical records of yourself to show you have no contagious illnesses and can handle the physical tasks of the CNA job.

In the approved CNA training in Virginia, there will be many things taught to help you efficiently perform the job duties set before you and also prepare you for the state nurse examination. They include how to report to the guiding nurse, understanding medical terminology, CPR, being prepared in the event of an emergency and caring for patients’ daily needs like bathing, feeding and communication.

Once your courses are complete, you should register for the NNAAP exam by contacting The Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Service (NACES). They will in turn send you a test voucher showing you when and where to take your test. The test will be taken at a Pearson Vue testing center at a cost of $96. During the test you will have to answer 70 questions from multiple choice answers, and you will have 120 minutes to do so. After you have completed this written section you will move on to the active skills evaluation.

This portion involves the nurse aide candidate performing at least 5 nursing skills from a list of 24 which are chosen for you at random and will include washing hands properly. If passing scores are achieved successfully, you will know within 10 minutes of completion. With success on the tests, you will receive certification and your information will be sent to be added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to practice as a CNA until your name appears on the registry.

The Virginia CNA position looks promising as the Virginia Workforce Commission predicts a 31 percent increase in job positions over the next few years. The average CNA salary in Virgina is $24,000 annually, and wages will increase with experience and other certifications.

Address further questions to:

Virginia Nurse Aide Registry
Virginia Department of Health Professions
Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515
Fax: (804) 527-4455
License Verification: (804) 270-6836
Complaints: (800) 533-1560