Thomas Reed, RN
June 24, 2025
Short training programs called CNA programs prepare students to become Certified Nursing Assistants who function as essential healthcare staff for delivering fundamental patient care. The healthcare team in West Virginia heavily relies on Certified Nursing Assistants to assist nurses in patient care while supporting multiple healthcare settings.
Glenns, VA - Public 2-Year - rappahannock.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rappahannock Community College offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Certification Training program designed to equip students with essential skills for nursing care across various healthcare settings. This short-term training prepares participants to assist with patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential facilities. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the Virginia State Board of Nursing licensure exam, opening doors to entry-level healthcare careers. The program provides practical, hands-on learning that enables students to develop critical patient care techniques and professional competencies.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rappahannock Community College's Patient Care Technician Certification program, offered in a hybrid format, prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This 10-week program combines online lectures with in-person labs and clinicals, covering essential skills like phlebotomy, EKGs, and patient care. Graduates earn two certifications: Certified Nurse Aide and Certified Medical Assistant, opening doors to various healthcare settings. Tuition, books, and fees are covered by a grant, making this an affordable pathway to a high-demand career. Sessions start in February, April, and September.
CHESTER, VA - Private 2-year - chestercareercollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chester Career College's Nurse Aide Diploma Program provides comprehensive training for aspiring Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), preparing students for a rewarding healthcare career. The program covers critical skills in patient care, focusing on physical, emotional, and social patient needs through hands-on learning and NCLEX-style critical thinking approaches. Graduates become eligible to take the NNAAP® Certification Exam, opening doors to employment in various healthcare settings like long-term care facilities, home health services, and hospitals. With a projected 17% job growth and increasing demand for healthcare professionals, this program offers an excellent pathway into a stable and meaningful profession.
Danville, VA - Public 2-Year - danville.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Danville Community College's Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, spanning just 5 weeks of comprehensive training. Students gain practical skills through classroom learning, skill labs, and clinical experiences, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings. The program includes certification in CPR and First Aid, with financial aid options like FastForward and G3 making it accessible. Graduates can pursue roles in long-term care, assisted living, home health, and hospitals.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Aide Extended Care Certificate provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, equipping students with essential skills for supporting patient care in extended care settings. Designed for those seeking a quick entry into nursing assistance, this 16-credit program prepares students to become certified nurse aides with additional training in first aid, CPR, and medication support. Graduates gain practical knowledge in medical terminology, healthcare principles, and nutrition, making them valuable team members in healthcare environments.
Lynchburg, VA - Public 2-Year - centralvirginia.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nurse Aid program at Central Virginia Community College prepares students for a critical healthcare role, equipping them with essential skills to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home settings. Participants will gain comprehensive training to obtain licensure through the NNAAP exam, learning to accurately assess patient conditions and effectively communicate care plan responses. This program offers a fast-track pathway into the healthcare industry, providing students with practical skills and professional certification in a high-demand field.
Hampton, VA - Public 2-Year - vpcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program at Virginia Peninsula Community College prepares students for direct patient care roles in long-term care settings. Students gain hands-on clinical experience through a 40-hour internship, developing skills to support patients' physical and psychological needs. The comprehensive program includes essential certifications, clinical equipment, and preparation for Virginia's Nursing Assistant Examination.
Online CNA training programs are unavailable for West Virginia because the program requires hands-on training to fulfill state regulations. Every student enrolled in CNA training programs must complete supervised clinical hours in person according to state regulations. The current education model includes both online learning and traditional training methods. Students access theory and classroom content through online modules before participating in in-person clinical practice and skills labs. The blended format enables students who need to balance work or family responsibilities to choose from flexible scheduling options that include evening and weekend sessions.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel Ridge Community College |
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| Virginia Peninsula Community College |
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| Columbia College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete state-approved nurse aide training within 24 months, clear fingerprint/background check, and present photo ID/SSN |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | West Virginia DHHR Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 120 total hours, including at least 55 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | Exam fees vary by component (combined written + skills $140, combined oral + skills $180, individual parts priced separately) |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the knowledge test and five-skill practicum within three attempts over a 24-month period |
| Registry Activation Time | Added to the registry within two business days of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Biennial renewal with a $60 fee and verification of eight hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN supervision |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs with active, unencumbered certification apply via reciprocity with proof of credential, no retesting required |
The average hourly wage for Certified Nursing Assistants in West Virginia reaches $16 which translates to annual compensation of $33,000. The starting wage for beginner CNAs ranges between $13 and $14 per hour but experienced CNAs or those working in larger hospitals can earn up to $18 per hour. The income level of nursing aides is slightly higher in metropolitan areas compared to rural settings although the average pay remains consistent. The employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants in West Virginia remain favorable with no indication of decline. The healthcare facilities throughout West Virginia including nursing homes, assisted living centers, home health agencies, and hospitals persistently recruit nurse aides because of the state’s aging population.
| Salary & Career Outlook | West Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,100 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $15.92 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$42,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,100 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,020 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,600 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Rappahannock Community College |
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| Danville Community College |
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| Brightpoint Community College |
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A CNA career serves as a stepping stone for future advancement in nursing fields. The majority of West Virginia CNAs pursue nursing education to become LPNs before advancing to RNs. CNA certification provides essential practical experience which makes nursing students more competitive for admission to programs that require or prefer it. Most CNAs in West Virginia complete their LPN education during one year before advancing to RN programs to become registered nurses. The goals of CNA staff receive support from their employers because numerous healthcare organizations provide tuition reimbursement programs alongside flexible work arrangements for nursing degree-seeking CNAs. The CNA certification provides an initial step for nursing career development which allows professionals to advance toward better-paying roles with higher positions.
Additional Nursing Programs in West Virginia
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