Top CNA Programs in West Virginia

Top CNA Programs in West Virginia
Thomas Reed, RN

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.

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2026 Top CNA Programs in West Virginia

Looking for the best CNA programs in West Virginia? TopNursing.org has done the research for you. We carefully check each school's training quality, cost, and student success rates. Our team puts together a list of top choices to help you start your healthcare career. You can find programs that fit your schedule and budget. We make it easy to compare options across the state. Trust TopNursing.org to guide you toward a great education. Our rankings come from real data and expert reviews. https://www.topnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

West Virginia Northern Community College

Wheeling, WV - Public 2-Year - wvncc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant Training

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia Northern Community College offers a 5-week Certified Nurse Assistant Training program on its Weirton Campus, combining 65 hours of classroom learning with 55 hours of clinical experience. This intensive schedule runs Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., preparing students for the state certification exam. At a total cost of $1,999, which includes textbooks and exam fees, financial aid is available for eligible candidates. The program serves as an entry point to healthcare careers, allowing graduates to work under RN supervision and providing a foundation for advanced roles like Patient Care Technician.

  • 5-week program duration
  • Combines classroom and clinical training
  • Prepares for state certification exam
  • Total cost $1,999
  • Financial aid available
  • Pathway to further healthcare education
  • Classes Tuesday-Thursday
  • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule
  • Entry-level healthcare position
  • Work under RN supervision
#2

New River Community and Technical College

Beaver, WV - Public 2-Year - newriver.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Campus Based - Visit Website

New River Community and Technical College offers a six-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with no tuition cost, making it highly accessible. Training combines in-person lectures, hands-on lab work, and clinical experiences to build essential patient care skills. This intensive course prepares students thoroughly for the certification exam, supporting a direct entry into healthcare careers. Open to all community members, it emphasizes practical knowledge and professional readiness without financial barriers.

  • Six-week comprehensive training
  • In-person lectures and clinical
  • No program cost
  • Certification exam preparation
  • Open to community members
*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

Program Curriculum & Length

Details

Curriculum

Basic patient care & ADLs
Vital signs & infection control
Communication & ethics
Body mechanics & safety
Resident rights & documentation

Where to Get Your CNA

Are Online CNA Programs Available in West Virginia

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.

2026 Fastest CNA Program Options in West Virginia

When you're looking to start a career in healthcare in West Virginia, shorter CNA programs can be a great choice. These programs help you get into the workforce faster, which is key if you want to begin working soon. In areas like Charleston or the Eastern Panhandle, quickest options let you finish your training and start helping patients without a long wait. The table below shows details like graduation and retention rates, so you can pick a program that fits your needs. This way, you can gain skills and start your new job in no time.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
West Virginia Northern Community College
  • 5-week program duration
  • Combines classroom and clinical training
  • Prepares for state certification exam
  • Total cost $1,999
  • Financial aid available
  • Pathway to further healthcare education
  • Classes Tuesday-Thursday
  • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 53%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
New River Community and Technical College
  • Six-week comprehensive training
  • In-person lectures and clinical
  • No program cost
  • Certification exam preparation
  • Open to community members
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Admission Requirements

Age Requirement
18 years old (some high school programs accept 16–17)
Education Requirement
High school diploma or GED preferred (literacy and math assessment may substitute)
Background Check
Mandatory for all applicants
Tuberculosis Screening
Negative TB test required
Immunizations
Proof of required vaccinations needed for clinical training

Certification and Licensing

Eligibility PrerequisitesComplete state-approved nurse aide training within 24 months, clear fingerprint/background check, and present photo ID/SSN
Certifying BoardWest Virginia DHHR Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification – Nurse Aide Registry
Training Program Requirements120 total hours, including at least 55 supervised clinical hours
FeesExam fees vary by component (combined written + skills $140, combined oral + skills $180, individual parts priced separately)
Certification ExamPass both the knowledge test and five-skill practicum within three attempts over a 24-month period
Registry Activation TimeAdded to the registry within two business days of passing both exams
Renewal RequirementsBiennial renewal with a $60 fee and verification of eight hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN supervision
License by EndorsementOut-of-state CNAs with active, unencumbered certification apply via reciprocity with proof of credential, no retesting required

Salary and Job Outlook

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 OutlookWest VirginiaUSA
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

2026 Affordable CNA Program Options in West Virginia

Finding affordable CNA program options in West Virginia is important for many people. These programs help students get the training they need without a big financial burden. The state offers several choices in areas like Charleston, Huntington, and the Eastern Panhandle. By focusing on low-cost and economical options, learners can start their healthcare careers sooner. This table lists schools with details on programs, highlights, and tuition ranges to make it easy to compare. Picking a program that fits your budget can lead to a stable job in nursing support.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
West Virginia Northern Community College
  • 5-week program duration
  • Combines classroom and clinical training
  • Prepares for state certification exam
  • Total cost $1,999
  • Financial aid available
  • Pathway to further healthcare education
  • Classes Tuesday-Thursday
  • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule
  • $3,600 - $5,500 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $10,200 - $15,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
New River Community and Technical College
  • Six-week comprehensive training
  • In-person lectures and clinical
  • No program cost
  • Certification exam preparation
  • Open to community members
  • $4,100 - $6,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $6,500 - $9,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Advancement Pathways

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.

List of CNA Programs in West Virginia

If you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in West Virginia, this list can help you find the right program. Below is a table of schools offering CNA training across the state. It shows each school's city and state, highlights key features of their programs, and provides links to their program pages for more details.
Jump to City:

Beaver, WV

New River Community and Technical College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Six-week comprehensive training
    • In-person lectures and clinical
    • No program cost
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Open to community members

Wheeling, WV

West Virginia Northern Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant Training

    Campus Based - Website

    • 5-week program duration
    • Combines classroom and clinical training
    • Prepares for state certification exam
    • Total cost $1,999
    • Financial aid available
    • Pathway to further healthcare education
    • Classes Tuesday-Thursday
    • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule
*IPEDS 2023 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.