With a rapidly aging population, the need for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is greater than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that CNA employment will grow 21 percent over the next ten years, significantly faster than average. These new nursing assistants will be employed in a variety of healthcare settings, ranging from hospitals to long-term care facilities.
CNA role and training programs
CNAs are responsible for primary patient care, working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs). They help patients with everyday tasks such as bathing, feeding, grooming, and mobility. Since their scope of practice is mostly patient care, the journey to becoming a CNA is a quick one. Certificate programs typically last anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Upon completion of the program, graduates must pass a state-administered examination in order to practice. Virginia has well over 200 state-approved nurse aide courses. Several of the largest and highest-quality programs are available at local community colleges (CCs) like Danville CC, Lord Fairfax CC, Southside Virginia CC, and Virginia Western CC.
For such a short duration of study, nursing assistants are well compensated. In Virginia, the average CNA earns $23,380 annually. CNAs in the top pay quartile earn $27,910 or more per year. Employment opportunities are plentiful, including major healthcare providers like Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and University of Virginia Medical Center.
For those considering a career as a nurse aide, we have profiled below several of Virginia’s top CNA programs. This list includes both community colleges and career training centers.