CNA Training in Virginia
Virginia requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, with at least 40 hours of supervised clinical work. The Virginia Board of Nursing certifies nurse aides, and you renew every year.
Virginia also has a strong money-saving option. Through FastForward, the state pays two-thirds of a community college CNA course, and need-based grants can cover the rest. Below you'll find each step to certification, current exam fees, pay by metro area, the Advanced CNA path, and programs across the state.
Training
120 Hours
Median Pay
$20.77/hr
Exam Cost
$140
The 4 Steps to Certification in Virginia
Choose a Board-Approved Program
Programs are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. You'll find them at community colleges, high school career centers, private schools, and nursing homes.
- ✓Background review: your application asks about criminal and disciplinary history, and the Board reviews anything relevant before you can test.
- ✓Cost check: ask whether the program is FastForward-eligible before you enroll.
The 120-Hour Rule
Virginia requires 45 hours more than the federal minimum.
The clinical hours involve direct patient contact under nurse supervision.
Pass the Credentia Exam
Virginia uses the national NNAAP exam, run by Credentia. Both parts are given the same day.
| Written or Oral test | $45 |
| Skills evaluation | $95 |
| First-time total | $140 |
| Deadline to pass | 2 years |
Certification & Annual Renewal
Once you pass, the Board of Nursing issues your CNA certification.
- ●Renew every year with the Board. The renewal notice comes about 30 days ahead, but you're responsible even if you don't get it.
- ●Work rule: you attest to paid nursing-related work within the two years before your expiration date.
- ●No recent work? You'll have to pass the state exam again before renewing.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free or Cheaper in Virginia
Virginia has one of the best tuition programs in the country for short workforce courses, and CNA is on the list.
FastForward
✨ State Pays Two-ThirdsFANTIC & G3 Grants
✨ Covers Your One-ThirdNursing Home Paid Training
✨ Federal Rule Protects YouVirginia Career Works (WIOA)
✨ Grants for Eligible Job SeekersVirginia CNA Pay by Metro Area
Virginia has about 40,580 nursing assistants. Northern Virginia and the Charlottesville and Lynchburg areas pay the most. Hampton Roads and Roanoke pay noticeably less.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia (Washington, DC metro) | $21.99 | $45,730 | 25,520 |
| Charlottesville | $21.22 | $44,140 | 1,610 |
| Lynchburg | $20.99 | $43,660 | 1,300 |
| Richmond | $20.54 | $42,720 | 6,660 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk (Hampton Roads) | $18.75 | $38,990 | 8,110 |
| Roanoke | $18.73 | $38,960 | 2,430 |
| Virginia (statewide) | $20.77 | $43,200 | 40,580 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). The Washington, DC metro figure covers the whole region, including D.C., Maryland, and West Virginia workers. Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
The exam fees are fixed. Tuition is where the difference is, and FastForward can cut it by two-thirds or more.
1/3 with FastForward
At a community college under FastForward, you pay one-third. Private schools and nursing homes set their own prices.
$45
Paid to Credentia. Same price for the oral version.
$95
Paid to Credentia. Fees aren't refundable.
Yearly fee
Paid to the Board of Nursing. Check the Board's current fee schedule.
Moving to Virginia? (Endorsement) & Advanced CNA
Certified in another state? Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for certification by endorsement. If the Board finds your state's requirements comparable to Virginia's, you won't have to retest.
Certification by Endorsement
Apply online with the Board. Your training and your home state's standards are reviewed case by case. A finding of abuse or neglect on any registry can block approval.
Advanced Certified Nurse Aide
Virginia offers a step up most states don't. You need 3 years as a Virginia CNA, a recommendation from a nurse who supervised you for at least 6 months, and 120 hours of approved advanced training with a competency evaluation.
Lapsed Certification
Expired more than 90 days? You reinstate by showing paid nursing-related work in the past two years, or by retaking and passing the state exam.
Apply or Renew With
Virginia Board of Nursing
Department of Health Professions
Want to work in clients' homes? See what it takes to become a home health aide in Virginia.
Virginia home health aide →CNA Training Programs in Virginia
122 active, Board-approved nurse aide programs across Virginia: community colleges, private schools, and programs run by nursing homes and health systems. Search by name or city, or filter by region and program type.
| Program | City | Region | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private SchoolAccent Healthcare Institute, LLC8609-A Engleside Office Park, Alexandria, VA 22309 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia | (571) 484-1387 |
| Private SchoolCNN American Global Institute, LLC6202 C Old Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia | (571) 276-7640 |
| Private SchoolClassic Nurses Academy85 South Bragg Street, Suite 601, Alexandria, VA 22312 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia | (703) 658-9575 |
| Private SchoolMaralex Allied Health Educational Services6601 Little River Turnpike, Suite 450, Alexandria, VA 22312 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia | (703) 642-5751 |
| Community College / CollegeNorthern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus5000 Dawes Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia | (703) 503-6300 |
| Private SchoolMoon River Nursing Careers44927 George Washington Blvd, Suite 235, Ashburn, VA 20147 | Ashburn | Northern Virginia | (703) 955-1811 |
| Private SchoolCuratio Medical Institute14801 Murdock Street, Suite 230, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Chantilly | Northern Virginia | (571) 407-5006 |
| Private SchoolEveready Healthcare Training Center17911 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026 | Dumfries | Northern Virginia | (703) 496-4300 |
| Private SchoolAccess Training and Consulting Services, LLC9990 Fairfax Blvd, Suite 410, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Fairfax | Northern Virginia | (571) 261-0100 |
| Private SchoolDifference Makers Academy10805 Main Street, Suite 800, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Fairfax | Northern Virginia | (571) 361-3456 |
| Private SchoolThrive Healthcare Academy3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420C, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Fairfax | Northern Virginia | (703) 383-9306 |
| Private SchoolNew Era Nursing Training School6415 Little Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 | Fairfax Station | Northern Virginia | (571) 239-8769 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - Leesburg122 Morven Park Road, NW, Leesburg, VA 20176 | Leesburg | Northern Virginia | (703) 777-8700 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemBirmingham Green8605 Centerville Road, Manassas, VA 20110 | Manassas | Northern Virginia | (703) 257-6289 |
| Private SchoolExcel Health Institute, LLC8647 Mathis Avenue, Suite 202, Manassas, VA 20110 | Manassas | Northern Virginia | (571) 222-6600 |
| Private SchoolUnique Health School8629 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20110 | Manassas | Northern Virginia | (571) 208-0833 |
| Community College / CollegeNorthern Virginia Community College - Loudoun/Reston Campus1821 Michael Faraday Drive, 200, Reston, VA 20190 | Reston | Northern Virginia | (703) 503-6300 |
| Private SchoolTeekay Healthcare Institute12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191 | Reston | Northern Virginia | (410) 929-9162 |
| Private SchoolCTS Professional Healthcare, LLC6815 Edsall Road, Springfield, VA 22150 | Springfield | Northern Virginia | (703) 587-0633 |
| Community College / CollegeNorthern Virginia Community College - Springfield Campus6966 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 | Springfield | Northern Virginia | (703) 878-6157 |
| Private SchoolClarys CNA Training Center, LLC22375 Broderick Drive, Second Floor, Suite 215, Sterling, VA 20166 | Sterling | Northern Virginia | (703) 444-6215 |
| Private SchoolHealing Hands Health Agency18931 Highland Park Drive, Triangle, VA 22172 | Triangle | Northern Virginia | (703) 221-4404 |
| Community College / CollegeLaurel Ridge Community College - Fauquier Campus6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA 20187 | Warrenton | Northern Virginia | (540) 868-7279 |
| Private School1st Providence Health Care Training, LLC1549 Old Bridge Road, Suite 208, Woodbridge, VA 22192 | Woodbridge | Northern Virginia | (571) 494-0032 |
| Private SchoolAmerica School of Nursing and Allied Health14000 Crown Court, Suite 102, Woodbridge, VA 22193 | Woodbridge | Northern Virginia | (703) 490-8402 |
| Private SchoolGee's Career Training Institute1822 Featherstone Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191 | Woodbridge | Northern Virginia | (703) 910-7239 |
| Community College / CollegeNorthern Virginia Community College - Woodbridge Campus2675 College Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191 | Woodbridge | Northern Virginia | (703) 503-6300 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemBridgewater Home, Inc.302 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 | Bridgewater | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 828-2599 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemValley Health Nurse Aide Training Program1077 N. Shenandoah Ave, Suite B, Front Royal, VA 22630 | Front Royal | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 636-0695 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemSunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community3935 Sunnyside Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | Harrisonburg | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 568-8201 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemVirginia Mennonite Retirement Community1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | Harrisonburg | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 564-3701 |
| Community College / CollegeLaurel Ridge Community College - Luray Page County200 College Drive, Luray, VA 22835 | Luray | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 868-7279 |
| Community College / CollegeLaurel Ridge Community College173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645 | Middletown | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 868-7279 |
| Community College / CollegeBlue Ridge Community College1 College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 | Weyers Cave | Shenandoah Valley | (540) 453-2215 |
| Community College / CollegeBrightpoint Community College13101 US-1, Chester, VA 23831 | Chester | Richmond Area | (804) 706-6503 |
| Private SchoolCaring Hands Academy4301 West Hundred Road, Suite B, Chester, VA 23831 | Chester | Richmond Area | (804) 866-7044 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemFresh Start Healthcare, LLC - Lucy Corr6800 Lucy Corr Blvd., Chesterfield, VA 23832 | Chesterfield | Richmond Area | (804) 539-3809 |
| Private SchoolVirginia School for Nurse Aides and Health Education621 Moorefield Park Drive, Suite F, Chesterfield, VA 23236 | Chesterfield | Richmond Area | (804) 353-1747 |
| Private SchoolDominion Health Education Center4746 Finlay Street, Henrico, VA 23231 | Henrico | Richmond Area | (804) 340-6163 |
| Private SchoolFamily 1st of Virginia Healthcare and Safety Training Center1403 Pemberton Road, Henrico, VA 23238 | Henrico | Richmond Area | (804) 986-6431 |
| Community College / CollegeBryant & Stratton College101 Gateway Centre Parkway, Suite 210, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 | North Chesterfield | Richmond Area | (804) 430-9723 |
| Private SchoolProfessional Career Institute9200 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 110, North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | North Chesterfield | Richmond Area | (804) 327-9740 |
| Community College / CollegeCommunity College Workforce Alliance Nursing Assistant Program700 East Jackson Street, Richmond, VA 23219 | Richmond | Richmond Area | (804) 523-5344 |
| Private SchoolFresh Start Healthcare, LLC - Richmond8568 Sanford Drive, Richmond, VA 23228 | Richmond | Richmond Area | (804) 539-3809 |
| Community College / CollegePaul D. Camp Community College - Franklin Program1000 Armory Drive, Franklin, VA 23851 | Franklin | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 569-6751 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemRiverside Middle Peninsula Nurse Aide Program7385 Walker Avenue, Gloucester, VA 23061 | Gloucester | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 674-6092 |
| Community College / CollegeHampton University303 Butler Farm Road, Suite 114, Hampton, VA 23667 | Hampton | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 727-5678 |
| Private SchoolHealth Service and Education1067 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666 | Hampton | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 219-2733 |
| Private SchoolTidewater Medical Training1503 Hardy Cash Dr, Hampton, VA 23666 | Hampton | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 320-1780 |
| Community College / CollegeVirginia Peninsula Community College - Hampton525 Butler Farm Road, Suite 725, Hampton, VA 23666 | Hampton | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 825-4070 |
| Community College / CollegeEastern Shore Community College29316 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA 23410 | Melfa | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 789-1772 |
| Advanced CNAHealth Service Education (Advanced Nurse Aide)955 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601For experienced Virginia CNAs working toward Advanced CNA | Newport News | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 219-2733 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemRiverside College of Health Sciences316 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601 | Newport News | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 240-2431 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemRiverside Health System - Lifelong Health Division1000 Denbigh Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601 | Newport News | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 674-6092 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemSaber Healthcare Nurse Aide Program251 S. Newtown Road, Norfolk, VA 23502 | Norfolk | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 427-4700 |
| Community College / CollegeTidewater Community College Workforce Development Center350 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 | Norfolk | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 822-2308 |
| Private SchoolTraining Solutions2428 Almeda Avenue, Suite 146, Norfolk, VA 23513 | Norfolk | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 321-8887 |
| Community College / CollegeTidewater Community College - Portsmouth Campus120 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701 | Portsmouth | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 822-2308 |
| Community College / CollegePaul D. Camp Community College - Suffolk Program271 Kenyon Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 | Suffolk | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 569-6751 |
| Private SchoolSenora Angels Training Center144 Business Park Drive, Ste. 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | Virginia Beach | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 847-0772 |
| Community College / CollegeTidewater Community College3645 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453 | Virginia Beach | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 822-2308 |
| Private SchoolTidewater Medical Training1300 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 | Virginia Beach | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 320-1780 |
| Private SchoolAgape Home Care Training Center299 McLaws Circle, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Williamsburg | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 509-2333 |
| Private SchoolHeart to Heart Career Training Center440 McLaws Circle, Williamsburg, VA 23188 | Williamsburg | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 229-0919 |
| Community College / CollegeVirginia Peninsula Community College Historic Triangle - Adult4601 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188 | Williamsburg | Hampton Roads & Eastern Shore | (757) 825-4070 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemCarriage Hill Health and Rehab6106 Health Center Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 | Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (540) 785-1120 |
| Private SchoolComfort Assured Nurses1127 International Pkwy, Suite 164, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 | Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (540) 729-3265 |
| Community College / CollegeGermanna Community College - Fredericksburg Area Campus10000 Germanna Point Drive, Room 141, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 | Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (540) 423-1983 |
| Private SchoolCareer Nursing Academy32401 Constitution Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508Also offers a blended/hybrid option | Locust Grove | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (703) 402-2509 |
| Community College / CollegeRappahannock Community College - Glenns12745 College Drive, Saluda, VA 23149 | Saluda | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (804) 333-6774 |
| Community College / CollegeGermanna Community College - Stafford County CenterKevin Dillard Health Sciences Center, 25 Center Street, Stafford, VA 22556 | Stafford | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (540) 423-1983 |
| Private SchoolWellness Nursing Institute3619 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Unit 139, Stafford, VA 22554 | Stafford | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (571) 214-7097 |
| Community College / CollegeRappahannock Community College - Warsaw52 Campus Drive, Warsaw, VA 22572 | Warsaw | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | (804) 333-6774 |
| Private SchoolPeace of Mind814 A Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578 | White Stone | Fredericksburg & Northern Neck | Call school |
| Community College / CollegeCentra College of Nursing Appomattox136 Carver Lane, Appomattox, VA 24522 | Appomattox | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 200-3070 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemMountain View Nursing Home, Inc1776 Elly Road, Aroda, VA 22709 | Aroda | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (540) 948-6831 |
| Private SchoolCentra College of Nursing - Bedford Memorial Hospital1613 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA 24523 | Bedford | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 200-3070 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall - Brookneal633 Cook Avenue, Brookneal, VA 24528 | Brookneal | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 376-3717 |
| Private SchoolFast Track Health Care Education - Charlottesville1924 Arlington Boulevard, Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | Charlottesville | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (540) 981-9111 |
| Community College / CollegePiedmont Virginia Community College600 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Charlottesville | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 961-5354 |
| Private SchoolRaspberry Hill Healthcare Training1040 Gables Drive, Unit 103, Forest, VA 24551 | Forest | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 525-4422 |
| Private SchoolRunk & Pratt School of Nursing1208 Perrowville Road, Forest, VA 24551 | Forest | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 592-8502 |
| Private SchoolCare OPTIONS Plus Nurse Aide Training Program405 Bay Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501 | Lynchburg | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (888) 582-3113 |
| Community College / CollegeCentra College905 Lakeside Drive, Suite A, Lynchburg, VA 24501 | Lynchburg | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 200-2234 |
| Private SchoolJullian's Health Education Academy8726 Seminole Trail, Suite 1, Ruckersville, VA 22968 | Ruckersville | Lynchburg & Charlottesville | (434) 882-7747 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthside Virginia Community College - Christanna/Alberta109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821 | Alberta | Southside | (434) 949-1000 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall - Blackstone900 South Main Street, Blackstone, VA 23824 | Blackstone | Southside | (434) 292-5301 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthside Virginia Community College - Estes Center316 N. Main Street, Chase City, VA 23924 | Chase City | Southside | (434) 736-2078 |
| Community College / CollegeDanville Community College1008 South Main Street, Danville, VA 24541 | Danville | Southside | (434) 797-6437 |
| Private SchoolMedical Solutions Academy306 Poplar Street, Danville, VA 24541 | Danville | Southside | (434) 836-8393 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthside Virginia Community College - Emporia1300 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, VA 23847 | Emporia | Southside | (434) 949-1000 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthside Virginia Community College (Keysville, Adult)200 Daniel Road, Keysville, VA 23947 | Keysville | Southside | (434) 736-2078 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemKissito - Mulberry Creek Nursing & Rehab Center300 Blue Ridge Street, Martinsville, VA 24112 | Martinsville | Southside | (276) 201-1401 |
| Community College / CollegePatrick & Henry Community College645 Patriot Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112 | Martinsville | Southside | (276) 656-0335 |
| Community College / CollegePatrick & Henry Community College - Franklin Center50 Claiborne Avenue, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 | Rocky Mount | Southside | (276) 337-4010 |
| Community College / CollegeDanville Community College - Southern Virginia Higher Education Center820 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592 | South Boston | Southside | (434) 797-8557 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemBlue Ridge Therapy Connection105 Landmark Drive, Stuart, VA 24171 | Stuart | Southside | (276) 694-7161 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall - Blacksburg3610 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 | Blacksburg | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 951-7000 |
| Community College / CollegeMountain Gateway Community College1000 College Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 | Clifton Forge | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 863-2867 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHighland Ridge Rehab Center, LLC5872 Hanks Avenue, Dublin, VA 24084 | Dublin | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 674-4193 |
| Community College / CollegeNew River Community College5251 College Drive, Dublin, VA 24084 | Dublin | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 674-3600 ext. 4349 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemSkyline Nursing and Rehabilitation237 Franklin Drive, Floyd, VA 24091 | Floyd | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 745-2016 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemKissito Healthcare - Spring Nursing Center167 Spring Street, Hot Springs, VA 24445 | Hot Springs | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 839-2299 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemKissito Healthcare (Low Moor)100 Alleghany Regional Hospital Lane, Low Moor, VA 24457 | Low Moor | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 862-3610 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall - Rich Creek120 Old Virginia Avenue, Rich Creek, VA 24147 | Rich Creek | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 726-2328 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemDavis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24017 | Roanoke | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 982-2860 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemFriendship Retirement Community327 Hershberger Road, NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 | Roanoke | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 265-2011 |
| Private SchoolTotal Action Against Poverty/This Valley Works108 Jefferson Street, Suite 609, Roanoke, VA 24016 | Roanoke | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 777-4673 |
| Private SchoolAngels in Disguise Healthcare Education1945 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153 | Salem | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 493-6220 |
| Private SchoolFast Track Health Care Education - Salem1792 Apperson Drive, Salem, VA 24153 | Salem | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 981-9111 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemSalem Health and Rehabilitation Center1945 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153 | Salem | Roanoke, New River & Alleghany | (540) 345-3894 |
| Community College / CollegeVirginia Highlands Community College100 VHCC Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210 | Abingdon | Southwest Virginia | (276) 739-2430 |
| Private SchoolChester Career College12185 Grapefield Road, Bastian, VA 24314 | Bastian | Southwest Virginia | (540) 491-2149 |
| Community College / CollegeMountain Empire Community College3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 | Big Stone Gap | Southwest Virginia | (276) 523-7456 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthwest Virginia Community College - Bluefield Center745 South College Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605 | Bluefield | Southwest Virginia | (276) 964-7542 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemValley Health Care Center940 E. Lee Hwy., Chilhowie, VA 24319 | Chilhowie | Southwest Virginia | (540) 520-4595 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall Health Care, Clintwood1225 Clintwood Main Street, Clintwood, VA 24228 | Clintwood | Southwest Virginia | (276) 926-4693 |
| Private SchoolHealthcare Academy of Southwest Virginia967 East Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333 | Galax | Southwest Virginia | (276) 238-1448 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemHeritage Hall - Grundy2966 Slate Creek Road, Grundy, VA 24614 | Grundy | Southwest Virginia | (276) 935-8144 |
| Community College / CollegeSouthwest Virginia Community College Transportation & Logistics Center Workforce & Continuing Education1102 Ovenbird Road, Grundy, VA 24614 | Grundy | Southwest Virginia | (276) 964-7528 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemKissito Healthcare - Maple Grove318 East Main Street, Lebanon, VA 24266 | Lebanon | Southwest Virginia | (276) 889-0733 |
| Nursing Home / Health SystemFrancis Marion Manor Health & Rehabilitation100 Francis Marion Lane, Marion, VA 24354 | Marion | Southwest Virginia | (276) 378-8074 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All regions."
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing CNA education program list, October 2026. Only programs with active status are shown. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Virginia CNA Questions, Answered
How long does CNA training take in Virginia?
The program is at least 120 hours, so length depends on the schedule. Daytime programs finish fastest, and evening or weekend programs take longer. Ask each school for its start and end dates.
Can I really get CNA training free in Virginia?
Often, yes. FastForward cuts community college tuition by two-thirds, and FANTIC or G3 grants can cover the last third if you qualify financially. A nursing home that hires you can also cover it.
How many times can I take the exam?
Virginia doesn't set a limit, but you have to pass both parts within two years of finishing training. Each attempt costs $45 for the written or oral test and $95 for skills.
How often do I renew?
Every year, with the Board of Nursing. To renew, you attest that you did paid nursing-related work within the previous two years.
What is an Advanced CNA?
A Virginia credential for experienced aides. You need three years as a Virginia CNA, a nurse supervisor's recommendation, and 120 hours of approved advanced training. It's a way to grow without going to nursing school right away.
How do I look up a CNA in Virginia?
Use the license lookup on the Virginia Department of Health Professions website. The Board also publishes its list of approved CNA education programs, which our directory above is built from.
Sources
- 18VAC90-25-80: Renewal and reinstatement of nurse aide certification
- Virginia Board of Nursing: CNA education programs
- Credentia: Virginia nurse aide exam fees
- Virginia CNA requirements overview
- Northern Virginia Community College: FastForward and FANTIC
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. See something out of date? Report a correction.
