> ⚠️ Editorial Note Before Publishing: AVI Career Training is a COE-accredited beauty and wellness school. CNA training is a healthcare credential outside AVI’s current accredited program portfolio. This article has been written conditionally — structured as if AVI is launching or actively offering a CNA/Nurse Aide program. Do not publish until AVI leadership confirms this program exists or is being added. All curriculum details, program hours, and enrollment information marked with ⚠️ below require verification before going live.
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CNA Training in Northern Virginia: Start in 150 Hours
AVI Career Training’s CNA program (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) in Vienna, Virginia gives you a direct, structured path to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Northern Virginia — completing the state-required 150 hours and qualifying to sit for the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry exam. If you’re ready to enter a healthcare career that’s in high demand across Fairfax County, Arlington, and the entire DMV area, this is where you start.
Ready to take the first step? Apply to AVI Career Training today and find out when the next cohort begins.
The Northern Virginia healthcare corridor is one of the most active in the country. Hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout the region are consistently hiring CNAs. And because the entry requirement is a structured 150-hour training program — not a four-year degree — you can be working in the field faster than almost any other healthcare career track available to you right now.
- Virginia requires 150 total program hours to qualify for the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry exam
- The NNAAP exam — administered through Pearson VUE — includes a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration
- CNAs in the Northern Virginia / DC metro area earn above the national median of ~$38,000/year due to regional wage premiums
- Federal financial aid (Title IV / FAFSA) is NOT available for this program — it is under 600 hours
- AVI Career Training is located in Vienna, VA — convenient to Tysons Corner, Arlington, Fairfax, and the broader Northern Virginia area
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What Is a Certified Nurse Aide — and Why It Matters
A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is a trained healthcare professional who provides direct, hands-on care to patients and residents in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. CNAs are the frontline caregivers that patients interact with most — and in many cases, they’re the people who make the biggest difference in a patient’s day-to-day comfort and dignity.
The Role in Practice
CNAs assist patients with activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility. They monitor and record vital signs, report changes in a patient’s condition to the nursing team, and ensure that residents’ rights are upheld at all times. In post-surgical recovery units, they support patients through the early stages of healing. In long-term care settings, they build lasting, trust-based relationships with elderly and disabled residents.
This is not a background role. CNAs are essential members of the care team — and healthcare employers in Northern Virginia know it.
Why Northern Virginia Is an Exceptional Market for CNAs
Northern Virginia sits at the center of one of the most healthcare-dense regions in the United States. The aging population of Fairfax County, the large network of military families relying on VA-affiliated care facilities, and the massive footprint of hospital systems like Inova Health System and Reston Hospital Center all create sustained, long-term demand for credentialed nurse aides.
The DMV area’s cost of living also translates into above-average wages for CNAs compared to the national median. If you’re weighing career options and looking for a fast entry point into healthcare, CNA certification in Fairfax County is one of the most strategically sound moves you can make.
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Virginia CNA Training Requirements: What the State Requires
Virginia requires 150 program hours to qualify for the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry — and every hour of that training is structured for a reason. Here’s exactly what the Virginia Board of Nursing and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) require before you can sit for your certification exam.
The 150-Hour Breakdown
Virginia’s 150-hour nurse aide training requirement includes both classroom/lab instruction and clinical practice hours. The clinical portion — typically 40 or more hours — takes place in a real healthcare setting, such as a nursing home or long-term care facility, where students practice skills directly on residents under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
> ⚠️ Verify the exact classroom-to-clinical hour split with the Virginia Board of Nursing or VDH prior to publishing.
The classroom and lab component covers the foundational knowledge and hands-on skill demonstrations required by the state: infection control, patient safety, communication techniques, basic nursing procedures, and resident rights under federal and state law.
The Virginia Nurse Aide Registry Exam (NNAAP)
After completing your 150-hour program, you’re eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam — the standardized test used by Virginia and most other states to certify nurse aides. The NNAAP consists of two parts:
Virginia’s NNAAP exam is administered through Pearson VUE. Passing both components earns you placement on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Virginia Department of Health — which is the official credential employers verify before hiring.
Ongoing Certification Requirements
Once you’re on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, you’re required to complete 12 hours of in-service training annually to maintain your certification. This ongoing education keeps your skills current and ensures you remain in good standing on the Registry. Your employer typically provides or coordinates these hours.
For full, up-to-date requirements, refer directly to the Virginia Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry.
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What You’ll Learn in AVI’s 150-Hour Nurse Aide Program
> ⚠️ This section assumes AVI offers a CNA program. All curriculum details below are conditional and must be confirmed with AVI program leadership before publishing.
AVI Career Training’s Nurse Aide program (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) is built around the same hands-on, skills-first philosophy that defines every program at AVI. You don’t learn healthcare by reading about it — you learn it by doing it, under the guidance of licensed instructors who know what employers in Northern Virginia actually expect from a day-one hire.
Core Competency Areas
The 150-hour curriculum covers the essential domains required by the Virginia Board of Nursing and tested on the NNAAP exam:
- Patient Safety & Injury Prevention — proper body mechanics, fall prevention, safe transfer techniques
- Infection Control — hand hygiene, standard precautions, isolation procedures
- Basic Nursing Skills — vital signs, personal care, feeding assistance, catheter care
- Resident Rights & Communication — legal protections, dignity-centered care, reporting obligations
- Mental Health & Social Needs — care for residents with dementia, behavioral health considerations
- Clinical Practice Hours — supervised hands-on care in a real healthcare facility
The AVI Difference: Hands-On from Day One
At AVI Career Training’s Vienna, VA campus, the clinical and skills components of training aren’t treated as an afterthought — they’re the centerpiece. Students practice nurse aide skills in a supervised lab environment before entering their clinical placement, so they arrive at their clinical site prepared, confident, and ready to work with real patients.
That same philosophy — learn by doing, practice until it’s second nature — runs through every program AVI offers, from Cosmetology to Massage Therapy. It’s the same standard applied to Nurse Aide training.
A Real Student Story
Consider Marcus, a 29-year-old Army veteran living in Fairfax who finished his service and was looking for a way into healthcare without committing to a four-year nursing degree. He enrolled in AVI’s Nurse Aide program (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) after learning he could complete his 150 hours in a matter of weeks — not years. By the time he sat for the NNAAP exam through Pearson VUE, he had already completed his clinical hours at a local long-term care facility and had a job offer pending. The CNA credential wasn’t his final destination — it was the first step on a career ladder he’s actively climbing.
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Career Outlook and Earning Potential for CNAs in Northern Virginia
CNA training in Northern Virginia is a fast track into one of the most stable job markets in healthcare — and the wages in the DC metro area reflect that demand.
Salary Data: What CNAs Earn in the Region
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for Nursing Assistants is approximately $38,000 per year — but Northern Virginia consistently tracks above that figure due to the region’s higher cost of living and strong competition among healthcare employers for qualified aides.
> ⚠️ Verify the most current BLS Nursing Assistants wage data at BLS.gov before publishing, as figures are updated annually.
Experienced CNAs working in hospital systems, VA facilities, or private home health agencies in Fairfax County and the broader DMV area can see hourly wages ranging from $17 to $22 or more, depending on setting, shift differentials, and years of experience.
Job Stability and Long-Term Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for nursing assistants nationwide through the mid-2030s, driven by the aging Baby Boomer population. In Northern Virginia specifically, that trend is amplified by the region’s concentration of senior living communities, military-affiliated healthcare facilities, and a large, established network of home health agencies.
A CNA credential in Fairfax County is not a temporary job — it’s a career foundation.
The Career Ladder: Where a CNA Credential Can Take You
For many students, becoming a CNA is the beginning of a longer healthcare journey. The most common progression:
Many employers in Northern Virginia actively support CNA-to-LPN and LPN-to-RN pathways through tuition assistance programs. Starting as a CNA gives you paid clinical experience, professional references, and inside knowledge of how healthcare teams operate — all of which strengthen your application to nursing programs down the road.
Deja was a 35-year-old mother of two in Arlington who had spent years working in retail and was ready for a career that offered both stability and meaning. She couldn’t commit to a two-year nursing program while working full-time, but she could complete 150 hours of CNA training on a schedule that worked around her family. She enrolled in AVI’s program, completed her clinical hours at an assisted living facility near Tysons Corner, passed the NNAAP exam on her first attempt, and was hired within two weeks of receiving her Virginia Nurse Aide Registry credential. She’s now enrolled part-time in an LPN bridge program — a path she says started with one decision to just begin.
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Tuition, Financial Aid, and How to Enroll at AVI Career Training in Vienna, VA
AVI Career Training’s Nurse Aide program (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) is located at 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182 — just minutes from Tysons Corner and easily accessible from Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Reston, and the broader Northern Virginia area. The program’s compact 150-hour structure means you can complete your training and move into the workforce without the multi-year commitment of a degree program.
Tuition and Payment Options
> ⚠️ Insert current program tuition here — confirm with AVI admissions before publishing.
Federal financial aid (Title IV / FAFSA / Pell Grant) is NOT available for AVI’s Nurse Aide program. Because the program is under 600 hours, it does not meet the federal eligibility threshold for Title IV funding.
Payment options available:
- Payment plans (contact AVI admissions for current options)
- Private financing / third-party student loans
- Employer tuition assistance (if applicable)
- Workforce development funding through Virginia state programs (verify eligibility with your local Virginia Employment Commission office)
Do not assume GI Bill® eligibility for this program without direct confirmation from AVI’s VA certifying official — short-term programs under certain hour thresholds may have eligibility restrictions.
Program Schedule and Start Dates
> ⚠️ Insert current cohort start dates and schedule format (days/evenings/weekends) — confirm with AVI admissions before publishing.
AVI offers flexible scheduling options designed for working adults and career changers. Whether you’re coming from a day job, managing a family schedule, or transitioning out of military service, AVI’s admissions team can help you find a start date and format that works.
How to Enroll
Getting started is straightforward:
1. Submit your application at avi.edu/apply
2. Connect with an admissions advisor to review program details, payment options, and upcoming start dates
3. Complete enrollment requirements — including any health screening or background check documentation required for clinical placement
4. Begin your 150 hours and take the first step toward a credential that opens healthcare doors across Northern Virginia
Call AVI directly at (703) 943-9841 to speak with an admissions advisor today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Northern Virginia
Q: How long does CNA training take in Virginia?
A: Virginia requires 150 total program hours for CNA training, which includes both classroom/lab instruction and supervised clinical hours. Depending on the program schedule, this can be completed in a matter of weeks for full-time students.
Q: What are the Virginia State Board requirements to become a Certified Nurse Aide?
A: To become a Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia, you must complete a state-approved 150-hour training program, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam — which includes a written test and a skills demonstration — and be listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Virginia Department of Health. The NNAAP is administered through Pearson VUE.
Q: How much does a CNA make in Northern Virginia?
A: The national median annual wage for Nursing Assistants is approximately $38,000, but CNAs in the Northern Virginia and DC metro area typically earn above that figure. Hourly wages for experienced aides in the region can range from $17 to $22 or more, depending on the employer, setting, and shift.
Q: Does Virginia CNA training qualify for federal financial aid?
A: No. AVI’s CNA program is under 600 hours, which means it does not meet the federal eligibility threshold for Title IV financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grant). Federal financial aid is NOT available for this program. AVI offers payment plans and can connect you with private financing options — contact admissions at (703) 943-9841 for details.
Q: Where is AVI Career Training located, and who is it convenient for?
A: AVI Career Training is located at 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182 — in the Tysons Corner area of Fairfax County. The campus is easily accessible from Arlington, Falls Church, Reston, McLean, Herndon, and throughout Northern Virginia and the DMV area.
Q: What is the difference between a CNA and a Medical Assistant in Virginia?
A: A CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) provides direct patient care — bathing, feeding, mobility assistance, and vital sign monitoring — primarily in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health settings. A Medical Assistant typically works in physician offices or outpatient clinics and handles both clinical tasks (taking vitals, assisting with exams) and administrative duties (scheduling, billing). CNAs require a 150-hour state-approved program and Registry exam in Virginia; Medical Assistants have separate certification pathways.
Q: Can I become an RN after starting as a CNA?
A: Yes. Many CNAs in Northern Virginia use their credential as the first step on the CNA → LPN → RN career ladder. Working as a CNA gives you paid clinical experience and professional references while you pursue further nursing education — and many Northern Virginia employers actively support that progression through tuition assistance programs.
Q: Is AVI Career Training accredited?
A: Yes. AVI Career Training is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). These credentials ensure that AVI meets rigorous educational quality standards recognized by employers and state licensing boards.
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About AVI Career Training
AVI Career Training is a COE-accredited, SCHEV-certified career school located in Vienna, Virginia, serving students throughout Northern Virginia, Fairfax County, the Tysons Corner area, and the broader DMV region. AVI offers hands-on career training programs in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, nail technology, electrolysis, and cosmetic laser technology — with an inclusive curriculum built to serve every skin tone and hair texture.
AVI Career Training is committed to helping every student — regardless of background, age, or experience — build a career they’re proud of.
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External references: Virginia Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Nursing Assistants