CNA Program in Northern Virginia: 150-Hour Certified Nurse Aide Training in Vienna, VA
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Your healthcare career starts here — and it starts faster than you think.
AVI Career Training’s state-approved CNA program gives you the clinical skills, hands-on experience, and Virginia state board preparation you need to step into one of Northern Virginia’s most in-demand healthcare roles — in just 150 hours.
No four-year degree. No waiting for a semester to start. No guesswork.
Financial aid available. GI Bill® accepted. Real clinical training. Real job outcomes.
→ Apply Now or Get More Information
📞 Call or text: (703) 943-9841
✅ COE Accredited & SCHEV Certified
✅ 150 Hours to Certification
✅ Financial Aid & GI Bill® Accepted
Why Choose AVI Career Training for Your CNA Certification?
You have options when it comes to CNA programs in Northern Virginia. Here’s why hundreds of students in the Vienna, Fairfax, Tysons, Reston, and McLean area choose AVI:
1. We’re Accredited and State-Approved — So Your Certification Actually Counts
AVI Career Training is COE Accredited and SCHEV Certified (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia). Those aren’t just letters on a wall. They mean:
- Your training meets Virginia’s official standards for Certified Nurse Aide education
- Your program qualifies for federal financial aid and GI Bill® benefits
- Employers, licensing boards, and healthcare facilities recognize and respect your credential
- You’re not taking a risk with a program that cuts corners or disappears after you pay
When you’re researching CNA schools, accreditation is the single most important box to check. AVI checks it — and many competitors don’t.
2. Small Classes, Hands-On Learning — Not a Lecture Hall
This isn’t an online directory, a self-paced video course, or a 200-person community college lecture. AVI is a hands-on career training school. That means:
- Instructor-led, in-person training with real clinical skill demonstrations
- Small class sizes so your instructor actually knows your name
- Practical lab work that mirrors what you’ll do on your first day on the job
- Direct feedback so you fix technique issues before the state exam — not after
Healthcare employers can tell the difference between a CNA who had real hands-on training and one who just watched videos. We make sure you’re the former.
3. You Can Actually Afford This — Financial Aid Is a Feature, Not a Footnote
We know what it costs to live in Northern Virginia. We know that tuition can feel like a gamble when your budget is already stretched.
That’s why we want to say this clearly, upfront, and without burying it in fine print:
Financial aid is available. GI Bill® benefits are accepted.
Most students qualify for some form of financial assistance. Our team will walk you through your options before you commit to anything. Don’t let cost be the reason you don’t start — talk to us first.
💬 “Don’t let cost stop you. Reach out to our team and find out what you qualify for. The conversation is free.”
→ Ask About Financial Aid Today
4. You’re 150 Hours Away From a Career That Pays — Not Years
Northern Virginia CNAs earn between $38,000 and $52,000 per year, with entry-level wages consistently above the national average due to the region’s cost of living and healthcare demand.
At 150 hours, AVI’s CNA program is designed to get you credentialed and job-ready as efficiently as Virginia’s state requirements allow — without sacrificing the quality of preparation you need to pass your boards and succeed in the field.
Compare that to a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year nursing program. The CNA credential is one of the fastest legitimate entry points into healthcare, period.
5. Vienna, VA Location — Right in the Heart of the Northern Virginia Healthcare Corridor
AVI Career Training is located at 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182 — centrally positioned for students commuting from Tysons Corner, Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Herndon, Falls Church, and the broader DC metro area.
You’re not driving hours to a facility in a distant suburb. You’re training close to home, close to the hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities where you’ll be building your career.
CNA Program Curriculum: What You’ll Learn in 150 Hours
Virginia’s Board of Nursing requires all CNA candidates to complete a state-approved training program before sitting for the certification exam. AVI’s 150-hour curriculum is built around those requirements — and designed to make sure you walk into your exam and your first job with confidence.
Core Clinical & Technical Skills
Patient Care Fundamentals
– Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, toileting, and mobility
– Proper patient positioning, turning, and transfer techniques to prevent injury — for both the patient and the aide
– Bed-making, linen changes, and maintaining a safe, clean patient environment
– Catheter care and urinary output monitoring
– Oral hygiene, skin care, and pressure ulcer prevention
Vital Signs & Clinical Observation
– Measuring and recording temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
– Monitoring oxygen saturation and recognizing abnormal readings
– Accurate observation and documentation of patient status changes
– Reporting observations to the supervising nurse clearly and promptly
Infection Control & Safety
– Standard precautions and transmission-based precautions
– Proper handwashing technique and PPE use — still one of the most critical skills in any healthcare setting
– Safe handling of contaminated materials and sharps
– Fire safety, emergency response, and fall prevention protocols
Communication & Patient Rights
– Effective communication with patients, families, and the nursing care team
– Respecting and upholding patient dignity, privacy, and rights under federal and Virginia law
– Recognizing and responding to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
– Documentation basics and medical terminology
Restorative & Long-Term Care Skills
– Range-of-motion exercises and ambulation assistance
– Nutrition, hydration, and meal assistance for residents with varying needs
– Adapting care for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment
– Working effectively in nursing home, assisted living, and hospital environments
Virginia State Board Exam Preparation
The Virginia CNA certification exam has two components:
- Written (or oral) knowledge test — multiple-choice questions covering the clinical, legal, and ethical content areas above
- Clinical skills evaluation — a hands-on demonstration of specific nurse aide skills before a state evaluator
AVI’s curriculum is structured to prepare you for both. You won’t just learn the material — you’ll practice the skills under instructor supervision until you can perform them accurately and confidently under evaluation conditions.
🎯 Passing the Virginia state exam is the final step between you and your CNA certification. We take that seriously. Our instruction is built backward from what the exam requires.
Hours Breakdown (Overview)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Theory & Classroom Instruction | Virginia law, medical terminology, patient rights, disease processes, communication |
| Lab Skills Practice | Hands-on skill development in a simulated clinical environment |
| Clinical Experience | Supervised patient care in a real healthcare facility |
| Total Program Hours | 150 Hours |
Specific hour allocations per component meet or exceed Virginia Board of Nursing requirements.
Career Outcomes: What Happens After You Get Certified?
Northern Virginia Has One of the Strongest CNA Job Markets in the Country
The DC metro area — including Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun County, and Prince William County — is home to a dense network of:
- Major hospital systems (Inova Health System, Virginia Hospital Center, HCA Healthcare facilities)
- Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living and memory care communities
- Home health agencies
- Rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics
This region’s aging population, combined with persistent healthcare workforce shortages, means CNA demand consistently outpaces supply. That’s not a talking point — it’s a labor market reality.
What Can You Earn as a CNA in Virginia?
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary (Northern Virginia) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level CNA | $36,000 – $42,000 |
| Experienced CNA (2–5 years) | $42,000 – $52,000 |
| Specialized Settings (ICU support, memory care) | $48,000 – $55,000+ |
Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available regional labor market data. Individual compensation varies by employer, setting, experience, and shift differentials. Many facilities also offer sign-on bonuses, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and benefits packages that meaningfully increase total compensation.
Job Titles You Can Hold with a Virginia CNA Certification
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Nursing Assistant
- Home Health Aide (with additional training)
- Resident Care Assistant
- Long-Term Care Aide
The CNA Credential as a Career Launchpad
For many AVI graduates, the CNA certification is Step 1 — not the destination. The credential gives you:
- Healthcare experience that LPN and RN programs look for in applicants
- Patient care hours that count toward advanced clinical training requirements
- An income while you continue your education — unlike unpaid internships
- A foot in the door at healthcare facilities that often promote from within and offer tuition reimbursement
🩺 “CNA → LPN → RN” is one of the most proven pathways in American healthcare. It starts with 150 hours and a certification exam. It ends wherever you decide to take it.
Your Enrollment Path: From First Inquiry to First Paycheck
Getting started at AVI is designed to be clear, straightforward, and fast. Here’s exactly what the process looks like:
Step 1: Explore & Connect
Fill out our contact form or call us at (703) 943-9841 to ask questions, learn about upcoming start dates, and get a feel for whether AVI is the right fit. There’s no pressure and no obligation. We’d rather answer your questions now than have you second-guess yourself halfway through.
Step 2: Review Requirements & Financial Aid Options
Before you enroll, we’ll walk you through:
– Basic admissions requirements (high school diploma or GED; must meet Virginia Board of Nursing eligibility criteria)
– Available financial aid options — including what you may qualify for based on your situation
– GI Bill® benefits if you’re a veteran or eligible dependent
– Scheduling options so you understand how the program fits into your life
Step 3: Apply & Enroll
Ready to move forward? Submit your application through our online enrollment form. Our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, finalize your financial aid package, and lock in your start date.
Step 4: Complete 150 Hours of Training
Attend your in-person classes and clinical hours, practice your skills, prepare for the state exam, and lean on your instructors whenever you hit a hard concept. This is the work — and it’s the part where AVI genuinely shows up for you.
Step 5: Pass the Virginia CNA Exam & Get Certified
After completing the program, you’ll sit for the Virginia state certification exam. Pass it, and you’re officially a Certified Nurse Aide — eligible to work in Virginia’s healthcare facilities and listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.
Step 6: Launch Your Healthcare Career
With your CNA credential in hand, you’re ready to apply to hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities across Northern Virginia — often within weeks of completing the program.
⏱️ From enrollment to employment: the CNA credential is one of the fastest paths from classroom to career in healthcare.
Tuition & Financial Aid
We believe cost should never be the reason someone can’t access quality career training.
AVI Career Training offers:
- 🎓 Financial aid availability — Our admissions team will help you explore what you qualify for based on your circumstances
- 🪖 GI Bill® accepted — If you’re a veteran or eligible military dependent, your benefits may cover a significant portion of your training costs
- 💳 Payment plan options — Ask about flexible payment arrangements that work with your budget
- 📋 Transparent cost conversations — We’ll walk you through the full cost of the program before you sign anything
→ Contact Us to Discuss Tuition & Aid Options
💬 Not sure if you can afford it? That’s exactly why you should call us. Most students are surprised by what’s available to them. (703) 943-9841
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need any prior healthcare experience or education to enroll in AVI’s CNA program?
A: No prior healthcare experience is required. You will need a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Beyond that, what matters most is a genuine interest in caring for people and a willingness to engage seriously with the training. Many of our students come in with no healthcare background at all and go on to become excellent CNAs. If you have specific questions about your eligibility — including questions about background checks or Virginia Board of Nursing requirements — contact us directly and we’ll give you a straight answer.
Q: How is the schedule structured? Can I do this while working or taking care of my family?
A: We understand that most of our students aren’t coming in with completely open schedules. Life doesn’t pause for school. Contact our admissions team to discuss current scheduling options, including which formats may work best for someone balancing existing work or family commitments. We’ll tell you honestly what the time commitment looks like week by week — because we’d rather you know upfront than feel blindsided later.
Q: How does the Virginia CNA state exam work, and what happens if I don’t pass the first time?
A: The Virginia CNA certification exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. Both components must be passed to earn your certification. AVI’s curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for both. Virginia allows candidates to retake failed portions of the exam — you are not barred from certification because of a first-attempt setback. Our instructors will help you identify areas to strengthen before you sit for the exam. Passing is the goal; we build toward it from day one.
Q: Will AVI help me find a job after I complete the program?
A: AVI Career Training is deeply rooted in the Northern Virginia community, and we take your career outcome seriously. While we can’t guarantee specific job placement (and you should be cautious of any school that does make that guarantee), we are committed to supporting your transition into the workforce. This includes guidance on the job search process, connections to the regional healthcare employment market, and ongoing support from our team. Northern Virginia’s healthcare job market is strong — your job is to earn the credential and show up ready; our job is to make sure you’re prepared to do both.
Q: I’ve heard some CNA schools aren’t legitimate. How do I know AVI is the real thing?
A: That’s a fair and smart question to ask — and the fact that you’re asking it shows good instincts. Here’s what to look for in any CNA program, and how AVI measures up:
- ✅ State approval — AVI’s CNA program meets Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for nurse aide training programs
- ✅ COE Accreditation — AVI holds accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, one of the most rigorous accrediting bodies for career schools
- ✅ SCHEV Certification — AVI is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
- ✅ GI Bill® approval — The Department of Veterans Affairs approves schools carefully; GI Bill® acceptance is a meaningful legitimacy signal
- ✅ Physical location — We’re a real school at a real address: 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182. Come visit us.
If any school you’re considering can’t show you accreditation, state approval, and a physical address, keep looking.
Apply Today — Your Healthcare Career Is 150 Hours Away
You don’t need a four-year degree. You don’t need years of experience. You need the right training, the right credential, and the right school behind you.
AVI Career Training’s CNA program gives you all three — in 150 hours, with financial aid available, from a COE-accredited, SCHEV-certified school right here in Northern Virginia.
The healthcare jobs are here. The demand is real. The only thing left is your first step.
🩺 Ready to become a Certified Nurse Aide?
→ Apply Now / Get More Information
📞 Call or Text: (703) 943-9841
📍 Visit Us: 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182
💻 Follow Us: @avicareertraining on Instagram & TikTok
COE Accredited · SCHEV Certified · GI Bill® Accepted · Financial Aid Available
AVI Career Training — Vienna, Virginia
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.