CNA Training Program in Northern Virginia — Get Certified in 150 Hours at AVI Career Training
You Already Know How to Care for People. Now Let’s Make It a Career.
Maybe you’re already helping a parent, a neighbor, or a family member — doing it naturally, without a second thought. Or maybe you’ve been working jobs that pay the bills but don’t pay enough, and you’re ready for something stable, meaningful, and in demand.
AVI Career Training’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program gives you a direct, accredited path from where you are right now to a licensed healthcare career in Northern Virginia — in just 150 hours.
No four-year degree. No waitlist. No guesswork.
Hero
Your Healthcare Career Starts Here — Not Years From Now
Northern Virginia needs CNAs. We’ll make sure you’re ready.
AVI Career Training’s COE-accredited CNA program prepares you for real patient care, the Virginia state certification exam, and a job market that’s hiring right now — all in a hands-on, supportive environment built for working adults.
Apply Now — It’s Free to Get Started
📞 Call or text us: (703) 943-9841
Why Students Choose AVI
| ✅ COE-Accredited Program | ✅ Financial Aid Available | ✅ GI Bill® Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimate credentials employers trust | You may not pay out of pocket | Serving Northern Virginia’s military community |
Why Choose AVI for Your CNA Certification?
There are other schools. Here’s why Northern Virginia adults choose AVI Career Training.
1. COE Accreditation — The Credential That Opens Doors
AVI Career Training is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). That’s not a technicality — it’s the difference between a credential employers recognize and one they don’t.
COE accreditation also means you have access to federal financial aid that many competing programs simply cannot offer. If you’ve ever worried that school costs are out of reach, accreditation is the reason AVI changes that equation.
What this means for you: Your CNA certificate from AVI carries real weight — with hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities across Northern Virginia and beyond.
2. Hands-On Training From Day One — Because Virginia Requires It
Virginia law requires CNA candidates to complete supervised clinical training hours. An online video course or a classroom without a simulation lab won’t cut it — not for the state exam, and not for the job.
At AVI, you train in a real clinical learning environment, practicing patient care skills on mannequins and in supervised settings before you ever enter a clinical site. You learn how to move a patient, measure vital signs, assist with activities of daily living, and respond to real-world scenarios — with an instructor right beside you.
You won’t just know the material. You’ll be able to do the work — with confidence.
3. Small Cohorts, Real Instructor Access
You’re not a number in a lecture hall here.
AVI’s program is designed for close-contact learning — small cohort sizes mean your instructor actually knows your name, notices when you’re struggling, and has time to help you through it. If you’ve ever felt lost in a big classroom or afraid to raise your hand, this environment was built for you.
Our instructors bring clinical experience from the field. They’re not reading from a textbook — they’re teaching from practice.
4. Flexible Scheduling Built for Real Life
If you’re working a job right now, raising kids, caring for a family member, or navigating military spouse life in NoVA — a rigid, 9-to-5 schedule isn’t going to work.
AVI’s CNA program offers scheduling options designed around the reality of adult learners’ lives. Contact our admissions team to discuss schedule formats, cohort start dates, and what works for your situation.
You shouldn’t have to choose between starting your career and keeping your life running.
5. State Exam Prep Is Built Into the Program — Not an Afterthought
The Virginia CNA state certification exam includes both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration. Many students dread it. AVI prepares you for both.
Exam prep isn’t a weekend add-on at AVI — it’s woven through the entire 150-hour curriculum. By the time you sit for your exam, you’ll have already practiced the skills under timed, evaluated conditions. You’ll know what the evaluator is looking for, how to pace yourself, and how to perform under pressure.
We want you to pass. We prepare you to pass.
Program Curriculum — What You’ll Learn in 150 Hours
Virginia’s CNA certification requirements are set by the Virginia Board of Nursing. AVI’s 150-hour program meets and is designed around those state standards, ensuring you’re fully prepared for both the exam and the job.
Core Skills & Knowledge Areas
Fundamentals of Patient Care
– Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Aide
– Patient rights, dignity, and ethical care principles
– Communication with patients, families, and the nursing care team
– Infection control and standard precautions
– Safety, fall prevention, and emergency response procedures
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
– Bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, and dressing assistance
– Positioning, turning, and transferring patients safely
– Ambulation and mobility support
– Feeding and nutritional assistance
– Toileting and continence care
Clinical Measurement & Monitoring
– Taking and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
– Measuring and recording height, weight, and intake/output
– Recognizing and reporting changes in patient condition
– Skin care and pressure injury prevention
Specialized Care Settings
– Long-term care / nursing home environments
– Hospital and acute care settings
– Home health and assisted living facility contexts
– Caring for patients with cognitive impairment, including dementia
Virginia State Board Exam Preparation
– Written/oral knowledge test review
– Clinical skills demonstration practice and evaluation
– Test-taking strategies and pacing techniques
– Mock evaluations under exam-like conditions
How 150 Hours Breaks Down
Your training combines classroom instruction, lab and simulation practice, and supervised clinical hours — the three components Virginia requires for state exam eligibility.
| Component | Focus |
|---|---|
| Classroom / Didactic | Knowledge, terminology, patient rights, safety, anatomy basics |
| Skills Lab / Simulation | Hands-on practice with equipment and techniques in a controlled environment |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised care in a real healthcare setting |
Contact AVI for current schedule formats and cohort start dates: (703) 943-9841
Career Outcomes — What Life Looks Like After You Graduate
Earning your CNA certification in Virginia isn’t just completing a program. It’s your entry point into one of the most stable, human, and in-demand career fields in the country — and right here in Northern Virginia, demand is exceptional.
The Northern Virginia CNA Job Market: Right Now
Northern Virginia sits at the intersection of several forces creating strong demand for CNAs:
- Aging population: Fairfax County and the surrounding region are home to one of the fastest-growing 65+ populations in Virginia. That means assisted living facilities, memory care units, and skilled nursing facilities are hiring continuously.
- Hospital density: Northern Virginia is served by a dense network of major health systems — including Inova Health System, Reston Hospital Center, and Virginia Hospital Center — all of which employ CNAs at scale.
- Home health growth: As patients and families increasingly prefer aging in place, home health agencies across Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William counties are consistently seeking certified aides.
- Competitive wages: CNA starting wages in the Northern Virginia market typically range from $18 to $22 per hour, with experienced CNAs and those working in specialized settings or with shift differentials earning more.
This is not a region where you’ll complete your training and struggle to find work. Northern Virginia is hiring.
Where AVI CNA Graduates Work
Certified Nurse Aides work in a variety of settings, giving you real flexibility about where and how you build your career:
- 🏥 Hospitals — Acute care, surgical recovery, labor and delivery support
- 🏠 Nursing homes & skilled nursing facilities — Long-term and rehabilitative care
- 🌿 Assisted living communities — Residential care with a focus on independence and dignity
- 🏡 Home health agencies — One-on-one care in patients’ homes
- 🧠 Memory care units — Specialized care for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients
- 🏢 Outpatient clinics & physician offices — Clinical support in non-hospital settings
Job Titles You Can Hold with a Virginia CNA Certification
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Geriatric Aide
- Restorative Aide
- Hospital Nursing Assistant
Your CNA Certification Is Also a Stepping Stone
Many AVI students see CNA certification not as a final destination but as the smartest first step into healthcare. Your CNA credential:
- Qualifies you to apply for LPN programs with real clinical experience already on your résumé
- Opens the door to RN pathways — many RN bridge programs prioritize applicants with CNA experience
- Earns you wages while you continue your education — you can work as a CNA while pursuing advanced credentials
- Builds clinical skills and professional references that no classroom-only program can match
You’re not just getting a certification. You’re getting your foot — firmly — through the door of a healthcare career.
Your Enrollment Path — Four Clear Steps
We’ve worked hard to make the enrollment process simple, transparent, and human. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1: Reach Out & Explore
Contact AVI or call (703) 943-9841 to connect with our admissions team. Ask every question you have — about the schedule, the costs, the program, or anything else on your mind. There’s no pressure and no commitment at this stage. Just a real conversation.
Step 2: Apply
Complete your application — it’s free and straightforward. Our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, discuss financial aid options, and help you understand your start date options.
Basic eligibility for the AVI CNA program:
– High school diploma or GED
– Minimum age requirement (contact AVI to confirm current requirements)
– Clean background (healthcare employers conduct background checks — discuss any concerns with admissions openly)
Step 3: Enroll & Begin
Once accepted and enrolled, you’ll receive your course materials, schedule, and orientation information. You’ll meet your instructor, your cohort, and your clinical team before your first day of patient care training.
Step 4: Complete, Test & Get Licensed
Complete your 150 hours of training. Sit for the Virginia state CNA certification exam — written/oral knowledge test plus clinical skills demonstration. Upon passing, your name is added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, and you’re a licensed CNA.
From your first day of class to your name on the Registry — it’s measured in weeks, not years.
Tuition & Financial Aid — Let’s Talk About What It Actually Costs You
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to enroll in career training is fear about money. We get it. And we want to address it directly.
Financial Aid Is Available at AVI
Because AVI Career Training holds COE accreditation, students in qualifying programs may be eligible for federal financial aid — including grants that don’t have to be repaid. Many students who assume they’ll have to pay out of pocket discover that financial aid significantly reduces or fully covers their costs.
You won’t know what you qualify for until you ask. Our admissions team will walk you through the process — no financial jargon, no runaround.
AVI Accepts GI Bill® Benefits
If you are a veteran or an eligible military spouse or dependent, AVI Career Training accepts GI Bill® education benefits. Northern Virginia’s large active-duty and veteran community makes this one of our most important differentiators — and if you qualify, it can mean your CNA training costs you nothing out of pocket.
Contact our admissions team to verify your GI Bill® eligibility and benefit amounts before enrolling.
Payment Options
For students who do not qualify for full aid coverage, AVI offers payment plan options. Our admissions team can outline current payment structures based on your situation.
Think about it this way:
CNA wages in Northern Virginia typically start at $18–$22 per hour. For a full-time CNA, that’s $37,000–$45,000+ per year in stable, consistent employment. Your training investment — however it’s financed — is one most students recover within the first few months of working.
What to Do Next Regarding Cost
- Fill out the contact form and indicate you want to discuss financial aid
- Or call (703) 943-9841 and ask to speak with our admissions team about cost and aid options
- Complete the FAFSA if you haven’t already — our team can help guide you
Don’t let an assumption about cost stop you from making the call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need any healthcare experience or college credits to enroll in AVI’s CNA program?
No prior healthcare experience is required. AVI’s CNA program is designed to take students from little or no clinical background to exam-ready in 150 hours. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Some additional requirements (such as age minimums or health screenings) may apply — contact our admissions team for the most current prerequisites.
Q: How long does the CNA program take, and are there flexible schedule options?
The program is 150 hours total, which typically allows students to complete training in a matter of weeks depending on the schedule format. AVI offers scheduling options to accommodate working adults, parents, and students with other commitments. Contact admissions to ask about current cohort schedules and start dates — because what works best depends on your specific situation, and we’d rather have that conversation directly.
Q: What is the Virginia CNA state exam, and how does AVI prepare me for it?
Virginia’s state certification exam for Nurse Aides is administered through Headmaster, the testing vendor designated by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation, during which you’ll demonstrate specific hands-on nursing aide skills for a trained evaluator.
AVI’s program integrates state exam preparation throughout all 150 hours of instruction. By your final weeks of training, you’ll have practiced clinical skills in timed, evaluated conditions that mirror the actual exam format. You’ll know what’s expected, how to demonstrate each skill correctly, and how to manage exam-day pressure.
Q: Does AVI help with job placement after I graduate?
AVI Career Training is invested in your success beyond graduation day. While we encourage you to discuss current career support offerings directly with our admissions or student services team, our COE accreditation and presence in the Northern Virginia healthcare community means your AVI CNA certification carries credibility with local employers. Ask us specifically what support looks like when you reach out.
Q: I’m worried I won’t pass the state exam. What if I struggle academically?
This concern is more common than you might think — and it’s one of the reasons AVI’s small cohort, hands-on model exists. When you’re not one of 50 students in a lecture hall, your instructor can see when you’re struggling and step in before a small confusion becomes a real problem.
Exam prep at AVI is iterative — you don’t just practice once and hope for the best. You practice the skills, get feedback, practice again, and enter the exam having already proven to yourself that you can do it.
If you had a hard time in school before, that does not define what you can do now — especially in a program built around learning by doing. Many of our strongest students are the ones who didn’t thrive in traditional academic settings.
Ready to Start? Let’s Make It Happen.
You’ve read the details. You know the program is legitimate, the credential is recognized, the market is hiring, and financial aid may cover your costs.
The only thing left is to take the first step.
AVI Career Training’s CNA program is for people who are done waiting for a better moment and ready to create one.
🎓 Apply Today — It’s Free and Takes Minutes
Start Your CNA Application Now →
Or reach us directly:
📞 Call or Text: (703) 943-9841
📍 Visit Us: 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182
(Conveniently located for students from Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Tysons, Herndon, Falls Church, Annandale, and Arlington)
Financial Aid Available · GI Bill® Accepted · COE Accredited · SCHEV Certified
Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education (COE) · State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
© AVI Career Training · 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182 · (703) 943-9841
Follow us: @avicareertraining on Instagram & TikTok · facebook.com/avibeautyschool