CNA Training in Northern Virginia — Start Your Healthcare Career in 150 Hours
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Your next career is closer than you think. Launch it in weeks — not years.
AVI Career Training’s CNA program is Virginia state-approved, hands-on from day one, and designed to get you exam-ready and job-ready fast. If you’re looking for CNA training in Northern Virginia that actually prepares you for real work — with real patients, in real healthcare settings — you’re in the right place.
Apply Now — It’s Free to Get Started
📞 Questions? Call us: (703) 943-9841
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✅ SCHEV-Certified — Virginia state-approved CNA training
✅ COE Accredited — Independent national quality recognition
✅ 150 Hours — Complete your program in weeks, not semesters
✅ Financial Aid Available — Including GI Bill® acceptance
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Why Choose AVI Career Training for Your CNA Certification?
You have options. Here’s why Northern Virginia students choose AVI — and why it matters for your future.
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1. We’re Virginia State-Approved — and That’s Non-Negotiable
Virginia law requires that CNA training programs be certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Without this approval, graduates cannot sit for the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation — meaning no certification, no license, no job. AVI is fully SCHEV-certified. Every hour you spend in our program counts toward your eligibility to take the state exam and get to work.
Be careful: some national online programs look legitimate but cannot fulfill Virginia’s mandatory in-person clinical hour requirements. AVI students leave genuinely exam-eligible — not just theoretically prepared.
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2. COE Accreditation: Independent Quality You Can Trust
AVI Career Training holds accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE) — one of the most respected accrediting bodies in career and technical education. This isn’t a self-awarded badge. COE accreditation means an independent national organization has reviewed our curriculum, faculty, facilities, and outcomes and certified that we meet rigorous educational standards. For students — especially those new to career training programs — this is the clearest signal that AVI is the real deal.
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3. Hands-On Clinical Training From Day One
Reading about vital signs isn’t the same as taking them. AVI’s CNA program is built around applied, skills-based learning — the kind of training that actually prepares you for what you’ll face on the job. You won’t just study patient care; you’ll practice it. Our program includes the clinical hours required by Virginia state regulations, so when you graduate, your hands-on competency is verified — not assumed.
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4. You’re Not Just a Number Here
Large community college programs can feel like you’re lost in the crowd. AVI’s cohort-based model means smaller classes, direct instructor access, and a training environment where people actually know your name. When you have a question, you get an answer. When you’re struggling, someone notices. That kind of attention makes a measurable difference in exam pass rates and graduate confidence.
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5. You Could Start — and Finish — This Year
Unlike semester-dependent enrollment at community colleges, AVI is built for people who need to move. We understand that waiting months for a start date isn’t an option when you have bills, kids, and a life that doesn’t pause for academic calendars. Our program is 150 hours — structured, completable, and designed to move you from enrollment to exam-ready in a timeframe that respects your urgency.
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CNA Program Curriculum — What You’ll Learn
AVI’s 150-hour Certified Nurse Aide program covers the full scope of foundational nursing aide skills required by the state of Virginia. Here’s what your training includes:
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Core Clinical & Patient Care Skills
Patient Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
You’ll learn how to assist patients and residents with the daily tasks that matter most to their dignity and well-being: bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, positioning, and mobility assistance. These aren’t just technical skills — they’re the foundation of compassionate, person-centered care.
Vital Signs Measurement
Accurately measuring and recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, and oxygen saturation is one of the most critical CNA responsibilities. You’ll practice these skills repeatedly until they’re second nature.
Infection Prevention & Control
Healthcare-acquired infections are a serious risk in every clinical setting. You’ll learn standard precautions, proper handwashing technique, PPE use, and isolation protocols — skills that protect patients, residents, and yourself.
Patient Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is a clinical skill. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly with patients, residents, families, and the nursing team — including techniques for working with patients who have dementia, cognitive impairments, or limited English proficiency.
Safety & Emergency Procedures
From fall prevention to recognizing signs of medical deterioration, you’ll be trained to keep patients safe and respond appropriately when situations change quickly.
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Healthcare Setting Preparation
AVI’s training prepares you to work across the range of settings where CNAs are in demand:
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Virginia State Board Exam Preparation
The Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation has two components: a written knowledge exam and a hands-on skills demonstration. AVI’s curriculum is built to prepare you for both. You won’t arrive at the testing center wondering what to expect — you’ll have practiced the required skills under instructor observation and worked through the knowledge content systematically. We prepare you to pass — and our instructors take that responsibility seriously.
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Program at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|—|—|
| Total Hours | 150 |
| Program Type | In-person, hands-on clinical training |
| State Approval | SCHEV-Certified (Virginia) |
| Accreditation | COE Accredited |
| Location | Vienna, VA (Northern Virginia / DC Metro) |
| Financial Aid | Available for those who qualify |
| GI Bill® | Accepted |
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Career Outcomes — What Happens After You Graduate
Completing your CNA program isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting line. Here’s what the Northern Virginia job market looks like for newly certified nurse aides — and what your career path can become.
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The Northern Virginia Healthcare Market Is Hiring
Northern Virginia and the broader DC metro area represent one of the most robust healthcare job markets in the country. The region is home to major health systems including Inova Health System, Kaiser Permanente, HCA Virginia, NOVA Health, and dozens of skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers across Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. CNAs are consistently in demand across all of these settings.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued employment growth for nursing assistants, driven by an aging Baby Boomer population that is increasing demand for long-term care and assisted living services. In Virginia specifically, workforce shortages in direct patient care have made CNA credentials highly valuable to employers who are actively recruiting.
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What You Can Earn as a CNA in Northern Virginia
Wages for CNAs in Northern Virginia are above the national average, reflecting the region’s higher cost of living and strong employer competition for qualified candidates.
Full-time CNAs in the region often receive benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and employer-sponsored continuing education — especially at larger health systems.
Wage ranges are based on regional labor market data and are provided for informational purposes. Actual compensation varies by employer, setting, experience, and shift.
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Job Titles You Can Hold with a CNA Credential
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CNA as a Stepping Stone
For many AVI graduates, CNA certification isn’t the destination — it’s the first chapter. Your credential can be the foundation for:
Many employers in Northern Virginia offer tuition reimbursement programs that allow CNAs to advance their education while working. Starting as a CNA means earning while you learn — with a clear path forward if you choose it.
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What Our Graduates Say
“I was working retail and barely making ends meet. I needed something real, something I could get into fast. The CNA program at AVI gave me the training and the confidence to walk into my first nursing home interview and actually know what I was talking about. I started working within three weeks of passing my exam.”
— AVI CNA Graduate, Fairfax County
“I’m a military spouse and we move a lot. My CNA credential goes everywhere with me. Virginia certified me, and when we moved I was able to transfer my credential. AVI prepared me well enough that I’ve never had trouble finding work.”
— AVI CNA Graduate, Vienna VA
“I was honestly scared I would fail the state exam. I’ve never been great at tests. But the way AVI structured the curriculum — practicing the skills over and over, going through the written material in a way that actually made sense — I walked in feeling ready. I passed both sections on the first try.”
— AVI CNA Graduate, Annandale VA
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Your Enrollment Path — From Curious to Certified
Getting started is simpler than you might think. Here’s exactly how to go from where you are right now to holding your Virginia CNA certification:
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Step 1: Explore Your Options
You’re already doing this. Read through this page, look at the program details, and get a feel for whether AVI is the right fit. Have questions? Use our contact form or call (703) 943-9841) to speak with an admissions advisor — no pressure, no scripts, just real answers.
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Step 2: Apply
When you’re ready, submit your application using our simple online form. There’s no fee to apply. Our admissions team will review your information and reach out to confirm your eligibility and walk you through next steps. Requirements include:
Apply Now — Free & Takes Minutes
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Step 3: Enroll & Begin Training
Once your application is reviewed and financial aid (if applicable) is arranged, you’ll receive your enrollment date and program schedule. You’ll meet your instructors, your cohort, and get oriented to AVI’s facility and clinical training protocols. From your first day, you’re building real, employable skills.
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Step 4: Complete Your 150 Hours
Show up, put in the work, and engage with the material. AVI’s curriculum is rigorous because the work you’ll do matters — patients and residents will depend on the skills you develop here. Your instructors will guide you through every competency and make sure you’re genuinely prepared for what comes next.
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Step 5: Pass the Virginia State Exam & Get Licensed
After completing the program, you’ll schedule the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation through the state-approved testing provider. AVI’s exam prep component ensures you enter that room confident, prepared, and ready to demonstrate your skills. Once you pass — both the written and skills sections — you’ll be added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry and are legally authorized to work as a CNA in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Step 6: Get Hired
With your certification in hand and AVI’s career support behind you, you’ll be ready to pursue positions across Northern Virginia’s thriving healthcare market. Our team can help connect you with employers actively seeking CNA graduates in Fairfax County and the broader DC metro region.
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Tuition & Financial Aid — Making CNA Training Affordable
We believe financial limitations should not stand between a motivated person and a career that changes their life. AVI Career Training is committed to making the path to CNA certification as accessible as possible.
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Financial Aid Is Available for Those Who Qualify
AVI participates in financial aid programs that may significantly reduce or cover the cost of your CNA training. If you’re concerned about affording tuition, the most important thing you can do is talk to our admissions team before you assume it’s out of reach. Many students are surprised by how much assistance is available.
Ask About Financial Aid Options
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GI Bill® Accepted
AVI Career Training proudly accepts the GI Bill®, making our CNA program accessible to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying military dependents. If you’ve served, your benefits may cover your training costs — speak with our admissions team to understand how to apply your GI Bill® benefits to the CNA program.
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Flexible Payment Options
For students who do not qualify for financial aid or prefer alternative arrangements, AVI offers payment plan options to spread the cost of training over time. No one should have to delay the start of a healthcare career because of an upfront payment barrier.
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Transparency Matters
We won’t hide costs or make you jump through hoops to find out what you’ll pay. When you connect with our admissions team, you’ll get a clear, honest breakdown of tuition, fees, and what financial assistance you may be eligible for — before you make any commitments.
Get a Full Tuition Breakdown — No Obligation
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Frequently Asked Questions About AVI’s CNA Program
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Do I need prior healthcare experience or a college degree to enroll?
No. The CNA program at AVI is designed as an entry-level credential — that’s the whole point. You need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and be able to meet the physical requirements of direct patient care work. No college degree, no prior healthcare experience, and no medical background is required. If you’re motivated and ready to work hard, you’re qualified to start.
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How long does it take to complete the CNA program?
The program is 150 hours of instruction and clinical training. The total calendar time to complete those hours depends on your program schedule — but most students complete the program in a matter of weeks. This is a career credential you can realistically earn within the same year you start. Speak with an admissions advisor to get current information on program schedules and estimated completion timelines.
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Is the schedule flexible? I work and have children.
We understand that most of our students are juggling real life — jobs, kids, family responsibilities — while trying to invest in their futures. Talk to our admissions team about current scheduling options. Because the CNA program requires a meaningful time commitment (150 hours of hands-on training), we want to make sure you go in with a realistic understanding of the schedule before you enroll. Our goal is to help you find a path that works — not set you up to fail because the timing didn’t fit your life.
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What is the Virginia CNA licensing exam, and how does AVI prepare me for it?
The Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation is administered by a state-approved testing organization and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills performance evaluation. Both sections must be passed to earn your Virginia CNA certification and be placed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.
AVI’s curriculum is built around preparing you for both sections. You won’t encounter the skills demonstration as a surprise at the end — you’ll have practiced every required skill under instructor supervision throughout the program. Our written preparation component ensures you understand the material well enough to apply it, not just memorize it. The goal is a first-attempt pass — and we structure our training to make that a realistic outcome for every student who puts in the work.
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Will AVI help me find a job after I pass my exam?
Yes. Job placement support is part of what AVI provides to graduates. We have connections within the Northern Virginia and DC metro healthcare community, and our team actively works to help connect qualified graduates with employers who are hiring. That said, we want to be honest: we prepare you to compete and succeed in the job market — your credential, skills, and work ethic ultimately open the doors. The good news is that the Northern Virginia market for CNAs is strong, and a Virginia state certification from a COE-accredited, SCHEV-certified program is a credential that employers in this region recognize and respect.
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Is AVI accredited? How do I know this is a legitimate program?
Yes. AVI Career Training is:
These are not self-designated titles. They are earned through external review processes. SCHEV certification is a legal requirement to operate a CNA training program in Virginia; without it, graduates cannot sit for the state licensing exam. COE accreditation is an additional, nationally recognized quality signal. AVI has both. That combination is the clearest possible answer to whether this program is legitimate.
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Start Your CNA Training in Northern Virginia — Apply Today
You’ve been thinking about making a move. Maybe for a while. A career that’s stable when the economy isn’t. Work that actually means something. An income that reflects what you’re capable of, not just what you happened to fall into.
The CNA credential is your entry point into all of it — and AVI Career Training is where Northern Virginia students come to earn it.
150 hours. Virginia state-approved. Hands-on from day one. Career support when you graduate. Financial aid for those who qualify. And a team that treats you like the capable adult you are.
The healthcare field isn’t waiting. Northern Virginia employers are hiring right now. The only question is how soon you want to start.
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🎓 Ready to Become a Certified Nurse Aide?
Apply Now — Free Application, No Obligation
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📞 Call or Text: (703) 943-9841
📍 Visit Us: 1595 Spring Hill Rd #720, Vienna, VA 22182
🌐 Financial Aid Available | GI Bill® Accepted | COE Accredited | SCHEV Certified
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Not ready to apply today? That’s okay. Stay in touch and we’ll answer your questions when you’re ready.
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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.