CNA Classes in Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Big Stone Gap CNA Training - Virginia

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Big Stone Gap, VA

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Big Stone Gap, VA, is a fantastic choice. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a crucial role in patient care, working closely with patients and healthcare teams. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a CNA in Big Stone Gap, including training options, local employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Big Stone Gap

Big Stone Gap, located in Wise County, Virginia, is a charming small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Known for its rich history, friendly community, and scenic beauty, Big Stone Gap offers a welcoming environment for those pursuing a career in healthcare. The town is home to attractions like the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park and the Big Stone Gap Greenbelt Trail, making it a unique place to live and work. Learn more about Big Stone Gap on the official town website.

CNA Training Programs in Big Stone Gap, VA

Finding the right CNA program is the first step toward starting your career. Below are some local options for CNA training near Big Stone Gap:

1. Mountain Empire Community College (MECC)
   • Location: Big Stone Gap, VA
   • Program Overview: MECC offers a Nurse Aide program designed to prepare students for the Virginia Nurse Aide Certification Exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Website: Mountain Empire Community College Nurse Aide Program
2. Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC)
   • Location: Cedar Bluff, VA (approximately 45 miles from Big Stone Gap)
   • Program Overview: SWCC provides a comprehensive Nurse Aide program, covering essential skills like patient care, infection control, and communication. The program also includes hands-on clinical training.
   • Website: Southwest Virginia Community College Nurse Aide Program
3. Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)
   • Location: Abingdon, VA (approximately 60 miles from Big Stone Gap)
   • Program Overview: VHCC offers a state-approved CNA program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the certification exam and excel in healthcare settings.
   • Website: Virginia Highlands Community College Nurse Aide Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Big Stone Gap

Once certified, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Big Stone Gap where CNAs can find employment. Here are some notable options:

1. Lonesome Pine Hospital
   • Location: Big Stone Gap, VA
   • Overview: Part of Ballad Health, Lonesome Pine Hospital is a 60-bed facility offering a range of services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. This hospital frequently hires CNAs to assist with patient care.
   • Website: Lonesome Pine Hospital Careers
2. Heritage Hall Big Stone Gap
   • Location: Big Stone Gap, VA
   • Overview: Heritage Hall is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center providing short-term and long-term care. They often seek compassionate CNAs to join their team.
   • Website: Heritage Hall Careers
3. Mountain View Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Norton, VA (approximately 15 miles from Big Stone Gap)
   • Overview: This hospital, also part of Ballad Health, serves the surrounding region and employs CNAs in various departments, including acute care and long-term care.
   • Website: Mountain View Regional Medical Center Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Virginia

To become a CNA in Virginia, you must meet the state’s certification requirements. These include:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Applicants must complete a training program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. These programs typically consist of at least 120 hours of instruction, including classroom and clinical training.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing training, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.

3. Background Check: Applicants must undergo a criminal background check.

4. Registration with the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry: Once certified, CNAs are added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

For more details, visit the official Virginia Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Big Stone Gap, VA, is a fulfilling way to start your healthcare career. With local training programs, employment opportunities, and a supportive community, there’s never been a better time to take the first step. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA programs and begin your journey toward a rewarding profession in healthcare.

For information about the job outlook for CNAs, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics CNA Job Outlook page.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Virginia may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Big Stone Gap?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Big Stone Gap usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Big Stone Gap will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Big Stone Gap?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Virginia, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Virginia, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Big Stone Gap is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Virginia CNA Salary info.