CNA Classes in Covington, Virginia

Covington 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 Covington, VA

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Covington, VA, you’re making a great choice. CNAs play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a CNA in Covington, as well as highlight local training programs and employment opportunities.

About Covington, VA

Covington, Virginia, is a small city nestled in the Alleghany Highlands, known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community. With a population of around 5,500 people, Covington offers a peaceful environment and is home to several historical landmarks, including the Humpback Bridge and the Jackson River Scenic Trail. The city is also close to larger metropolitan areas like Roanoke, providing access to a wide range of healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

You can learn more about Covington by visiting the City of Covington’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Covington, VA

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Covington, VA, you will need to complete a state-approved training program. While Covington itself may have limited options for CNA programs, there are several excellent schools nearby that offer comprehensive training. Below are some of the best CNA training programs available in and around Covington:

1. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC)
   • Location: Clifton Forge, VA (approximately 15 minutes from Covington)
   • Program Description: DSLCC offers a Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience at local healthcare facilities.
   • Learn more about the program here.
2. Virginia Western Community College (VWCC)
   • Location: Roanoke, VA (about 1 hour from Covington)
   • Program Description: VWCC offers a state-approved CNA training program that covers all essential skills required for entry-level nursing assistants. The program includes both theoretical and practical training, preparing students for the certification exam.
   • Learn more about the program here.
3. Botetourt Technical Education Center
   • Location: Fincastle, VA (approximately 45 minutes from Covington)
   • Program Description: This technical education center offers a Nursing Assistant program designed for individuals interested in starting a career in healthcare. The program focuses on patient care, safety, and communication skills.
   • Learn more about the program here.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Covington

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, you’ll be ready to start your career. Covington and the surrounding areas offer a variety of employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some of the top healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Covington where you might find employment:

1. LewisGale Hospital Alleghany
   • Location: Low Moor, VA (just outside Covington)
   • Description: LewisGale Hospital Alleghany is a 206-bed acute care facility that serves the Covington area. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. CNAs can find employment opportunities in various departments.
   • Explore current job openings here.
2. The Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation
   • Location: Low Moor, VA
   • Description: The Brian Center provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term care for residents. CNAs are essential team members in this facility, providing hands-on care to patients.
   • Visit their employment page here.
3. The Springs Nursing Center
   • Location: Hot Springs, VA (about 30 minutes from Covington)
   • Description: The Springs Nursing Center offers long-term care and rehabilitation services. CNAs at this facility assist with daily living activities, patient care, and support services.
   • Find job opportunities here.

CNA Certification Requirements in Virginia

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Nursing Assistant Program: You must attend a Virginia Board of Nursing-approved CNA training program, which typically includes 75 hours of instruction, with a portion dedicated to hands-on clinical experience.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.

3. Submit to a Criminal Background Check: Virginia requires all CNA candidates to undergo a criminal background check before certification.

4. Register with the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the Virginia Department of Health Professions.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Covington, VA, is a rewarding career choice that offers plenty of opportunities in the growing healthcare field. With several CNA training programs available nearby and a variety of local healthcare facilities looking to hire, now is the perfect time to take the first step toward your new career. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA courses and start your journey toward becoming a CNA!

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 Covington?

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 Covington 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 Covington 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 Covington?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Covington is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Virginia CNA Salary info.