CNA Classes in Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston CNA Training - West 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 Charleston, West Virginia

About Charleston

Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia, is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Charleston offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Notable landmarks include the West Virginia State Capitol, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, and the historic East End and West Side neighborhoods. For more information about Charleston, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Charleston, West Virginia

If you are considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Charleston, there are several local programs to help you get started. Here are three reputable schools offering CNA courses:

1. Carver Career and Technical Education Center
   • Location: Malden neighborhood
   • Program Description: Carver Career and Technical Education Center offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to prepare students for the state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
   • Website: Carver Career and Technical Education Center CNA Program
2. BridgeValley Community and Technical College
   • Location: South Charleston
   • Program Description: BridgeValley Community and Technical College provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills needed for patient care. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical training, ensuring students are well-prepared for their CNA certification.
   • Website: BridgeValley Community and Technical College CNA Program
3. West Virginia Junior College – Charleston
   • Location: Downtown Charleston
   • Program Description: West Virginia Junior College offers a Nursing Assistant program with a focus on hands-on training and real-world experience. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed as a CNA.
   • Website: West Virginia Junior College – Charleston CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Charleston

Charleston is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs:

1. CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center)
   • Location: Downtown Charleston
   • Description: CAMC is one of the largest healthcare providers in West Virginia, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have job openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Website: CAMC Employment Opportunities
2. St. Francis Hospital
   • Location: Kanawha City neighborhood
   • Description: St. Francis Hospital is part of the Thomas Health System and provides comprehensive healthcare services. They offer numerous positions for CNAs in different units.
   • Website: St. Francis Hospital Careers
3. Eastbrook Center
   • Location: East End neighborhood
   • Description: Eastbrook Center is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They regularly hire CNAs to support their patient care team.
   • Website: Eastbrook Center Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in West Virginia

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA program approved by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. Register with the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry to be officially recognized as a CNA.

For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Charleston, West Virginia, is a rewarding career path with numerous opportunities. Take the first step by contacting one of the local schools offering CNA programs and start your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career today!

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 West 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 Charleston?

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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in West 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 West 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 Charleston is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out West Virginia CNA Salary info.