CNA Classes in Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Shepherdstown 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 Shepherdstown, WV

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, you’re in the right place. CNAs play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, becoming a CNA in Shepherdstown offers a fulfilling path with numerous employment opportunities.

About Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown, located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, is known for its rich history, charming downtown, and proximity to the Potomac River. Home to Shepherd University, the town blends a small-town atmosphere with a vibrant arts and cultural scene. For more information about Shepherdstown, you can visit the official town website.

CNA Training Programs in Shepherdstown, WV

There are several CNA training programs available near Shepherdstown, WV, where you can gain the skills and qualifications needed to become a certified nursing assistant. Below are some local schools offering CNA courses:

1. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (Martinsburg, WV)
   • Location: Martinsburg, WV (about 10 miles from Shepherdstown)
   • Program Overview: Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers an accredited CNA program designed to prepare students for the West Virginia Nurse Aide Certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
   • Website: Blue Ridge Community and Technical College CNA Program
2. James Rumsey Technical Institute (Hedgesville, WV)
   • Location: Hedgesville, WV (approximately 16 miles from Shepherdstown)
   • Program Overview: James Rumsey Technical Institute offers a comprehensive CNA program that covers essential nursing assistant skills, including patient care, infection control, and communication. The program meets the certification requirements for West Virginia.
   • Website: James Rumsey Technical Institute CNA Program
3. Valley College (Martinsburg, WV)
   • Location: Martinsburg, WV (about 10 miles from Shepherdstown)
   • Program Overview: Valley College offers a Nurse Aide program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. Students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pass the state certification exam.
   • Website: Valley College Martinsburg CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Shepherdstown

Once you’ve completed your CNA certification, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Shepherdstown where you can apply your skills. Here are some of the top local employers:

1. Jefferson Medical Center (Ranson, WV)
   • Location: Ranson, WV (about 8 miles from Shepherdstown)
   • Overview: Part of WVU Medicine, Jefferson Medical Center offers a variety of healthcare services, including emergency care, inpatient services, and rehabilitation. CNAs are regularly employed in various departments.
   • Website: Jefferson Medical Center Careers
2. Canterbury Center (Shepherdstown, WV)
   • Location: Shepherdstown, WV
   • Overview: Canterbury Center is a long-term care facility located right in Shepherdstown. It provides skilled nursing services, rehabilitation, and memory care, making it a great option for CNA employment.
   • Website: Canterbury Center Careers
3. Hospice of the Panhandle (Kearneysville, WV)
   • Location: Kearneysville, WV (approximately 7 miles from Shepherdstown)
   • Overview: Hospice of the Panhandle provides end-of-life care to patients in their homes and at their inpatient facility. CNAs play a crucial role in providing compassionate care to patients and their families.
   • Website: Hospice of the Panhandle 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: You must complete a CNA program that is approved by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). The program must include at least 120 hours of instruction, with a combination of classroom learning and clinical practice.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by the West Virginia Nurse Aide Program.

3. Register with the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. You must renew your certification every two years, and you must have worked at least eight hours in a paid CNA position during that time to maintain your certification.

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 Shepherdstown, WV, is a fantastic way to start a career in healthcare. With several local CNA training programs available and a variety of employment opportunities in the area, there’s no reason to wait. Contact a school today to begin your journey toward a rewarding and fulfilling career as 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 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 Shepherdstown?

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 Shepherdstown 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 Shepherdstown 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 Shepherdstown?

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 Shepherdstown is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out West Virginia CNA Salary info.