Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Virginia
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Virginia, aspiring individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 140 hours, which includes classroom instruction, 20 hours of lab skills, and 40 hours of clinical practice. After completing the program, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia, which costs $140. The Virginia Board of Nursing oversees CNA certification, and while there is no application fee, a criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 16 years old. Virginia offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states with comparable requirements.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 140-hour state-approved training program, including at least 20 hours of skills acquisition in a laboratory setting and 40 hours of direct clinical practice. |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($140) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is 16. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours performing nursing-related activities under RN or LPN supervision in the past 24 months. A criminal background check is required. |
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Virginia
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Virginia is $38,790 per year, which is 1.9% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $30,220 |
| 25th | $35,830 |
| 50th (median) | $38,790 |
| 75th | $45,640 |
| 90th (experienced) | $48,520 |
Virginia employs approximately 42,760 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.