Top 3 CNA Programs in Washington, DC

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a fast and relatively easy way to break into the nursing field. Indeed, many RNs start out as CNAs, so it's a viable way to get going in your career. If you live in or near Washington, DC, you can take your pick from a wide array of CNA programs. You must graduate from an approved program to be eligible to sit for the certification exam, so it's important to choose wisely. Good Washington, DC CNA programs are specifically designed to help students pass the certification exam, and they typically include lectures, labs, and clinical practice at local healthcare facilities. Get your new career off to a great start by selecting the program that's perfect for you.

As a Washington, DC resident, choosing a CNA program in the metro area will be your first step in the process of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in the capital. Like many aspiring CNAs in the American Rome, however, you may feel fairly overwhelmed by the huge array of choices that are out there. Knowing what to look for helps a lot, and a great way to learn the basics is by focusing your search on popular CNA programs in the nation's capital. These programs have gained popularity for being fast, affordable, and effective. Graduates of such programs tend to pass the certification exam with ease. A few prime examples of exceptional CNA programs in Washington include:

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has campuses across the United States. For those who live in or near Washington, DC, the campus in Columbia, MD, is very convenient. It's located about 25 miles away from downtown, and it offers a Medical Assisting program that is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge that you need to pass the exam and to excel in your career. The program is fairly extensive, so it runs a lot longer than many others in the area. However, the extra time ensures that you have a solid grasp of the skills that you need to do well in the field. In particular, the clinical experience, or externship, at a local facility is sure to make a huge difference for you.

Anne Arundel Community College

With its location in Arnold, MD, which is about 35 miles away from downtown Washington, Anne Arundel Community College, or AACC, is a popular option for locals who want to pursue careers as CNAs. The college is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Medical Assistant Certification Program stretches over three terms and consists of 31 credit hours of instruction. Its reviews are very positive. It includes a clinical portion in which you receive hands-on education at actual nursing homes and other healthcare facilities in the area. To enroll, you must have your high school diploma or GED.

University of the District of Columbia

Conveniently, this school is located right in Washington, DC. If you need a program that's in the heart of the city, the one that's offered by UDC could be the answer. The school's Nursing Assistant Program has existed since 1989. Students who are enrolled in the program receive instruction in the classroom, including lectures, and they complete labs that help them become familiar with common CNA tools and equipment. Like most CNA programs, it also includes clinical practice at local healthcare facilities, which allows you to see first-hand what it is like to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Completing an approved CNA program will help lay the foundation for long-term career success as a CNA. With this in mind, make sure to take your time while considering the available options. Regardless of your scheduling needs, it shouldn't be difficult to find a program in your area that is convenient. Whenever possible, find out the pass rate of any given CNA program to ensure that it truly prepares students for the certification exam. That way, when you sit for the exam, you will be confident in the knowledge that you have received more than enough schooling to pass it easily.