CNA License in Virginia

Have you been, in Virginia, searching for a medical career that does not require a degree? If so, we have fantastic news for you! There is currently a great need for nurse aides in Virginia, and one of the best features of this occupation is that you do not need a degree to obtain employment.

CNA Certification Requirements in Virginia

The Virginia Board of Nursing regulates the training standards and certifications of all nurse aides in the state. In accordance with the Board, if you wish to obtain CNA certification in Virginia, you must enroll in and complete a state-approved training program. Secondly, you will need to schedule an appointment to take Pearson Vue's two-part CNA certification examination. Passing scores on this test are necessary for placement on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Get Your CNA Certification in Virginia

One of the benefits of choosing to become a CNA in Virginia is that the state’s certification procedure is very easy. After you receiving an acceptable score on your certification examination, Pearson Vue will share your scores with you in your PCM account. After passing the exam, your name will be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Your initial certification in Virginia will be effective for two years.

How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Virginia

Every so often, you will find that you need to check your CNA certification status in Virginia. When this occurs, go to the Virginia Board of Nursing website and take the cursor over Public Resources. In the drop-down menu that opens, click on “License Lookup.” The page that will then show up will contain the tool that will allow you to verify your CNA status in the state.

How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Virginia

In Virginia, you must renew your nurse aide certification every 24 months. You must have worked for pay during the last two years to be eligible for renewal. You can get your certification renewed online by visiting the Virginia Board of Nursing website and taking the cursor to Practitioner Resources. In the drop-down menu that appears, click on “Renew Online.”

How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Virginia

You must work as a paid nurse aide in Virginia during the two-year period to be eligible for renewal. If you do not meet this requirement, or you forget to renew, you will need to reinstate your certification. If you were previously listed on the registry and have been lapsed for over 90 days, you will need to submit a reinstatement application and fees to the board. The board will then decide if you also need to take the examination to show competency for reinstatement. Reinstatement applications with instructions may be obtained from the board website or by calling the board at (804) 367-4515.

How to Transfer Your CNA Certification from Virginia to Another State

If it becomes necessary to transfer your CNA certification out of Virginia to another state, you will need to fulfill the transfer requirements of the other state. If you are not sure of the other state’s proper agency to contact, find a listing of CNA regulatory agencies on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. You will find this list under the tab labeled "NNAAP & MACE."

State-Approved CNA Programs in Virginia

Virginia is home to many fine CNA schools; however, the facilities listed below are among some of the best in the state.

1. Chester Career College

   751 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836 (804) 751-9191

2. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

   1000 Dabney Dr, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 (540) 863-2800

3. Eastern Shore Community College

   29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410 (757) 789-1789

4. Mountain Empire Community College

   3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 (276) 523-2400

5. New River Community College

   5251 State Rd 373, Dublin, VA 24084 (540) 674-3600

6. Paul D. Camp Community College

   100 N College Dr, Franklin, VA 23851 (757) 569-6700

7. Rappahannock Community College

   52 Campus Dr, Warsaw, VA 22572 (804) 333-6700

8. Reynolds Community College

   1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228 (804) 371-3000

9. Roanoke Higher Education Center

   108 N Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 767-6161

10. Southside Virginia Community College

    109 Campus Dr, Alberta, VA 23821 (434) 949-1000

11. Thomas Nelson Community College

    99 Thomas Nelson Dr, Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 825-2800

12. Tidewater Community College

    121 College Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 822-1111