Richmond CNA Classes

With its location near the Eastern seaboard and near old Williamsburg and Jamestown, Richmond, Virginia, has a long and rich history. However, in recent years, it has begun to spread its wings and embark on some modernization that appeals to younger adults and even families. Here you will find plenty of craft beer operations, amazing dining options, fashion centers and numerous celebrations of art. With street murals, award-winning restaurants, and gorgeous natural vistas, people of all ages can truly enjoy this region.

Of course, it is not just younger adults who can enjoy Richmond. Many older adults call this city home. In fact, over 12 percent of the population of 204,000 is over 65 years of age. This provides plenty of job opportunities for hands-on careers in the health care industry. In particular, certified nursing assistants are in high demand at the eight local hospitals as well as at numerous skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.

It is quite simple to become a CNA in Richmond. Applicants to training programs must be at least 18 years old and hold high school diplomas. They must pass a criminal background check, have proof of up-to-date immunizations and have had a recent negative tuberculosis screening.

Approved training programs must provide at least 120 hours of training of which 40 hours must be in a hands-on clinical setting. Classes will include medical terminology and basic nursing knowledge and will also cover communication skills, patients’ rights, infection control, and end-of-life care. Most of these classes require only one to three months to complete, and many sites offer evening classes, allowing individuals to work or take care of other personal needs while completing the training.

At the completion of training, successful graduates of the program will be able to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination, which includes a written or oral test as well as several hands-on skill stations. Those who successfully pass will find out the same day and will immediately be able to get a job as a CNA. In addition, students can work in Richmond as CNAs for 120 days before passing the test.

Once you have passed your CNA examination, you will find yourself facing plenty of job options in Richmond. You may choose to work at one of the local hospitals, at a skilled nursing facility, for a home health agency or for a hospice care agency. Currently, 7,030 individuals are employed as CNAs in the city, and most make an average of $27,850 annually. Job opportunities are expected to increase over the next decade as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, needing more in-depth health care.

CNAs here provide the direct patient care that is so important to individuals’ quality of life and overall health. These individuals will bathe, groom, dress and feed patients and will reposition them frequently, help them ambulate, and answer many of their questions. In addition, they may record certain vital signs, do occasional charting and communicate patient needs, concerns and symptom changes to nurses.

For a larger city, Richmond is surprisingly easy to get around. In fact, if you choose to drive, you may find that your transit time is only 10 or 15 minutes to most areas of the city. Be sure to stay away from the very busy U.S. Route 360 as well as Interstate 295 during rush hour, however. In addition, Interstate 64 on the east side of the city is nearly always slow and crowded. If you prefer to relax in the backseat, opt for a local taxi or use Uber or Lyft services.

Biking is also a great option during the nicer seasons in Richmond. The Virginia Capital Trail offers over 50 miles of biking trails. Most side streets throughout the city are also easy to navigate by bike.

However, if you want to save money and also want to save yourself from the stress of navigating the region yourself as you head to your CNA training program or to your new CNA job, use the regional GRTC Transit system, which offers several dozen routes throughout downtown Richmond and that provides connections to many outlying areas.

With seven approved CNA training schools in Richmond, you will find it easy to register for classes that fit your schedule and your budget. The Richmond Adult Technical Center is one option catering to busy adults of all ages. This technical center provides numerous career pathways in health sciences, agriculture, hospitality, human services, law, manufacturing, and transportation. The Technical Center particularly caters to adults wanting to upgrade their skills or change careers. By offering all classes in the evening, the Center makes it easy to hold a job while attending school.

The Certified Nurse Aide Training Program here costs only $1,250 for a six-week course. New classes start every six weeks and run from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm every Monday through Thursday. Classes cover everything needed to prepare for the NNAAP examination, including basic nursing skills, infection control, vital signs, emergency care, patient safety, patient personal care, patient positioning, and basic charting. Students will also have to pay some miscellaneous school fees and own navy scrubs, an adult blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope.

If you are wanting to save even more money as you begin your career, you may want to look for a free training program. Some jobs may actually offer free training as a perk for agreeing to work for them. This is often possible at area nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities as well as with certain hospice and home health agencies. Be sure to call around to find a company that offers the benefits you need.

The Laurels of University Park and of Bon Air both offer free CNA education courses. Lexington Rehab provides a similar service to those who agree to work for them. Beaumont Health and Rehabilitation Center also provides free CNA training and a variety of scholarships to help their employees grow in their careers. Finally, HCR ManorCare in Richmond offers free training with guaranteed employment to successful graduates who are 18 years of age or older.