You can obtain your nursing assistant certification in Virginia by completing a nursing assistant training program, passing the certification exam and applying to be placed on the nursing assistant registry. You can also apply for reciprocity if you are a certified nursing assistant in another state. Sometimes you can also become a nursing assistant if you have a nursing degree from an accredited learning institution.
Training Requirements and Hours
You will need to enroll in a nursing assistant program that meets all criteria and requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing. There are various programs that can be found throughout the state of Virginia. Many programs are offered at nursing care facilities. Other institutions of higher education also offer nursing assistant certification training.
You will need to attend a training program that covers at least 120 hours of training if you wish to become a certified nursing assistant in Virginia. You will spend some time studying in a classroom setting. Then, you will have some clinical training in a nursing care facility. You will work directly with patients and be under the direction of a registered nurse.
It is necessary to schedule the nursing assistant competency exam after completing your course. The exam will have a written and skills portion that you must pass before obtaining your certification. All prospective nursing assistants must also pass a criminal record background check before receiving certification.
Transferring Your CNA Certification to Virginia via Reciprocity
You might be able to waive the training requirements in Virginia if you have a valid nursing assistant certification in another state. This can be accomplished through the process of reciprocity. Reciprocity is not guaranteed. You will need to apply to have your nursing assistant certification transferred to Virginia. You can receive the necessary application through the Board of Nursing in Virginia.
Your application for reciprocity will be carefully reviewed to determine if your work and training history from your other states is enough to allow you to forego the training requirements in the state of Virginia. Individuals who graduated from a nursing program are also sometimes eligible to waive training requirements and to become certified as a nursing assistant.
The exact steps are as follows:
- Visit the website to obtain an application: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Nursing/nursing_forms.htm#CNA.
- You must have already completed a CNA training program in another state and passed the competency exam. You will need to still hold a current CNA certification in a state.
- It is not necessary to submit a fee for endorsement. However, the state where you hold a certification might require some type of fee to verify your nursing assistant certification.
- Answer all questions on the application truthfully and in their entirety.
- Have the verification form notarized that grants the state where you hold certification to release the details of your certification to the state of Virginia.
- If you have ever had any criminal convictions, provide a copy of the conviction documents as well as proof that you have completed all requirements of your conviction. You will also need to write a letter discussing the circumstances of your crime and to submit references from former non-medical employers.
- The application must be submitted to:
Commonwealth Of Virginia
Department Of Health Professions
Nurse Aide Registry
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233
CNA Certification Renewal in Virginia
Do not forget that your nursing assistant certification will need to be renewed every twenty-four months. The process is intended to ensure that your certification is still in good standing. You will verify that you have performed nursing related duties during that time period. Forms will be mailed to you before it is time to renew your license to provide you with time to submit your renewal paperwork and have it reviewed before your certification expires.
Helpful links: Free CNA training in Virginia and Accredited CNA classes in Virginia
Trying to recieve an application for tranferring my cna certification to a Virginia certification.
here ya go http://www.dhp.state.va.us/Forms/nursing/CNA/Endorsementpackage.doc
I am doing some research on Virginia CNA license renewal. I cannot seem to find anything regarding education requirements for renewal. (only proof of working as a CNA over the previous 2 years). Are they no longer required to have a certain number of educational hours for renewal in the state of VA?
That is a federal requirement that applies to Virginia as well. You need to have at least 12 CEU hours if I’m not mistaken over 2 years. I’ll double check and update this thread when possible.
i’am trying to get my cna license. i have a nurse aide certificate for about 10 years now. I want to to take the state boards. how do i go about getting that done?
You only get two years after completing training within which to attempt the CNA certification exam. I’m afraid you will need to retake the training course and then do the exam.
How can I transfer my CNA license from WVA to VA? What do I access online? Tried the site noted above, no longer in service.
Thanks for any help that you may give. Need to do this ASAP.
Where do we get the application to take the CNA test? I have not been able to find the application on line.
You should be able to get them from the training center you got trained in. I’ll still try and look it up for you from the registry though and update this thread if I find it.
Hi. my cna license expired in FL in 2009 i moved to Michigan and was working for agency until 2010. Now i live in Va. i was wondering would i have to do the training all
over again to be certified in the state of VA ….your input will be kindly appreciated
Hi I took a CNA training class In Colorado but because my husband got a new job I could not take the test to become certified. Will the training be accepted in order for me to take the test or do I have to take a new CNA class all over again. Thank you