The booming healthcare industry is driving a greater need for qualified CNAs. Plenty of people in Washington DC are in need of professional help and long-term care. Washington DC has a number of courses that students can take in order to enter the promising field of healthcare. CNAs need to be certified in order to do their work. They will need to remain registered with a nurse aide registry to further their employment. If you are interested in becoming a CNA, you may want to examine the list of requirements below.
Washington DC Certification Requirements
There are a few reasonable requirements that should be met before students train to become CNAs. In order to train for full certification, you:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must have government-issued ID
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a fingerprint screening
- Must be fluent in English
Washington DC CNA Classes and Testing Costs
To gain CNA certification in Washington DC, students should pass an approved course. These courses may vary somewhat, but they must meet a few fundamental requirements. CNA training programs must last at least 120 hours long. 45 of these hours must be in class, 30 hours should be in a lab, and 45 hours should be devoted to clinical training in a nursing facility. These programs can take at least one month to complete.
The cost of certification may vary. Some courses may be free. The cost of training may be paid back to the student if they are employed by an organization. The cost ranges between $400 and $1200. Students may be able to find financial aid to help them cover the cost of training. For more information on where to locate free training programs, please follow this link.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Training Institute | Washington, DC | 20011 | 202-723-0755 |
| Citiwide Pre-Vocational Center | Washington, DC | 20002 | 202-667-3719 |
| Nursing Enterprise | Washington, DC | 20016 | 202-526-2400 |
| Healthwrite | Washington, DC | 20009 | 202-349-3934 |
| OICDC | Washington, DC | 20032 | 202-839-3076 |
| University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) | Washington, DC | 20002 | 202-274-5000 |
| The Community College of DC PR Harris Educational Center | Washington, DC | 20032 | 202-274-6999 |
| University of the District of Columbia | Washington, DC | 20008 | 202-274-5000 |
| Captec | Washington, DC | 20011 | 202-291-7744 |
| Home Care Partners Inc | Washington, DC | 20005 | 202-638-2382 |
| Nursing Assistant Academy | Washington, DC | 20003 | 202-748-5479 |
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Washington DC
If you are interested in becoming a CNA in Washington DC, examine the following classes or establishments. Some of these locations may offer free classes; others may be tuition based. Contact the establishments directly for more details.
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. This nursing assistant program prepares students for entry-level careers in healthcare. The program lasts for five months and includes 10 days of hands-on experience at a nursing facility. The program has special morning teaching for those who want to improve their English as they become qualified. The tuition is free for DC residents, but students will have to pay a $20 fee for school IDs.
University of the District of Columbia – Community College. This program is open to those who have a high school diploma. The curriculum covers class work, lab readiness, and clinical experience. Graduates may apply for the competency exam.
Healthwrite Training Academy. This program is part of a woman-owned company. The Academy is meant to prepare young professionals to enter the healthcare field. Interested students may go online to the Academy’s home page and schedule an interview. The class location is also metro-accessible for those who need help with transportation.
It should also be noted that students who want to receive training without moving to the district may have the option of getting certified in one of DC’s neighboring states. If you want to contact the registry to find out how to transfer course credit from a nearby state into Washington DC, you may wish to contact the registry at 202-442-5955.
Additional Washington DC CNA resources
The above information may help you start the process of becoming a CNA in Washington DC. If you need further details or wish to learn more about the enrollment process, consider using the following contact information:
899 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-5955
Fax: (202) 442-4795
Out-of-District CNAs
A CNA in good standing who is credentialed in another state may be endorsed in Washington DC. The CNA must have passed a certification exam. Those who have not taken an exam must pass one before endorsement takes place. A candidate for endorsement without examination must include a copy of their credentials and a copy of a social security card and a photo ID. The application should be mailed to Pearson VUE. For more information, follow this link.
CNA Renewal in Washington DC
It costs $12 to renew CNA licensing. In the district, CNAs must renew licensing every 24 months. They must fill out a renewal form and have logged 8 hours of nursing services with an active certificate. There should be 24 hours of continuing education with an active certificate. Be prepared to offer:
- Name (as it appears on valid certification)
- Current Mailing Address
- Current Home/Work Telephone Number
- Current Social Security Number
- Certification Number
- Certification Expiration Date:
To see a full registry renewal application, follow this link to see an online format of the renewal form. Be aware that if you have made any changes to your personal information (e.g. name or address), you may have to provide copies of legal documentation that will verify the changes. The address for the renewal forms is Pearson VUE/DCNA Registry, PO Box 13785, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785. If you wish to contact the registry for more details, phone Pearson VUE at 1-888-274-6060.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CNA make in Washington DC?
CNAs who have added to their education and certification may be primed to earn higher salaries. CNAs who have graduated from high school may be in a position to earn high salaries. The wage may also vary from location to location within the district. However, CNAs in Washington DC may be able to earn more than CNAs in other U.S. states, as the healthcare field in the city is expanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly pay for a CNA is $18.33, or a yearly salary of $38,120. CNAs in the 90th percentile of earners can make up to $47,020 per year.
How much do CNA classes in Washington DC cost?
CNA training in Washington DC can cost between $400 and $2,000. However, you can check with your college if they offer financial aid or installment fee options.
You will also pay state exam fee of $155, and the breakup is:
- Written Exam – $40
- Oral Exam – $50
- Skills Evaluation – $65
What are the requirements for becoming a CNA in Washington DC?
To become a CNA in Washington DC, you will have to study and train for an approved CNA course. Upon successfully completing the course, you will have to pass a state’s CNA exam. Other common requirements include:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Good English language skills
- Complete a CNA Training program
- A government-issued ID
- Hold a GED or high school diploma
- Negative drug and TB test results
- Fingerprint screening
- Pass a background check
- Passing state’s CNA exam
District of Columbia / Public domain
