CNA Classes in West Virginia

The state of West Virginia has an elderly population that is rapidly growing. By 2030, about a quarter of the state population will be aged 65 and older. Many medical professionals are overburdened and struggle to serve the state’s aging population. This means that trained professionals entering healthcare are more necessary than ever. For interested candidates, training to become a CNA may be an excellent choice for an entry-level role in the healthcare field.

CNAs cannot work in the state without formal certification. The CNAs must be registered with the state nurse aide registry. Training is available to help interested students become fully certified. For more information, see the requirements below.

West Virginia CNA Certification Requirements

The restrictions filtering some applicants from others are very few in number. Virtually anyone who wishes to become a CNA in West Virginia may be eligible to train for certification. There are no minimum education requirements, though it is prudent to acquire a GED or a high school diploma. Most can enter training programs, however, as long as they can comfortably read and write. Anyone who wants to be certified should be at least 18 years old. Sex offenders or abusers who target vulnerable people are not eligible for certification. Therefore, background checks may be required.

West Virginia CNA Classes & Testing Costs

Students who want to achieve certification must pass an approved course. A minimum of 120 hours is expected and 65 of those hours should be spent in class. The rest of the allotted time should be devoted to clinical hands-on care. It may take between 4-6 weeks to pass a training course. The training is designed to prevent people from spending years in school.

The programs may cost anywhere between $350 to $1500. Some departments may offer subsidized training in exchange for new employees. Entry into these programs may be competitive and those who are seeking employer sponsored training may be placed on a waiting list. Students should be prepared to set aside extra money to cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, lab equipment, and other materials. For a list of programs offering employer sponsored CNA training, follow this link.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in West Virginia

If becoming a CNA in West Virginia seems like a satisfying career choice, the following training centers listed below may provide enough information to help students begin their journey. Others may require tuition payments. Some programs have flexible schedules. The establishments should be contacted directly for more details.

CNA Courses in Morgantown

Heartland of Clarksburg. This establishment offers CNA training to students. Classes meet from 9:00-5:00 and are scheduled from Monday through Friday. Applicants must have a high school diploma and should submit to background checks. Graduates may be eligible for full time employment. Those who want to learn more specifics should contact the training center at 304 624-6401.

United Technical Center. This 128-hour program costs about $750. The tuition bill covers a background check, uniforms, and health tests. Successful graduates of this program may receive credit for nursing coursework. A clinical externship is included in the training. Graduates are qualified to take the state competency exam.

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center. This is a program designed for high school students who can fit the CNA classes into their normal school hours. Admission requires a complete application and takes a year to fully complete.

CNA Classes in Princeton

Valley College This is a quick, 6-week program that includes an in-depth amount of class work and clinical experience. Students will also be educated in law and ethics. This is not a cheap program; it costs $3000, but there are grants and scholarships available to pay the cost of the training. For more information on financial aid, follow this link. The tuition covers the cost of training materials.

Mercer County Schools This $600 program lasts for 150 hours and meets Mondays and Wednesdays. Students will be expected to gain clinical experience outside a classroom. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam.

Additional West Virginia CNA Resources

The above information may be enough to help students begin the process of CNA certification. However, the information does not provide details. For detailed information on certification, use the contact information below.

Nurse Aide/AMAP Programs
Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification
408 Leon Sullivan Way
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-0050
Fax: (304) 558-1442

DHHR.OHFLAC.NAP@wv.gov

Out-of-State CNAs

CNAs in good standing with their current establishment and registry may be eligible to transfer their credentials to the state of West Virginia. CNAs out of state who want to join the healthcare field in West Virginia must be registered as active status, have proof of their paid employment that is not more than 24 months old, and a complete application for reciprocity. Applicants should have pay stubs, certificates, and a background check ready if they are required.

CNA Renewal in West Virginia

CNA certification in West Virginia is good for two years. You will be mailed a renewal form 45 days prior to license expiration. For the renewal form to be mailed properly, make sure that your name and your address is updated long before the renewal form is mailed. Download the application for renewal and fill it out properly. Provide proof of at least eight hours nurse aide employment for compensation within the licensing time frame.

How much does a CNA make in West Virginia?

The hourly salary of a CNA in the state may vary. CNAs with high school diplomas or GEDs may make more than a CNA without a completed high school education. Salaries may vary from place to place within the state. On average, the hourly pay for a CNA is $13.56, or a yearly salary of $28,200.

Original Author Joseph H. Diss Debar (1863) / Public domain