CNA Classes & Programs in Harrisonburg, Virginia
4 state-approved CNA programs in Harrisonburg, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Virginia cities.
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CNA training in Harrisonburg
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,110
- $17.36 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 560
- in the Harrisonburg region
- Healthcare facilities
- 8
- 4 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 51,784
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Aspiring CNAs in Harrisonburg can choose from 4 approved programs designed to launch careers in patient care roles throughout this Shenandoah Valley city. Known as a college-town setting thanks to James Madison University’s presence, Harrisonburg offers accessible training options close to both downtown amenities and regional employers.
CNA programs in Harrisonburg prepare participants for Virginia certification while emphasizing practical skills essential in today’s healthcare environment. Students gain clinical experience that supports success on licensing exams and readies them for local job openings after graduation. In Harrisonburg, CNAs earn around $36,110 annually—a figure just below the statewide benchmark—with actual pay influenced by workplace setting and experience level.
The city does feature free CNA classes among its offerings but does not currently provide online or accelerated course formats. Harrisonburg’s CNA courses help ensure a steady supply of qualified caregivers ready to meet area healthcare needs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Harrisonburg
Students in Harrisonburg can choose from 4 CNA programs—including options featuring free training—to prepare for Virginia state certification and registry placement. Each program trains participants with patient-focused skills needed by employers throughout Harrisonburg, where career opportunities exist across varied healthcare roles requiring certified nursing assistants.
Program Types in Harrisonburg
| Type | In Harrisonburg | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Harrisonburg | See other Virginia cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Harrisonburg | See other Virginia cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Harrisonburg | See other Virginia cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Harrisonburg
Lowest published cost first.
Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community
CostFreeHours–Weeks8
- Address
- 3935 Sunnyside Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (540) 568-8201
Sunnyside offers a paid, employer-sponsored Nurse Aide (CNA) training program for selected student employees with class and on-site clinical instruction over about 8–10 weeks. Graduates may transition into CNA roles at the community.
Visit websiteVirginia Mennonite Retirement Community
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (540) 564-3701
VMRC runs a free, paid Nurse Aide training program for employees with weekday classroom sessions and daytime clinicals. Cohorts run about six weeks, and graduates move into CNA roles at VMRC.
Visit websiteHarrisonburg City Public Schools - VMRC Nurse Aide Education Collaboration
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1475 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (540) 564-3503
Massanutten Technical Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 325 Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (540) 434-5961
MTC’s adult Certified Nurse Aide program focuses on developing entry‑level nurse aide skills for care of geriatric clients and includes classroom, lab, and clinical training.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Virginia cities
- Virginia Beach3 programs
- Chesapeake2 programs
- Norfolk3 programs
- Arlington1 program
- Richmond12 programs
- Newport News6 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Harrisonburg
| Median annual pay | $36,110 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.36 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 560 |
| Salary region | Harrisonburg |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Harrisonburg itself, approximately 560 certified nursing assistants are employed within local hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies according to recent data sources. This steady workforce supports patient care needs across both public institutions and private organizations serving residents throughout this university town.
The CNA salary in Harrisonburg is around $36,110 per year (or $17.36 hourly), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data specific to this city’s labor market. While slightly below Virginia’s median annual wage of $36,820 for CNAs statewide, actual earnings may vary by employer type or professional experience gained over time.
CNA job opportunities span several CMS-certified facilities such as Vmrc Complete Living Care—a nonprofit corporation with 120 beds—as well as Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community (nonprofit), Blue Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing (for profit), and Harrisonburg Hlth & Rehab Cntr (a federal government-owned facility). Sentara RMH Medical Center serves as a major hospital employer locally while notable home health agencies include First Choice Home Health Services LLC and Sentara Home Care Services—providing additional options outside traditional institutional environments.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Harrisonburg (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Harrisonburg providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Vmrc, Complete Living Care1475 Virginia Avenue(540) 564-3400Map | 120 | 3.9 |
| Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community3935 Sunnyside Drive, Suite A(540) 568-8200Map | 84 | 2.6 |
| Blue Ridge Rehabilitation And Nursing94 South AvenueMap | 117 | 1.5 |
| Harrisonburg Hlth & Rehab Cntr1225 Reservoir Street(540) 433-2623Map | 180 | 1.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Harrisonburg (1 facility)
1 hospital in Harrisonburg offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sentara Rmh Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 2010 Health Campus Drive(540) 689-1000Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Harrisonburg (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Harrisonburg providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| First Choice Home Health Services, Llc1819 Virginia Avenue(540) 434-3916Map | 2.5/5 |
| Sentara Home Care Services871 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Ste 201(540) 564-5735Map | 2.5/5 |
| Continuing Care Home Health Services579 East Market Street(540) 433-7146Map | 1.5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Harrisonburg? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Charlottesville, Fishersville, Bridgewater, Orange, and Luray, or browse the Virginia CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Harrisonburg, VA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Harrisonburg, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Virginia. These include completing a Virginia Board of Nursing–approved Nurse Aide Education Program, passing both parts of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia, and being listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 140 total hours of training, including at least 40 supervised clinical hours
- At least 24 hours of classroom instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge and skills exams within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Criminal background check per Code of Virginia § 32.1-162.9:1
- Placement on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Virginia Board of Nursing
Once certified, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Harrisonburg and across Virginia.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity (endorsement) to transfer your certification into Virginia without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Virginia guide.
For full details on training, testing, certification renewal, and maintaining an active listing, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Virginia guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Harrisonburg.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Harrisonburg
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Harrisonburg?
Most CNA programs in Harrisonburg can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 6 weeks, at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
How much does CNA training cost in Harrisonburg?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Harrisonburg directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Harrisonburg?
Yes. 2 programs in Harrisonburg are free or employer-paid: Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Harrisonburg?
No program in Harrisonburg is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Virginia cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Harrisonburg?
No 4-week program is listed in Harrisonburg. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Virginia cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Harrisonburg there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Charlottesville, Fishersville, Bridgewater, Orange and Luray. You can also look at the Virginia state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Virginia CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Virginia, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Virginia CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Harrisonburg?
CNAs in Harrisonburg are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 4 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies in Harrisonburg. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.