CNA Classes & Programs in Portsmouth, Virginia
2 state-approved CNA programs in Portsmouth. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Virginia cities.
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CNA training in Portsmouth
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $35,760
- $17.19 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 8,100
- in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News region
- Healthcare facilities
- 7
- 3 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 97,384
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Aspiring CNAs in Portsmouth can choose from 2 approved training programs designed to help launch careers in patient care throughout this historic port city within the greater Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area. Each program is structured to meet state requirements while accommodating different student needs.
CNA classes in Portsmouth leverage connections with local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities where hands-on learning complements classroom study. Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level roles at places like Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center or Portside Health & Rehab Center after completing their education requirements successfully.
In the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News region, CNAs earn around $35,760 annually—offering prospective students important salary context when considering training options locally.
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Browse CNA Classes in Portsmouth
Students in Portsmouth can choose from 2 CNA classes focused on preparing candidates for Virginia certification and successful entry into healthcare roles. These programs combine classroom instruction with essential clinical experience, enabling graduates to qualify for state registry placement while gaining practical skills valued by employers throughout Portsmouth’s healthcare sector, where demand remains steady for certified assistants.
Program Types in Portsmouth
| Type | In Portsmouth | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Portsmouth | See other Virginia cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Portsmouth | See other Virginia cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Portsmouth | See other Virginia cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Portsmouth | See other Virginia cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Portsmouth
Lowest published cost first.
Portsmouth Public Schools - Manor High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1401 Elmhurst Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23701
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (757) 465-2907
Portsmouth Public Schools’ nursing assistant program is located on the Manor High School campus and serves students from all three PPS high schools. The program has been evaluated by the Virginia Board of Nursing and earned a fully accredited status.
Visit websiteTidewater Community College - Portsmouth Campus
Cost–Hours120Weeks8
- Address
- 120 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (757) 822-2308
TCC offers Basic Nurse Aide Preparation and a Career Studies Certificate in Nurse Aide with training available on the Virginia Beach and Portsmouth campuses, including local clinical placements. Cohorts are offered in 8- and 16-week formats.
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
All Virginia cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Portsmouth
| Median annual pay | $35,760 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.19 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 8,100 |
| Salary region | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Portsmouth are part of the broader Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News region, where approximately 8,100 certified nursing assistants work across varied care settings according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics. The combination of local hospitals, skilled nursing centers, and multiple home health agencies creates ongoing job opportunities for qualified assistants seeking to begin or advance their careers nearby.
CNA salary in Portsmouth aligns with metro-wide compensation levels: In the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $35,760 or $17.19 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is just below the statewide median pay rate of $36,820, providing a benchmark specific to southeastern Virginia's labor market conditions.
The city features several CMS-certified employers, including Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center—a voluntary non-profit hospital—and NMC Portsmouth serving military families; major long-term care centers such as Portside Health & Rehab Center (132 beds), Portsmouth Health and Rehab (120 beds), Autumn Care Of Portsmouth (108 beds); and specialized providers like Edmarc Hospice For Children and Family Care Senior Solutions, offering additional career paths within Portsmouth’s diverse healthcare system.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Portsmouth providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portside Health & Rehab Center4201 Greenwood Drive(757) 654-1444Map | 132 | 2.0 |
| Portsmouth Health And Rehab900 London Boulevard(757) 393-6864Map | 120 | 1.8 |
| Autumn Care Of Portsmouth3610 Winchester Dr(757) 397-0725Map | 108 | 1.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Portsmouth offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bon Secours Maryview Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 3636 High Street(757) 398-2200Map | 3/5 |
| Nmc PortsmouthAcute Care - Department of Defense · 620 John Paul Jones Cir(757) 953-5000Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Portsmouth 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 |
|---|---|
| Edmarc Hospice For Children516 London Street(757) 967-9251Map | – |
| Family Care Senior Solutions801 Court Street(757) 967-9930Map | – |
| Morrison Home Health Agency301 Goode Way - Suite 104(757) 393-1300Map | – |
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 Portsmouth? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Hampton, Smithfield, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, 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 Portsmouth, VA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Portsmouth
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Portsmouth?
Most CNA programs in Portsmouth can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 8 weeks, at Tidewater Community College - Portsmouth Campus.
How much does CNA training cost in Portsmouth?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Portsmouth directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Portsmouth?
No program in Portsmouth is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Virginia cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Portsmouth?
No program in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
No 4-week program is listed in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Hampton, Smithfield, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. 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 Portsmouth?
CNAs in Portsmouth are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Portsmouth. 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.