CNA Classes & Programs in Richmond, Virginia
Get Information from CNA Programs in Richmond and Nearby
Richmond is home to 12 CNA programs, giving aspiring nursing assistants a range of options for starting their healthcare careers. Located in the heart of Virginia's capital region, these programs offer students access to training that meets state requirements for certification and prepares them for local job opportunities in a variety of care settings.
Students can select from traditional classroom instruction, online CNA classes, and even one accelerated option for those who wish to complete training quickly. While there are no free CNA classes currently offered in Richmond, the available programs are designed to provide practical experience and support readiness for Virginia's nurse aide exam. Training is complemented by proximity to numerous hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
In the Richmond area, CNAs earn around $36,630 annually, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Graduates often find employment in local hospitals or long-term care facilities after completing state-approved CNA courses.
Quick Facts About Richmond
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Population227,171Residents
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CNA Programs12State-approved Programs
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Median Income$59,606Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$17.61Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$36,630Median Annual Salary
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Facilities39CMS Healthcare Facilities19 Nursing Homes • 6 Hospitals • 14 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Richmond and Nearby
Schools in Richmond and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Richmond
Richmond offers 12 CNA training programs that prepare students for Virginia state certification and entry into the healthcare workforce. Students can choose from online CNA classes and an accelerated program, supporting varied learning needs and schedules. These CNA programs equip participants with essential skills for certification success and help meet regional healthcare demand by qualifying graduates for roles where CNAs are needed locally.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Richmond, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Virginia.
Accelerated programs: available in Richmond and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Richmond offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Fresh Start Healthcare - Richmond
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HCPS-The Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage
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Richmond Technical Center
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Bryant & Stratton College
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Caring Hands Academy
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Professional Career Institute
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Dominion Health Education Center
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Family 1st of Virginia Healthcare and Safety Training Center
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Chesterfield Technical Center
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Community College Workforce Alliance Nursing Assistant Program
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Fresh Start Healthcare - Lucy Corr
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Virginia School for Nurse Aides and Health Education
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Richmond
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$36,630Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$17.61Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs6,580CNA Positions
Approximately 6,580 certified nursing assistants are employed in the Richmond region, working across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. This reflects steady demand for CNAs within both acute care and long-term care environments throughout the metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Richmond is notably transparent: In the Richmond region, CNAs earn around $36,630 per year (or $17.61 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure closely aligns with the statewide median salary of $36,820 for Virginia. Prospective nursing assistants can use these figures as a reliable benchmark for compensation expectations in this part of the state.
Major employers in Richmond include Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center—a government-operated facility with 200 beds—and The Virginia Home, a nonprofit corporation serving over 129 residents. Noteworthy hospital employers such as Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and Bon Secours St Marys Hospital offer additional job opportunities for CNAs. Home health agencies like Centerwell Home Health and VCU Health At Home Health by Bayada further broaden employment prospects throughout the area based on CMS-certified data as of July 2025.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Richmond? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Chester, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Richmond (19 facilities)
19 nursing homes in Richmond providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Richmond (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Richmond offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Richmond Va Medical Center
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Medical College Of Virginia Hospitals
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Richmond (14 facilities)
14 home health agencies in Richmond providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Centerwell Home Health
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Vcu Health At Home Health By Bayada
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Bon Secours Home Health, Llc
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James River Home Health Agency
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Westminster Canterbury Corporation
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Richmond, VA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Richmond, 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 120 total hours of training (80 classroom + 40 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 Richmond 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Richmond
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Richmond?
Most CNA programs in Richmond can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Richmond?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Richmond?
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 Richmond?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Richmond?
Yes, some schools in Richmond or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Richmond there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Chester, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights. 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 Richmond?
CNAs in Richmond are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.