Key Points
- CNAs in Hampton Roads earn a median $37,400 annually, or $17.98/hour.
- Portsmouth’s growing 65+ population fuels rising demand for nurse aides.
- Nationwide, CNA positions grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, creating thousands of openings.
Your Guide to CNA Training in Portsmouth, Virginia
Compare CNA classes in Portsmouth, VA by cost, schedule, and student outcomes.
Portsmouth is part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area, where nursing assistants earn a median annual salary of $37,400 and long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies compete for trained CNAs. The supply of certified nurse aides has struggled to keep pace with demand driven by an aging population and steady turnover in entry-level healthcare roles. Most training programs in the region run four to twelve weeks and cost between $600 and $2,000; graduates still face a state-mandated competency exam and registry application before they can work.
For prospective students, the main tension is timing and money: shorter programs may skip job-placement support, while longer ones add weeks to your start but don’t always improve exam pass rates. Financial aid, evening schedules, and clinical site quality vary widely among approved programs. Jump straight to the program list →
Portsmouth’s Healthcare Landscape: Demand for CNAs
Portsmouth’s healthcare sector is a major employer in the Hampton Roads region, and nursing assistants are a vital part of that workforce. While precise local hiring numbers fluctuate, the long-term trends in this coastal Virginia community point to sustained need for entry-level caregivers across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
A Region Anchored by Healthcare
The Hampton Roads area is home to multiple large health systems, including Sentara Healthcare, Bon Secours, and Riverside Health System. These organizations operate acute-care hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers throughout Portsmouth and neighboring cities. Each of these employers regularly lists CNA positions, reflecting the essential role nurse aides play in daily patient care. Beyond the hospital setting, Portsmouth has a dense network of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities that rely heavily on certified nursing assistants to maintain quality care and meet staffing ratios.
Where CNAs Work in Portsmouth
- Hospitals: Acute-care settings like medical-surgical units, emergency departments, and rehabilitation floors employ CNAs to assist nurses with vital signs, mobility, and personal care.
- Long-term care: Nursing homes and memory care centers are the largest employers of CNAs, where residents need ongoing assistance with activities of daily living.
- Home health and hospice: Agencies serving Portsmouth and the broader Hampton Roads area hire CNAs to provide in-home support for clients who wish to age in place.
- Assisted living and retirement communities: These facilities use CNAs to help residents with medication reminders, light housekeeping, and social engagement.
Signs of Steady CNA Demand
Although specific vacancy figures are not published centrally, several indicators suggest demand for CNAs in Portsmouth remains firm. The Virginia Health Care Association and local long-term care providers frequently highlight workforce challenges, and news about recruitment events, sign-on bonuses, or accelerated training partnerships often appears on facility websites. For anyone considering CNA training, calling a few human resources offices or checking online job boards will quickly reveal a steady stream of postings.
How to Gauge the Local Job Market
Prospective students can build a realistic picture of demand by taking a few steps. Visit the career pages of Sentara, Bon Secours, and Riverside Health System to see current openings. Check the websites of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities; many post about hiring needs directly. You can also contact the CNA program coordinator at Tidewater Community College or another training provider; they often track placement rates and can speak to employer demand in the region. Finally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides metro-area employment data for nursing assistants, which can help you compare Portsmouth’s trend lines to state and national figures.
Portsmouth's 65 and older population is projected to keep growing through the end of the decade, and that trend is a major force behind rising demand for certified nursing assistants. Long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the city will need more CNAs to serve this expanding senior population, making now an excellent time to begin training.
Online and Hybrid CNA Classes: Flexible Learning for Virginia Students
Can you complete CNA classes in Virginia entirely online? It's a common question, and the honest answer is: not entirely. Virginia's Board of Nursing requires that all nurse aide programs include supervised hands-on clinical hours, so a fully remote path does not exist. That said, hybrid models have grown considerably, and Portsmouth-area students have real options that fit around jobs, families, and other commitments.
What Hybrid CNA Training Actually Looks Like
In a hybrid online CNA class, the lecture and theory portion moves online or becomes self-paced, while the clinical skills component stays in person at a lab or a care facility. This split works well for adult learners who can absorb classroom material on their own schedule but still need structured time for hands-on practice. Evening and weekend class formats are common in this region to serve students who cannot leave work during the day.
Programs Serving Portsmouth Residents
A few programs stand out for students based in Portsmouth:
- Tidewater Community College: Offers its Basic Nurse Aide Preparation program1 at campuses in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth. Delivery is campus-based, but the college's Portsmouth location puts training close to home for many residents.
- Virginia Health Services CNA Apprenticeship: This eight-week, part-time program uses an evening class format with a hybrid structure that blends classroom instruction with on-the-job training at a care facility.2 It is a strong option for anyone who wants to earn while they learn.
- Cradock Technical and Career Center: Located at 4300 George Washington Highway in Portsmouth, this center offers a local, accessible training environment for residents who prefer to stay close to home.3
- Family Care In Home Medical Services: Situated at 801 Court Street in Portsmouth, this provider serves students looking for community-based training options.3
Employer-Sponsored and Flexible Schedules
Some long-term care facilities and home health agencies in the Hampton Roads area sponsor CNA training directly, meaning they hire candidates and cover the cost of certification as part of onboarding. These employer-sponsored programs often offer flexible scheduling by design, since the goal is to move trainees into active shifts as quickly as possible. If you are open to committing to a facility after certification, asking local nursing homes and assisted living communities about their training pipelines is worth your time.
The bottom line: full flexibility is not possible given Virginia's clinical requirements, but between evening cohorts, hybrid formats, and employer-paid programs, Portsmouth students have more scheduling choices than they might expect.
Did you know the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% growth for nursing assistants and orderlies nationwide from 2024 to 2034? While that may sound modest, it translates to thousands of job openings each year as the healthcare workforce expands to meet rising demand from an aging population.
More CNA Training Programs to Consider
Beyond the top-ranked programs, many other Virginia schools offer quality CNA training. Here are additional options from around the state, including several within commuting distance of Portsmouth.
Hampton Roads
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College offers a one-semester Career Studies Certificate in Nurse Aide that teaches patient care fundamentals, including feeding, charting, and infection control. The program prepares students for certification and immediate employment in healthcare.
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College's Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program includes a 40-hour clinical internship and prepares students for Virginia's Nursing Assistant Examination. The program offers a low instructor-student ratio and Fast Forward scholarship eligibility.
Richmond Metro
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College offers a Certified Nurse Aide program that focuses on long-term care and prepares students for nursing careers. Students learn to take vital signs, assist with personal care, and monitor patient safety.
Chester Career College
Chester Career College's Nurse Aide Diploma Program provides comprehensive training for CNAs, covering patient care, nursing ethics, and vital signs. The program includes 140 clock hours and prepares students for the NNAAP certification exam.
Northern Virginia
Columbia College
Columbia College offers a 120-hour Certified Nurse Aide program that combines classroom instruction with a 40-hour clinical externship. The state-approved curriculum covers patient care skills, medical terminology, and infection control.
Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College's Nurse Aide (CNA) program provides quick certification in patient care skills, preparing graduates to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities. The program offers hands-on training for immediate employment in healthcare.
Central Virginia
Southside Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College offers a Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificate that prepares students for entry-level healthcare roles. The program focuses on patient care, safety, and infection control through hands-on training.
Central Virginia Community College
Central Virginia Community College's Certified Nurse Aid program prepares students for healthcare roles in hospitals, long-term care, and home settings. The program provides training to obtain licensure through the NNAAP exam.
Southwest Virginia
Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Empire Community College offers a campus-based Nursing Assistant program that includes theory, hands-on lab, and clinical experience. Students learn infection control, charting, and patient care, and become eligible for the Virginia CNA certification exam.
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College's Nurse Aide program offers an 11-week intensive training with evening and weekend classes. The program covers patient care, vital signs, and infection control, and prepares students for the Virginia CNA exam.
Mountain Gateway Community College
Mountain Gateway Community College's Nurse Aide program requires 120 hours of training blending online and in-person formats. It covers physical, social, emotional, and spiritual patient care, and includes clinical experience. FastForward financial assistance may be available.
Patrick & Henry Community College
Patrick & Henry Community College's Nurse Aide program includes clinical experience in community healthcare agencies and prepares students for the Virginia State Board of Nursing Certification Test. The program focuses on patient care across all ages with an emphasis on special needs.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Portsmouth (Hampton Roads Metro)
In the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area, nursing assistants earn a median annual salary of $37,400, or about $17.98 per hour. Entry-level wages start around $33,920, while experienced CNAs can earn up to $44,640. Major employers in Portsmouth, such as Bon Secours Health System and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, often pay competitive rates, with some facilities advertising hourly wages between $15 and $21.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Median Wage | $37,400 |
| Annual 25th Percentile | $33,920 |
| Annual 75th Percentile | $44,640 |
| Hourly Median Wage (Approx.) | $17.98 |
| Total Employment | 8,850 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you enjoy working directly with patients in a hands-on role?
CNA work means helping with daily living activities like bathing, feeding, and mobility. If you find satisfaction in providing personal care and comfort, this career path can be deeply fulfilling.
Are you prepared for a physically demanding but emotionally rewarding career?
Shifts often involve lifting, standing for long periods, and managing the emotional ups and downs of patient care. In Portsmouth, many CNAs work in long-term care where building relationships with residents can be especially meaningful.
Can you commit to a short-term training program with a clear job path and room to grow?
CNA programs in Portsmouth can be completed in weeks, not years, and local healthcare facilities are actively hiring. After certification, you can pursue further credentials like LPN or RN to advance your career.
Virginia CNA Certification Requirements: Your Step-By-Step Checklist
Follow these steps to earn your CNA certification in Virginia.
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training programEnroll in a program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The state regulatory minimum is 120 hours, though most programs provide at least 140 hours, including 40 hours of clinical experience. Find approved programs on the Board’s official website.
- Meet age and education prerequisitesThe minimum age is 16. A high school diploma or GED is not required by the state, but individual training programs may set their own admission requirements, always verify with your chosen program.
- Pass a criminal background checkA criminal background check is mandatory. It is typically required for program admission or before you can take the competency exam. Check with your program or testing site for specific instructions.
- Pass the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency ExamThe exam is administered by Credentia and consists of a written (or oral) portion and a skills demonstration. You must complete both parts within 24 months of finishing your training.
- Register with the Virginia Nurse Aide RegistryOnce you pass the exam, your name is automatically added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. This official listing allows you to work as a CNA in Virginia.
- Renew certification every 2 years with required work hoursTo keep your CNA certification active, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a nurse aide during the two-year renewal period. Currently, no continuing education hours are mandated, but check for updates.
Top-Ranked CNA Programs for Portsmouth Students
Below are the top CNA programs serving Portsmouth students, ranked by factors including board approval, cost, and career outcomes. These schools are evaluated on their ability to prepare graduates for certification and employment in the Hampton Roads healthcare market.
Factors considered
- Program quality and approval status
- Total program cost and aid availability
- Graduate earnings and debt data
- Regional employer alignment
- Flexibility of learning format
Data sources
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Riverside College of Health Careers
#1Newport News, VA · $20,000 – $25,000/yr
Best for: Hampton Roads residents wanting low tuition
Riverside College of Health Careers offers a six-week, campus-based Nurse Aide program with a flat $700 tuition and no additional fees. An innovative Earn-and-Learn option allows students to work as Hospitality Assistants while completing the program tuition-free. Graduates are prepared for the Virginia CNA exam and have direct hiring pipelines into the Riverside Health System, which operates hospitals and long-term care facilities across the Virginia Peninsula.
- Six-week program with day division schedule.
- Total tuition of $700 with no post-enrollment fees.
- Earn-and-Learn option provides tuition-free pathway.
- 72 academic instruction hours plus 42 clinical lab hours.
- 50 hours of hands-on clinical experience at modern medical centers.
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved for CNA exam eligibility.
- High school diploma or GED with 2.0 GPA required.
- Career planning services included for graduates.
Paul D Camp Community College
#2Franklin, VA · $5,000 – $11,000/yr
Best for: Rural Southeast Virginia learners
Paul D. Camp Community College’s Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificate can be completed in one academic year for full-time, college-ready students. The program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and focuses on immediate workforce entry, with curriculum aligned to the needs of hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies in the Western Tidewater and Hampton Roads regions. Graduates are prepared for the NNAAP exam and entry-level roles earning around $31,900 in the area.
- Career Studies Certificate completed in one academic year.
- Prepares students for the NNAAP certification exam.
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved program.
- Therapeutic communication and HIPAA compliance training.
- Culturally sensitive care planning and ethical legal concepts.
- Entry-level wage approximately $31,900 in Hampton Roads.
- Campus-based program in Franklin, VA.
- Part of the Healthcare career pathway with stackable options.
Centra College
#3Lynchburg, VA · $13,000/yr
Best for: Future CNAs seeking hospital employment
Centra College’s Nursing Assistant program is an 8-week hybrid course that combines classroom learning with clinical experiences inside the Centra Health system. This direct integration provides students with access to acute and long-term care facilities, and the program meets Virginia Board of Nursing requirements, qualifying graduates for the NNAAP exam. Financial aid and application support are available.
- 8-week hybrid program with online and campus components.
- Clinical experiences at Centra Health hospitals and facilities.
- Qualifies graduates to take the NNAAP examination.
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved program.
- High school transcript or GED required for admission.
- Financial aid resources and application support provided.
- Enrollment coordinator available for guidance.
- Covers patient care skills and scope of practice.
Brightpoint Community College
#4Chester, VA · $5,000 – $12,000/yr
Brightpoint Community College offers a Nurse Aide/Medication Aide Career Studies Certificate with hybrid and campus options. The program includes an internship field experience and covers anatomy, safety, and infection control. G3 tuition assistance can make this program affordable for Virginia residents, and graduates can pursue roles as nurse aides or medication aides.
- Hybrid program format combines online and on-campus learning.
- Includes medication aide training along with nurse aide skills.
- Internship provides real-world field experience.
- G3 tuition assistance eligible for Virginia residents.
- Covers anatomy, physiology, safety, and infection control.
- Prepares for nurse aide and medication aide employment.
- Medical documentation and communication skills emphasized.
- Career-focused curriculum with stackable credentials.
Germanna Community College
#5Locust Grove, VA · $5,000 – $12,000/yr
Germanna Community College’s Certified Nurse Aide program is a 7-week campus-based training that includes clinical experience at local facilities. Students learn patient care, medication administration, and health monitoring. Admission requires a background check, drug test, and up-to-date vaccines, but no separate nursing application is needed. Graduates are eligible for Virginia CNA certification.
- 7-week program with classroom and clinical components.
- Prepares students for Virginia CNA certification exam.
- Clinical experience at local healthcare facilities.
- Background check, drug test, and vaccines required.
- Students must be at least 17 years of age.
- No separate nursing application required for admission.
- Hands-on skills training including medication administration.
- CPR certification and professional liability insurance required.
Virginia Western Community College
#6Roanoke, VA · $5,000 – $12,000/yr
Virginia Western Community College’s Certified Nurse Aide program is a fast 28-day training combining four weeks of classroom education and a 40-hour clinical externship. The estimated cost is $3,495, but FastForward and G3 assistance can reduce expenses significantly for Virginia residents. The program includes textbook, workbook, and exam voucher, and prepares students for the NNAAP exam.
- 28-day program with 4 weeks classroom and 40-hour clinical.
- Estimated cost $3,495 with FastForward and G3 aid available.
- Includes textbook, workbook, and NNAAP exam voucher.
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved program.
- 100% attendance mandatory for all sessions.
- TB screening and black scrubs required for clinical.
- Teaches basic patient care and vital signs measurement.
- Campus-based program in Roanoke with frequent cohorts.
Laurel Ridge Community College
#7Middletown, VA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Laurel Ridge Community College offers a one-year Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificate at multiple campuses. The program is G3 Scholarship eligible and tuition is about one-third the cost of four-year institutions. Credits can stack into nursing program prerequisites, making it a smart launching point for a healthcare career. Financial aid, grants, and payment plans are available.
- One-year Career Studies Certificate program.
- Eligible to sit for the Virginia CNA certification exam.
- G3 Scholarship eligible for qualified Virginia residents.
- Tuition approximately one-third of four-year colleges.
- Offered at Middletown, Fauquier, and Luray-Page campuses.
- Stackable credentials that apply to nursing prerequisites.
- Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and payment plans available.
- Campus-based with entry-level patient care skills training.
New River Community College
#8Dublin, VA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
New River Community College provides both a Career Studies Certificate and a workforce non-credit option for Nurse Aide training. The program is Virginia Board of Nursing approved and prepares students for the NNAAP exam. Workforce development coaches assist with enrollment and career planning, and multiple sessions are offered throughout the year.
- Career Studies Certificate or non-credit workforce option.
- Prepares students for the NNAAP certification exam.
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved program.
- Workforce development coaches provide personalized guidance.
- Multiple session options including spring and summer.
- Campus-based program in Dublin, VA.
- Practical training component with exam preparation.
- Contact workforce coaches for enrollment and details.
Rappahannock Community College
#9Glenns, VA · $0 – $5,000/yr
Rappahannock Community College offers two paths: a short-term Nurse Aide Certification Training for state exam eligibility, and a 10-week hybrid Patient Care Technician Certification that adds phlebotomy and EKG skills. Both programs target high-demand healthcare roles in Virginia, with grant funding available to keep costs low.
- Short-term training for Virginia CNA licensure exam.
- Skills applicable to hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care.
- Practical hands-on learning with patient care techniques.
- Entry-level pathway into nursing and healthcare careers.
- 10-week hybrid program with online lectures and in-person labs.
- Earns two certifications: nurse aide and patient care tech.
- Covers phlebotomy, EKGs, and medical assisting skills.
- Grant-funded and affordable for Virginia residents.
- Multiple start dates: February, April, and September.
- Prepares for high-demand healthcare roles in the region.
Danville Community College
#10Danville, VA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Danville Community College provides a fast 5-week Certified Nurse Aide program and a more comprehensive Nurse Aide Extended Care Certificate. Both options include CPR and First Aid certification and are eligible for G3 financial assistance. The 5-week program runs Monday through Thursday, ideal for quick entry into the workforce.
- 5-week accelerated program, Monday-Thursday 9am-2pm.
- Total cost $3,495 with financial aid options available.
- Includes CPR and First Aid certification.
- Classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience provided.
- Prepares for Virginia CNA certification exam.
- 16-credit Career Studies Certificate with medication aide training.
- Includes CPR, First Aid, and medical terminology coursework.
- Covers basic healthcare principles and nutrition.
- Background check and clinical hours required.
- Eligible for G3 financial assistance for Virginia residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Portsmouth
If you're considering CNA training in Portsmouth, Virginia, you likely have questions about cost, duration, and certification. Here are answers to the most common inquiries to help you get started on your healthcare career path.
CNA training in Portsmouth typically takes 4 to 12 weeks for full-time students. Virginia requires 120 total hours, including 80 classroom and 40 clinical hours. For example, Tidewater Community College's nurse aide preparation program in Portsmouth can be completed in 8 to 16 weeks1, depending on the schedule you choose.
CNA programs in Portsmouth generally cost between $800 and $2,000. The total varies by school and includes tuition, books, and exam fees. For instance, Tidewater Community College's program is priced at $1,267.701. Some employers offer paid training or tuition reimbursement2, so check with local healthcare facilities for opportunities to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes, many CNA training providers in the Portsmouth area offer flexible schedules, including weekend and evening CNA classes near me, to accommodate working adults. Additionally, online or hybrid programs allow you to complete classroom hours remotely, though in-person clinical hours are still required. Check with individual schools for current scheduling options.
Yes, Virginia requires a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a state-approved nurse aide training program. You must also be at least 18 years old. Some programs may require a placement test or basic skills assessment, so contact individual schools for their specific admission requirements before applying.
After completing a 120-hour state-approved training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The exam includes a written and skills portion. Once you pass, your name is placed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. You have 24 months3 to pass both exam sections after completing your training.
The demand for CNAs in Hampton Roads is strong due to the region's expanding healthcare sector and aging population. National trends show much faster than average growth for nursing assistants, and local hospitals and long-term care facilities actively hire, providing job stability and career advancement opportunities.