Washington, D.C., offers iconic sights and historical stories as the capital of the US. You might be thinking, how great could it be to become a CNA in this state? Let's dive in with our guide and see what it takes to become a CNA in Washington D.C.

What are the requirements to be a CNA in Washington D.C.? 

• Meet the requirements: the standard age for CNA students in D.C. is 18 years old or above. Prepare to submit an updated physical exam and a list of your vaccinations. Prior to starting your CNA classes, it is needed to undergo pre-admission examinations. Additionally, an English literacy assessment may be a requirement.

• Pass a criminal background check (CBC): All CNAs must do a CBC before getting their certification. This is a strict implementation of the district and you can sign up for an application and a fingerprinting appointment through the official DC Health website

• ‍Finish a state-approved training: All CNAs in D.C. must complete a CNA program or a bridge to nurse aide program within the last 24 months. The programs are either approved by the D.C. Board or by a nursing board in the United States. It should meet the standards deemed comparable to those in Washington, D.C.

• ‍Ace the state exams!: In D.C., CNAs have a four-month grace period during which they can work while unlicensed. After the four-month grace period, you must get certified to continue employment.

CNA classes in Washington D.C.

CNA classes in D.C. must consist of 125 hours: 65 hours of classroom lectures, 20 hours of lab, and 40 hours of clinical.

Tuition costs can vary depending on the school. CNA schools in Washington, D.C., charge between $300 and $2,000 for their programs. Some classes may have higher costs, including books and other materials. There are free classes to watch out for; keep tabs on employers offering these courses!

D.C. offers different program types for CNAs. You have many options, and the hybrid approach seems the best! Lectures are online, and hands-on clinical training takes place in person. These classes cover the 22 skills necessary to pass the state exams.

Where can I find CNA classes in Washington D.C.?

Make sure you find a legitimate school to invest in. Dreambound offers a database of state-approved schools countrywide. Know all the details you need about your school at a glance! Class schedules and the contact person are available for your convenience. Whether you prefer a hybrid, in-person, or online program, we have the right fit for you.

We focus on trusted training providers and serve students with convenience. Kick-start your journey to becoming a CNA and start searching for the perfect school!

The CNA State Exam in Washington D.C.

The CNA exam in D.C. consists of a written exam and a skills evaluation. In the written exam, you'll encounter 70 questions with a two-hour timeframe to complete them. If you are having difficulty reading English, an oral exam is available as an option.

For the skills evaluation, you need to conduct five nursing assistant skills. Think as if you're taking care of a patient! The selection of skills is random, and you'll have 30 minutes to complete them. One of the skills will have you use a measurement device.

Below are the most updated fees for the state exams as of February 2023:

Exam and Fees

1. Written Examination: $55

2. Oral Examination (English): $55

3. Oral Examination ONLY (SPANISH): $55

4. Skills Evaluation ONLY: $110

How do I register for a CNA exam in Washington D.C.?

Registering for your state exams is easy! Thanks to the convenient process by Credentia.

The first step is to create an account with their system called CNA365. Fill out all the details needed for the three sections of the testing application. They will ask about your training program completion and the need for accommodation.

All approved applications can then schedule an exam. You may choose to take the written, oral, or skill exams at this point. There is an option for an online exam or In-Facility Testing (INF). Payments are through credit or debit cards and are non-refundable!

Rescheduling or canceling an exam is possible too. Contact Credentia at least two days before your exam if you want to cancel. For rescheduling, contact them at least ten days before your exam. Do this to avoid paying any penalty fees!

CNAs in D.C. have three chances to pass their state exams after graduating. Retraining is a must if a student uses up all these chances.

How do I get my CNA certification in Washington D.C.?

It's time to celebrate! CNA exam scores are available through your Credentia account. Score reports become available within a few hours after the testing session for the day. If you cannot view your score report after 24 hours, you can contact support for help.

You can print out your score reports, and there is an option to download them as well. Scores are only accessible through the above means, never over the phone.

You're also about to get your Registry Certificate, and here's the process behind it. The D.C. registry department will verify your background check after you pass your exams. After everything checks out, your name will be an addition to the D.C. Nurse Aide Registry.

A Registry Certificate (also known as a Notice of Enrollment) proves your validity as a CNA. It is crucial to present this certificate to your employer. Do not make changes to the certificate, as any changes could impact your status as a CNA. Keep your certificate intact to ensure official recognition as a qualified CNA.

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Washington D.C.

If you're aiming to pursue a career as a CNA but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a CNA in places like California, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Wyoming. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a CNA no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare CNA classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.

How do I get a job as a CNA?

To get a job as a CNA, you can start by looking for job openings at different healthcare facilities in D.C.. You can find these job listings on online job sites or even government websites. You can also contact local healthcare providers to ask if they have any open positions. Another option is to become a Travel CNA!

What career advancements do I have as a CNA?

As a CNA, you have tons of options to advance your career. You can specialize in fields related to healthcare. Being a Licensed or Registered Nurse is a promising career. Gaining hospital experience by being a CNA 2 or 3 will also make your skills more in demand. Others are striving to gain more licenses in phlebotomy, medical assisting, and more to open further opportunities.

Be thorough in researching which extra training you should have. Being a CNA opens your path to success; take it easy and celebrate every win!

How do I renew my CNA license in Washington D.C.? Can I transfer my CNA license to Washington D.C.? 

CNAs with expired certifications for more than 24 months must retrain and retest. CNAs need to provide proof of nursing services to avoid an expired license. It should show performed services for compensation within 24 months before license expiration. The nursing services should be at least 8 hours, and 24 hours of continuing education is also a must.

No wonder CNAs are getting attracted to these figures. Relocating to this state to build your healthcare career sounds like a good plan. CNA endorsement is possible in Washington, D.C. If you're planning to transfer your CNA license to D.C., here's what you need to do:

• Present your CNA certification from another state or jurisdiction

• Meet the general requirements such as age, CBC, and others

• Submit a complete application and other documents to the Board Of Nursing and Credentia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Washington D.C.?

The fastest route to becoming a CNA in D.C. usually involves completing four weeks of classes. On average, the training duration is around a month or two. If you choose weekend classes, it may take longer, usually in a span of 12 weeks.

How much do CNAs make in Washington, D.C.? What state pays the most for CNAs?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023, CNAs in D.C. make a mean hourly rate of $23.01 per hour while the mean annual wage is $47,860. Washington, D.C. also ranks as the top-paying state for CNAs followed by Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington state. In other trusted online job boards, D.C. is ranking 4th or 5th spot among top-paying ten states.

What does a nursing assistant do?

A Certified Nursing Assistant has a hands-on role that's slightly different from a registered nurse. Their tasks can differ based on where they work, but generally, they help with personal care, like bathing and dressing, assisting with feeding, changing patients' positions in bed to avoid bedsores or pressure sores, checking and recording vital signs, do basic wound care, give medication as directed by the nurse, and more!

Conclusion

Now that you have the proper knowledge to be a CNA in Washington, D.C., it's time to act! With above-average income and a robust job market, the opportunities are abundant. Keep in mind to always adhere to the state's regulations to stay as an active CNA. Enjoy your journey as you learn, and make your experiences your inspiration.

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• Become a CNA in High School
• STNA in Ohio

Contemplating a change in your career path? Dreambound has written many comprehensive guides to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

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