Nursing Assistant Academy CNA Program

Students can choose between day and evening classes, with new sessions starting every month.

Day Classes run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM and follow a Monday through Friday schedule. The first two and a half weeks are focused on classroom and lab training, followed by clinical hours during the last week and a half.

Evening Classes are scheduled from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM, also Monday through Friday, with the same distribution of classroom and clinical hours as the daytime option. Each daily session includes a 30-minute break.

This schedule is consistent regardless of which format a student chooses. Clinicals begin during the third week and intensify during the fourth, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

---

The CNA program at NAA combines lectures, lab practice, and clinical rotations. Classroom time focuses on essential nurse aide skills like infection control, hygiene care, mobility support, and vital signs. Labs give students hands-on opportunities to practice techniques in a simulated healthcare setting before heading to clinicals.

Clinical training occurs during the final weeks and takes place in approved healthcare facilities. This allows students to work with actual patients under supervision, a vital component for building confidence and competency before entering the workforce.

Because class sizes are intentionally kept small, students have more time to ask questions, receive feedback, and practice skills. This kind of learning environment is especially helpful for students who may not thrive in large lecture settings.

---

NAA is located at 1418 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, right in the heart of Southeast DC and just a short walk from the Potomac Avenue Metro Station. For students who rely on public transit or want to avoid long commutes, this location is a major plus.

Southeast DC doesn’t have many CNA training options, which makes NAA an important and convenient resource for residents of the area who want to begin healthcare careers without traveling far from home.

---

Nursing Assistant Academy is licensed by the DC Higher Education Licensure Commission and approved by the District of Columbia Department of Health’s Licensing Regulation Administration. This approval is necessary for students to sit for the DC CNA certification exam and ensures that the school meets the required instructional and operational standards.

Being recognized by these governing bodies provides peace of mind for students who want to be sure they’re enrolling in a legitimate and reputable program.

---

The admissions process at NAA is structured but not overly complicated. Here are the current requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Complete the Wonderlic GAIN (General Assessment of Instructional Needs) entrance exam
• Attend an in-person interview with an admissions coordinator
• Sign an enrollment agreement
• Pay a $65 non-refundable registration fee (refundable only within 72 hours)
• Submit two valid forms of ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card)
• Provide medical clearance with a PPD test dated within 6 months of starting class (can be submitted by the first day of class)

These requirements are fairly standard for CNA programs and are designed to ensure applicants are serious, prepared, and ready to complete the training.

---

The program is built to be completed in under four weeks, depending on the student’s selected schedule and class availability. This makes it one of the fastest CNA programs available in the DC area, especially considering that many schools run 6–8 week schedules.

Despite the accelerated timeline, the program meets the required 123 hours of training—so students aren’t skipping any content, just completing it more efficiently.

New classes begin every month, which provides flexibility and regular opportunities to start the program without a long wait.

---

While the school doesn’t promote job placement assistance, the structured curriculum and focus on real-world clinical training help prepare students for immediate employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies.

The smaller class sizes and hands-on instruction are a clear strength. Students who benefit from close guidance, a structured routine, and direct feedback from instructors will likely find the learning environment supportive and effective.

One thing to keep in mind: while the fast-paced format is a plus for many, it may not be the right fit for someone who needs more time to absorb information or who struggles in intensive learning environments.

---