Trinity Washington University is the only institution in D.C. that lets students earn college credit while training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, making it ideal for students who want to enter the healthcare field quickly and also keep doors open for future degrees. With evening and weekend classes, the schedule is flexible enough for working adults. After earning the 6 credits, students can apply them directly toward an Associate of Arts in Health Services, and eventually move toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The program is designed with D.C.’s healthcare workforce needs in mind, and students benefit from local clinical placements and employer-aligned curriculum. For D.C. residents especially, this could be a low-cost or even tuition-free path into a growing career field, with guaranteed admission into advanced nursing programs later on.
Program Overview
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Trinity Washington University is unlike most CNA training options in the District. Rather than being a short-term noncredit course, Trinity’s CNA curriculum is fully credit-bearing. Students earn 6 college credits over the course of two classes—one focused on classroom learning and the other on clinical and lab experience.
These credits aren’t just a bonus—they create a direct pipeline into Trinity’s Associate’s Degree in Health Services and even set the stage for guaranteed acceptance into Trinity’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, assuming all prerequisites are met.
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Course Structure and Curriculum
The program includes two required courses:
- NURS 101: Certified Nursing Aide Lecture (3 credits)
Covers patient care techniques, legal/ethical issues, human development, body systems, and CNA professional standards. - NURS 102: Certified Nursing Aide Lab/Clinical (3 credits)
Focuses on hands-on patient care skills in real-world clinical settings, like rehab and long-term care facilities.
Both courses meet District of Columbia Board of Nursing requirements, and students who complete them can sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification exam.
Format and Schedule
While Trinity doesn’t provide specific start and end dates or hour breakdowns publicly, we do know that classes are held in the evenings and weekends, which is a major benefit for working adults or those with daytime responsibilities. The entire program is designed to be completed within one semester, either in sequence or concurrently.
This flexibility, combined with its stackable credential structure, makes Trinity’s CNA program a solid choice for students who need an education model that fits around life and work.
Cost and Financial Aid
One of the standout features of the Trinity CNA program is affordability. While the exact tuition cost isn’t listed publicly for this specific certificate, Trinity promotes itself as having the lowest tuition among private colleges in the area, and many D.C. residents pay little or nothing out of pocket—thanks to a mix of financial aid, scholarships, and workforce development funding.
Students interested in applying should definitely inquire with the admissions team about what funding options are available, especially if they live in D.C. or qualify for workforce aid.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the program, students must:
- Score at least 225 on the CASAS Reading GOALS exam
- Pass a background check and drug screen
- Demonstrate at least a 5th grade reading level
- Apply to Trinity Washington University (free application)
Once enrolled, students must maintain a C or better in all courses. Trinity also emphasizes academic advising, so students not meeting academic progress will be offered support to get back on track.
Clinical Placement and Experience
Clinical rotations take place in local rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, giving students direct, real-world patient care experience. This is especially important for building confidence and readiness for work immediately after certification.
The program is well-connected to D.C.’s healthcare landscape, meaning students will have access to a wide variety of patient populations and care environments. These clinicals are an excellent stepping stone toward employment and are backed by employer-informed curriculum, so students graduate ready for what local healthcare providers actually need.
Stackable Credentials and Career Mobility
One of the most attractive features of this program is how well it transitions into higher education. Unlike many standalone CNA programs that end with certification, Trinity’s CNA certificate:
- Counts toward the AA in Health Services at Trinity
- Serves as a launchpad into the BSN program
- Can be combined with other health programs at Trinity for broader opportunities
If you’re looking to start small but think you might want to become an LPN, RN, or even healthcare administrator later, this program is a strong first move.
Learning Environment
Trinity emphasizes its supportive learning environment. The program features small class sizes, a cohort model, and one-on-one attention from faculty—making it an especially good fit for first-time college students or those returning to education after a break.
You’ll also benefit from working alongside classmates who share your career goals, building a sense of community that continues into the workforce.
Accreditation
Trinity Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The CNA program is also approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DCBON). This means your training is recognized both academically and professionally.
Who Should Consider Trinity Washington University
This CNA program is a smart option for D.C. residents who want a college credit-bearing path into healthcare, particularly those considering long-term goals like a nursing degree. It’s also ideal for working adults, thanks to its evening and weekend format, and for those needing financial assistance, as Trinity helps many students pay little to no tuition.
If you’re not just looking for a quick certification but want a strong academic foundation and clear career pathway, this program stands out. The guaranteed pathway into Trinity’s BSN program is a big perk, but it’s important to stay on top of grades and requirements. You’ll get strong faculty support, hands-on training, and the benefit of learning in D.C.—a healthcare hub with excellent employment prospects.
Students who thrive in smaller classes and appreciate structured academic guidance will likely find this to be a great fit. If your main goal is fast entry into a CNA job without pursuing additional degrees, you might find shorter, non-credit programs more efficient. But for anyone wanting both a job-ready credential and a stepping stone into future healthcare roles, Trinity’s CNA certificate is hard to beat.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Lowest private school tuition in DC; many DC residents pay little or nothing out-of-pocket via financial aid. |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | One semester (typically 15 weeks); credits awarded but exact clock hours aligned with DCBON requirements. |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes, classes are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. |
| Online Classes?: | No—fully in-person at main campus (with college credit structure). |
| Job Placement?: | Preparation aligned to local workforce needs; networking through clinical sites and college career support. |
| Requirements: | – CASAS Reading GOALS 225+- Background check & drug screen- 5th grade reading level or higher- Trinity application completed |
| Address: | 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017 |
| Phone: | (202) 884-9000 |
| Email: | admissions@trinitydc.edu |
| Website: | https://www2.trinitydc.edu/academic_program/certified-nursing-assistant-certificate/ |
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