Accessibility Excellence Academy (AEA) in Washington, DC, runs a fast-paced CNA program that can be completed in just 4 weeks and is designed to train students for direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. The program includes 125 clock hours with a mix of theory, lab work, and clinical experience. AEA emphasizes quick employment and guarantees job placement for graduates through partnerships with local healthcare providers. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available to fit diverse student needs.
With a 90% skills pass rate and 80% pass rate on the knowledge exam, AEA has proven success in preparing students for certification. The school provides modern classrooms, great lab facilities, and a convenient DC location with ample parking. Their focus is not only on academics but also on developing professionalism and job-readiness through customer service training and orientation.
Program Format & Schedule
The CNA program at AEA consists of 125 total hours, divided into:
- 65 hours of classroom instruction
- 20 hours of lab skills practice
- 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience
- 5 hours of customer service and job-readiness training
The entire program is completed in 4 weeks, regardless of whether you choose weekday, evening, or weekend classes. Class schedules are flexible and include:
- Day Classes: Monday through Friday
- Evening Classes: Monday through Friday
- Weekend Classes: Saturday and Sunday
Students will receive a copy of the board-approved curriculum at registration and a personalized schedule outlining when and where they will complete each component of the program.
[esyoh_listings]
Instruction & Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on real-world skills needed to provide direct care to clients across different settings, especially older adults. Key learning outcomes include:
- Proper communication with patients and healthcare teams
- Measuring and reporting vital signs
- Infection control protocols
- Resident rights and legal protections
- Documenting and reporting accurately
- Transferring, positioning, and ambulating patients safely
- Maintaining a clean, hazard-free environment
Additionally, the program prepares students to think holistically—considering physical, emotional, social, and cultural factors when caring for patients.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in AEA’s CNA program, applicants must meet several requirements to ensure eligibility for classroom and clinical placement. These include:
- Be 18 years or older
- Take the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) Test
- Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g., Social Security number, driver’s license or ID)
- Submit a criminal background check
- Provide high school diploma/GED or college transcripts
- CPR certification
- Complete a recent physical exam (within 90 days), including:
- TB test or chest X-ray
- COVID vaccination
- General immunizations or approved exemptions
- Signed HIPAA confidentiality agreement
- Optional computer proficiency test
These prerequisites help ensure that students are fully prepared for both the academic and clinical requirements of the course.
Facilities & Environment
AEA is housed in a professional office space located at 1818 New York Ave. NE, Suite 232, Washington, DC. The site provides:
- Modern classrooms
- Well-equipped laboratories
- Ample student and faculty parking
- A secure and easily accessible learning environment
Students benefit from being in the heart of DC, with convenient access to transportation and nearby job opportunities after graduation.
Job Placement & Career Support
One of AEA’s standout features is its guaranteed job placement support. Graduates are connected with local healthcare employers through a community partner network. In some cases, students may even begin employment while still attending the program. This strong employment pipeline makes AEA a smart choice for those looking to enter the workforce quickly.
While no school can legally guarantee a job, AEA goes further than most in creating real employment pathways. Their network includes nursing homes and healthcare providers actively seeking qualified CNAs.
Certification & Outcomes
Students must maintain:
- 80% or higher on all tests
- 80% or higher on final exams
- 80% rating in clinical performance
- 100% attendance
After completing the course, students are eligible to take the DC NNAAP exam, which qualifies them for certification as a CNA. AEA reports a 90% pass rate on skills and 80% on the knowledge test, indicating strong instructional quality.
The ultimate goal is for every graduate to secure entry-level CNA employment while upholding professional ethics and patient-centered care.
Community-Driven Mission
AEA is a non-profit institution created to address healthcare workforce shortages in DC—an issue made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission is rooted in expanding access to quality training and creating upward mobility for underserved populations. The school actively works to keep its program affordable and its graduates employable.
With experienced instructors and a focus on real-world training, AEA’s program is well-aligned with the needs of today’s healthcare system.
Who Should Consider Accessibility Excellence Academy?
This program is ideal for individuals who want to jumpstart a healthcare career quickly and are ready to commit to an intensive, fast-paced course. It’s especially well-suited for those who need flexible class schedules and are looking for guaranteed job placement after graduation. The school’s central DC location, strong community partnerships, and impressive pass rates make it a compelling choice.
AEA is also a great fit for people reentering the workforce, career changers, or recent high school graduates. With an affordable, structured 4-week program, you can transition from student to working CNA in just a month. If you’re looking for a focused, no-frills path into the healthcare field, this program checks all the right boxes.
Category | Details |
Cost: | Not listed publicly; contact school for current tuition. |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 4 weeks; 125 total hours (65 theory + 20 lab + 40 clinical, plus 5 service/job orientation hours). |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes; day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. |
Online Classes?: | No indication of online or hybrid classes—likely fully in-person. |
Job Placement?: | Yes; guaranteed job placement via partnerships with healthcare providers. |
Requirements: | – Age 18+- CASAS test- ID, residency proof, SSN/Tax ID, Driver’s License/ID Card- Criminal background check- High school diploma/GED/college transcripts- CPR certification- Physical exam, TB test/chest X-ray, COVID/immunizations- Signed HIPAA confidentiality |
Address: | 1818 New York Ave. NE Suite 232, Washington, DC 20002 |
Phone: | (202) 735-0989 |
Email: | info@aea-dc.org |
Website: | https://www.aea-dc.org/ |
CNA Program Directory
All the top DC-Metro CNA training programs, all in one convenient list.