Here are your top options for online or hybrid CNA training in the DC metro area. Quickly compare cost, format, and timing:
Washington DC
1. Academy of Hope
The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Academy of Hope runs for 5 months and includes 200 hours of hybrid instruction, combining remote coursework with in-person lab training. Students also complete 40 hours of clinical training at a local healthcare facility before becoming eligible for the NNAAP licensure exam.
Evening and daytime classes are offered Monday through Thursday. Day classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are available at both the Ward 5 and Ward 8 locations. Evening classes are held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ward 5 site.
Classes are free for DC residents over 18, and students receive support services such as job placement assistance, scrubs, laptops for use during training, and CPR/BLS certification. Enrollment is limited and varies by location and term.
Category | Details |
Duration | 5 months (200 hours + 40 clinical hours) |
Format | Hybrid (remote instruction and in-person labs/clinicals) |
Schedules | Day: Mon–Thurs, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Evening: Mon–Thurs, 5:00–9:00 p.m. |
Address | Ward 5: 2315 18th Place NE, Washington, DC 20018Ward 8: 421 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032 |
Phone | Ward 5: (202) 269-6623Ward 8: (202) 373-0246 |
Northern Virginia
2. Classic Nurses Academy
The CNA program at Classic Nurses Academy runs for 4 weeks and is available in a hybrid format, though specific online instruction details are limited. Students are encouraged to call the school directly for information about remote learning components.
Classes are offered both in the morning (9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and evening (4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), with multiple monthly start dates throughout the year. Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, along with job placement assistance.
The total program cost is $1,400. Classes are held at the Alexandria location, and seat availability varies.
Category | Details |
Duration | 4 weeks |
Format | Hybrid (in-person with limited details on online components – call for more info) |
Schedules | AM: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.PM: 4:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
Address | 85 S Bragg St #601, Alexandria, VA 22312 |
Phone | (703) 658-9575 |
3. Moon River Nursing Careers
The Nurse Aide course at Moon River Nursing Careers runs for 5 weeks and includes 140 hours of blended learning. Students complete 40 hours of self-paced online instruction, 32 hours of in-person skills lab training at the Ashburn campus, and 48 hours of hands-on clinicals at a local long-term care facility. An additional 20 hours are dedicated to dementia and end-of-life care.
Class schedules vary, with weekday and evening/weekend options depending on enrollment. The total program cost is $2,150, and interest-free payment plans are available. The online portion begins immediately after registration, with clinicals scheduled throughout the last three weeks of the course.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Virginia Board of Nursing CNA exam. Tuition includes all training supplies, scrubs, and certification preparation. Small class sizes and individual support are part of the program structure.
Category | Details |
Duration | 5 weeks (140 total hours) |
Format | Hybrid (40 hours online, 32 hours skills lab, 48 hours clinicals, 20 hours specialty topics) |
Schedules | Weekday and evening/weekend options (varies by enrollment) |
Address | 44927 George Washington Blvd, Suite 240-245, Ashburn, VA 20147 |
Phone | (703) 801-1180 |
🔍 Easily Compare CNA Programs
We’ve handpicked top CNA programs in Washington DC and the surrounding DMV area—including accelerated, part-time, and even online options—to help you find the right fit, faster.
4. 1st Providence
The Nurse Aide program at 1st Providence includes 155 total hours and offers hybrid, in-person, and fully online options. Students complete 75 hours of classroom instruction (virtual or in-person), 35 hours in the skills lab, and 45 hours of clinical training. Classes run Monday through Thursday, with both daytime and evening schedules available.
Program length is either 3 or 6 weeks depending on the chosen schedule. Tuition is $1,200 with a $100 registration fee, and a $500 down payment is required at enrollment.
Upon completion, students receive a certificate and become eligible to take the NNAAP exam to become certified in Virginia. The program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and limited to 15 students per class.
Category | Details |
Duration | 3 or 6 weeks (155 total hours) |
Format | Hybrid, In-Person, or Fully Online (75 hrs class, 35 hrs lab, 45 hrs clinical) |
Schedules | Monday to Thursday, daytime or evening options |
Address | 1549 Old Bridge Road, Unit 208, Woodbridge, VA 22192 |
Phone | 571-494-0032 |
5. Unique Health School
The Certified Nurse Aide program at Unique Health School runs for 5 weeks and includes both online and in-person components. Students complete 14 instructional units covering classroom theory, skills lab practice, and clinical training.
Classes are available in an online format, with in-person labs and clinicals scheduled during the program. The total cost is $1,575, which includes tuition, books, technology fees, and a uniform. Additional costs such as background checks and TB tests are not included.
The program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and prepares students to sit for the state CNA certification exam. Admission requires applicants to be 18 or older, provide identification, complete a background check, and show proof of high school completion.
Category | Details |
Duration | 5 weeks |
Format | Hybrid (online classes with in-person lab and clinical components) |
Schedules | Varies; offered year-round with rolling admissions |
Address | 8629 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 |
Phone | 571-208-0833 |
Choosing the right CNA program can feel overwhelming—but with several strong online or hybrid options in the DC metro region, the good news is you have flexibility based on your budget, schedule, and career goals. Below, we’ve broken down the key takeaways to help you make a smart, informed decision.
đź’ˇ Top Recommendations by Category
Best For… | Program | Why It Stands Out |
Affordability (FREE) | Academy of Hope (DC Residents) | Free tuition for DC residents, comprehensive support, and job placement. |
Most Comprehensive Training | Academy of Hope | 200 hours of training (vs. the standard 120) plus strong academic and career support. |
Fastest Completion Time | Classic Nurses Academy | 4-week program—great for those needing to start work ASAP. |
Best Fully Online Flexibility | Moon River Nursing Careers | 40 hours of online learning available on your own time. |
Strong Value + Quick Finish | 1st Providence | $1,300 tuition, 3-6 week program, and online hybrid classes available. |
Most Personalized Instruction | Moon River Nursing Careers | Small class sizes with hands-on support from experienced RNs. |
Low-Cost & Streamlined Path | Unique Health School | $1,575 for a 5-week hybrid program—well-structured and focused on practical training. |
đź§ How to Choose the Right Program for You
To help you narrow your options, here are a few practical tips and insights:
⏱️ Consider Your Timeline
- If you need to get certified quickly, Classic Nurses or 1st Providence (as short as 3 weeks) are great options.
- Willing to invest more time for better preparation? Academy of Hope offers 5 months of deeper training that can help long-term career advancement.
đź’° Weigh the True Cost
- Academy of Hope is the only program that may be entirely free for DC residents—and it includes supplies, scrubs, and even laptop use.
- Classic Nurses is the cheapest private option at $1,400, though Moon River and 1st Providence are not far behind, and WIOA funding may reduce costs for eligible students.
🧑‍💻 Look for Flexible Learning Formats
- If you need flexibility, Moon River, Unique Health, and 1st Providence all offer hybrid formats with substantial online components.
- Moon River stands out for its 24/7 access to engaging online content, including professionally produced videos simulating real CNA scenarios.
🎓 What You’ll Learn — and Why It Matters
Programs vary in depth:
- Academy of Hope’s 200-hour curriculum is notably more robust and may better prepare you for RN bridge programs or future healthcare roles.
- Moon River emphasizes dementia and end-of-life care—useful if you plan to work in long-term or hospice settings.
All programs prepare you for the NNAAP exam, but how much you learn (and retain) may depend on class structure, hours, and support.
📞 Pro Tip: Contact Schools Before Enrolling
đź’¬ We highly recommend reaching out to each school directly.
Why? Because:
- Schedules may shift depending on enrollment.
- “Hybrid” means different things at different schools—some may require more in-person time than others.
- You’ll get a feel for their responsiveness and support team—which tells you a lot about what to expect once enrolled.
Speaking to an advisor can also help you:
- Learn about financial aid options (especially WIOA or scholarships).
- Clarify job placement partnerships and employment success rates.
- Understand how clinicals are arranged (some schools have stronger networks than others).
🔚 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right CNA program for you depends on your personal situation:
- Want no-cost training and full wraparound support in DC? → Academy of Hope
- Need online flexibility and small class sizes? → Moon River Nursing Careers
- In a hurry and want the fastest route to employment? → Classic Nurses Academy
- Need an affordable, balanced hybrid option with a tight budget? → 1st Providence or Unique Health School
Each of these schools brings something unique to the table. Your job is to figure out what matters most to you—and don’t be afraid to ask questions before enrolling.