The CNA program at Allied Health Technology Institute in Washington, DC is a fast-paced, hands-on training course that runs 8 hours a day for 12 days. Though the weekly structure isn’t fully clear, the format is intensive and ideal for students ready to commit to full-time study. The program prepares students for the CNA licensing exam through classroom instruction, clinical training, and extensive test prep support. Located on Rhode Island Avenue NE, AHTI is staffed by experienced nurses and physicians who focus on both technical skills and compassionate patient care. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, emotional and career support, and post-exam guidance—even if they don’t pass on the first try. Admission is competitive and requires several prerequisites, including a background check, CPR and First Aid certification, and previous experience in a healthcare setting.
Program Format and Schedule
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training at Allied Health Technology Institute is structured as an intensive, short-term course. Classes are held 8 hours per day over 12 days, totaling approximately 96 instructional hours. While the program doesn’t specify how many weeks this spans, it’s safe to assume it can be completed in about two to three weeks, depending on how the classes are spaced out.
This format is best suited for students who can commit to full-time attendance and want to get certified quickly. The course is designed to be immersive, covering theory, clinical skills, and exam preparation in a condensed period.
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Admissions Requirements
The program has strict entry criteria meant to ensure students are prepared to succeed. Applicants must meet several requirements before enrolling:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- State and federal criminal background check
- Drug screening
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology coursework
- Physical exam and fitness assessment
- Proof of vaccination and freedom from communicable diseases
- Prior experience in a patient care or healthcare setting
This list reflects the school’s commitment to producing competent, workplace-ready nursing assistants who are not only knowledgeable but also medically and legally cleared for patient care.
Instruction and Curriculum
What sets this program apart is the background of the instructors. The teaching team includes licensed nurses and physicians, which gives students access to practical insights from professionals who have firsthand experience in clinical settings. The instruction is not limited to classroom lectures—students also learn core CNA skills like taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, maintaining hygiene, and observing patient behavior through practical training.
Although the curriculum outline isn’t published in full, it covers both theoretical instruction and clinical training and includes preparation for the CNA licensing exam.
CNA Exam Preparation and Support
One of the standout aspects of AHTI’s program is the exam preparation package built into the training. Students get access to:
- CNA test study guides
- Flashcards
- Practice exams
- Counseling and emotional support
- Career guidance services
The school doesn’t just teach the material—it also supports students emotionally and strategically as they prepare to take the state certification test. Instructors provide help understanding test formats, developing study plans, and working through any areas of difficulty.
If a student fails the certification exam, AHTI doesn’t leave them behind. The school offers counseling and re-training options, helping students figure out a path forward and encouraging them to stay on track with their career goals. This safety net is an important feature for anyone worried about passing on their first attempt.
Career Services and Job Readiness
Beyond training and testing, AHTI promotes a “train-license-employ” philosophy. The school offers career placement support after students complete the program and pass the exam. While they don’t guarantee employment, students can submit their information to access job opportunities, resume help, and career guidance.
For those changing careers or entering healthcare for the first time, this kind of support can make a big difference in landing that first CNA job in a competitive job market.
Class Scheduling and Flexibility
The school advertises flexible scheduling, a key benefit for students who may be juggling work or family obligations. While this particular CNA program is clearly structured as a daytime, full-day course, the school notes that it offers classes at convenient intervals, suggesting that other allied health training options may be more adjustable.
It’s worth calling to confirm whether evening or weekend options are ever offered for CNA classes, as the 12-day, full-time format may be difficult for some prospective students to manage without time off from work or childcare.
About the Institute
Allied Health Technology Institute positions itself as more than just a vocational training center—it aims to be a launching pad for long-term careers in healthcare. The school focuses on nursing assistants and home health aides, and provides short-term certification training programs that prepare students to test for state licensure.
Faculty includes professionals from the field, and the school markets itself as compassionate and student-focused, with an emphasis on preparing students to work with the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill. The environment is described as supportive, with instructors offering both technical knowledge and emotional encouragement.
Re-Training and Retake Policy
AHTI appears to acknowledge that not every student passes the CNA exam on the first try, and this is where their approach stands out. Rather than pushing students out the door, they provide options to re-train or re-take the exam, and offer one-on-one support from the school’s career guidance office.
This type of post-exam support is not always available at other programs and may be particularly helpful for students returning to school after a long gap or for English language learners.
Strengths of the Program
The Allied Health Technology Institute’s CNA program has several key strengths:
- Short program length – just 12 full-time days
- Strong CNA exam prep with tools and test simulations
- Supportive staff including career counseling and emotional encouragement
- Instructors with real-world experience as nurses and physicians
- Post-failure guidance for students who need to re-take the exam
- Job support services upon certification
- Reputation for compassionate training, particularly in CNA and HHA fields
Weaknesses and Areas to Clarify
There are also a few limitations or unclear areas that prospective students should ask about:
- The exact weekly schedule isn’t fully explained—prospective students should clarify whether the 12-day course runs across two or three weeks.
- The program requires previous experience in healthcare, which could be a barrier for true beginners or career changers.
- While flexibility is mentioned, it’s unclear whether evening or part-time schedules are available for this CNA course specifically.
- There is no detailed tuition information listed online, so applicants will need to call for current pricing.
Who Should Consider Allied Health Technology Institute
This program is best suited for serious, focused students who are ready to commit to a short-term, full-time training experience in order to jumpstart a career as a CNA. It’s a strong fit for people who already have some experience in healthcare, such as home health aides or caregivers looking to formalize their skills and get certified. The built-in exam prep and counseling services offer a valuable safety net for students who may be anxious about testing.
Because of its intensive schedule and strict prerequisites, this isn’t the best program for beginners without any healthcare experience or those looking for a self-paced option. However, if you meet the entry requirements and want a fast-track into the healthcare field, Allied Health Technology Institute offers a supportive, exam-focused path that can help get you licensed and employed quickly.
Category | Details |
Cost: | Not listed; call 202-526-3535 for current pricing. |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 12 days, 8 hours per day (approximately 96 clock hours). |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Flexible class schedules are mentioned, but unclear if evening/weekend CNA classes are offered. |
Online Classes?: | No indication of online CNA classes being offered. |
Job Placement?: | Yes, career support and job placement assistance are available after certification. |
Requirements: | High school diploma, background checks, CPR and First Aid certification, drug test, vaccinations, physical exam, anatomy and medical terminology coursework, and prior healthcare experience. |
Address: | 2000 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20018 |
Phone: | 202-526-3535 |
Website: | https://alliedhealthtech.com/healthcare-training-cna-licensing/ |
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