Moon River Nursing Careers CNA Program

Students at Moon River Nursing Careers learn how to properly assist patients with everyday needs and how to communicate professionally with both patients and healthcare teams. Instructors focus on real-world skills—like documenting observations and responding to patient needs—while also preparing students to act as the critical “eyes and ears” of the healthcare team.

On top of clinical and technical skills, students get coaching on preparing for employment. Instructors meet students individually to discuss career goals and ensure they’re confident applying for CNA roles in hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings.

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Moon River runs small, intimate class sizes and is described as “family-friendly,” with lab sessions scheduled to suit a variety of student schedules. New sessions start every few weeks and include weekday, and soon, evening/weekend options. This flexibility is especially helpful for those juggling jobs or family obligations.

The online portion can be started as soon as students enroll. Lab and clinical rotations are clearly mapped out and run consecutively so that the course can be completed within five weeks. This pace is ideal for someone looking to enter the workforce quickly.

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The total cost of the program is $2,150, which includes the uniform, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, gloves, and all training materials. A $950 deposit secures a seat, with two $600 installment payments due before the lab and clinical phases.

For students seeking financial help, Moon River participates in the WIOA funding program through Virginia Career Works. This could fully or partially cover tuition for eligible students, including adult job seekers and dislocated workers.

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Moon River does a good job of outlining entry requirements upfront. To enroll, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Show a government-issued photo ID
• Attend an information session
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster
• Submit documentation of immunizations, including:
  • Negative TB (PPD or QuantiFERON Gold) test within 12 months
  • Chest X-ray if TB test is positive
  • Flu shot (if clinicals fall between Oct 15–Apr 30)
  • MMR, Varicella, and Hep B or signed waiver

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What stands out most at Moon River is the strong sense of mentorship and personal investment from instructors. Students are taught by nurses with 50+ years of combined experience in fields like oncology, pediatrics, and long-term care. These professionals also serve as career coaches, offering tailored advice and helping students explore different employment paths within healthcare.

Moon River’s small class sizes allow for more personalized instruction. Students often mention that the instructors make learning feel accessible, even if they’re coming in with no healthcare background.

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The school provides the essentials for training: a uniform, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and gloves. This removes the hassle of tracking down materials and ensures all students are equally prepared. Students must wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes on skills and clinical days, but otherwise, classroom learning is casual and online-based.

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Beyond CNA certification, Moon River helps students understand how their entry-level role can evolve. CNAs often move on to become LPNs, RNs, or pursue specialties in phlebotomy, medical assisting, or therapy. Moon River’s training lays a good foundation for these future steps by emphasizing clinical accuracy, patient-centered care, and strong communication skills.

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