Start Your Healthcare Career with Hospital-Sponsored CNA Training
If you’re looking to begin a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Northern Virginia, local hospitals may offer one of the best ways to start—with free or employer-sponsored training. With a growing demand for CNAs across the region, many hospitals offer paid training as part of employment, allowing you to earn while you learn. These programs are ideal for career changers, recent graduates, or anyone looking for a fast and affordable way to break into the healthcare field.
This page highlights the largest and most well-known hospitals in Northern Virginia that hire CNAs and often offer on-the-job training, tuition assistance, or full CNA certification support as part of their workforce development.
🏥 Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (Falls Church, VA)
Why It Stands Out: Northern Virginia’s largest hospital and a regional leader in trauma, cardiac, and neonatal care.
Training Opportunities: Inova frequently hires Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) and entry-level care assistants, with employer-sponsored CNA training and structured clinical onboarding. Many roles include tuition assistance and internal promotion pathways.
Career Potential: Start as a PCT and move up into CNA roles, specialty units, or even LPN/RN training through Inova’s career advancement support.
🏥 Inova Alexandria Hospital (Alexandria, VA)
Overview: A respected 300+ bed community hospital with a long history of serving Northern Virginia families.
Training Perks: While CNA certification is often preferred, Inova offers paid training and tuition assistance for candidates entering through PCT roles. Flexible shifts and internal growth are emphasized.
Why Apply Here: Known for its strong patient-focused culture, this location offers a close-knit environment and hands-on learning experience.
🏥 Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (Alexandria, VA – near Fort Belvoir)
Specialty Focus: Offers nationally recognized rehabilitation and long-term care services.
CNA Training Opportunities: Ideal for those interested in geriatrics, rehabilitation, or transitional care. New hires may receive CNA training as part of their orientation or ongoing employment support.
Career Advantage: In-depth exposure to long-term and post-acute care—valuable if you’re pursuing future work in eldercare, rehab, or nursing homes.
🔍 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.
🏥 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (Woodbridge, VA)
Hospital Snapshot: A trusted 183-bed facility serving Prince William County and surrounding areas.
CNA Pathway: Sentara offers CNA positions and tuition reimbursement, including support for employees to become licensed or advance into clinical roles.
Work Environment: Offers both fast-paced medical units and more intimate care settings. A great place to build clinical confidence and expand your skills.
🏥 Novant Health UVA Health System – Prince William Medical Center (Manassas, VA)
Facility Info: Community-focused 130-bed hospital part of the Novant UVA partnership.
Training Perks: Offers structured onboarding for new CNAs, often including mentorship, tuition assistance, and continuing education support.
Best For: Those seeking a smaller hospital environment with meaningful patient interaction and long-term career support.
📍 Find Hospitals Near You: Map of Northern Virginia CNA Training Locations
Looking to find the closest hospital offering CNA job opportunities or free training? Use the interactive map below to explore hospitals across Northern Virginia’s DC Metro region, including Fairfax, Alexandria, Woodbridge, Manassas, and surrounding areas. Click on any pin to view the hospital’s name, address, and direct link to its careers page.
💡 Tip: Zoom in on your neighborhood to see which hospitals are within commuting distance. Many offer entry-level healthcare positions with on-the-job CNA training or tuition support for certification.
✅ No Upfront Costs: Many hospitals offer free or employer-covered CNA certification and clinical training.
💼 Earn While You Train: Positions like Patient Care Technician or Nursing Assistant often include full-time pay and benefits during training.
🎓 Career Mobility: CNA roles can be a springboard to LPN, RN, or medical tech positions—with hospitals offering tuition assistance or in-house programs.
📍 Local Work, Local Impact: By training and working in Northern Virginia, you’re serving your own community while building real-world experience.
How to Get Started
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. | Search job boards for CNA, PCT, or Patient Care Tech roles at local hospitals. |
| 2. | Look for terms like “training provided,” “entry-level welcome,” or “tuition reimbursement.” |
| 3. | Apply directly through hospital career portals or attend open hiring events. |
| 4. | Highlight your soft skills: compassion, teamwork, and adaptability go a long way. |
Ready to Apply?
Hospitals across Northern Virginia are hiring—and many are ready to help you get certified. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to grow in healthcare, these programs let you build your career without student debt and with the support of experienced clinical teams.