NOVA Nursing Academy CNA Program

Once students complete the required classroom and clinical hours, they are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification exam for Virginia. It’s important to note that exam fees are not included in the tuition, so students should budget for this additional cost.

Graduates will receive a certificate from NOVA Nursing Academy, qualifying them to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, rehab clinics, and home health care. The school’s network of clinical partners often leads to job referrals, though employment is not guaranteed. Students are encouraged to take advantage of resume help and employment leads provided by the school upon graduation.

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NOVA Nursing Academy charges a flat-rate tuition that includes the majority of what students will need for the program. While the exact cost isn’t listed on their website, the school states that the rate is affordable and that interest-free payment plans are available.

Students are also responsible for acquiring a few required supplies, including:

• Stethoscope
• Blood pressure cuff
• Scrubs
• Nursing Assistant textbook and workbook (3rd edition)
• Virginia Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook
• Watch with a second hand

The academy helps connect students with sponsorship referral options, which may make tuition more manageable for those who qualify.

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To be eligible for the CNA program, students must meet specific requirements before starting, particularly to be cleared for clinical placement. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:

• Criminal background check
• Negative PPD test or chest X-ray (within 1 year of enrollment)
• Current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level)
• Entrance exam
• Payment of all financial obligations
• Minimum of 80% classroom attendance and test performance
• Scrubs, name badge, and a watch with a second hand

Students are also expected to maintain professional behavior and punctuality. Accumulating more than four tardies or two unexcused absences may result in termination from the program. If a student misses a clinical day, there is a $50 minimum fee per session for private make-up training.

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One of the standout features of NOVA Nursing Academy’s CNA program is its year-round scheduling with flexible options. Students can choose from day, evening, or weekend classes, which makes it ideal for people working full-time, managing family responsibilities, or needing more control over their schedule.

For healthcare facilities or employer groups, NOVA also provides on-site and off-site cohort training options, making it a versatile solution for organizations looking to train staff internally.

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The learning environment at NOVA Nursing Academy is designed to be dynamic and interactive. The faculty includes licensed nurses who are not only qualified but also trained in adult learning strategies. Instructors focus on both hard skills (like vital signs and patient hygiene) and soft skills (like workplace communication and professionalism).

The school provides students with a structured curriculum that aligns with current industry needs and the Virginia Nurse Aide exam. This gives students a clear path from training to certification and employment.

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To graduate, students must:

• Meet all attendance requirements
• Complete all coursework and clinicals
• Earn a satisfactory clinical evaluation from their instructor
• Pass a comprehensive exit exam

Students who fail to meet these expectations can be dismissed from the program. NOVA makes it clear that success depends on a combination of attendance, academic performance, and professional conduct.

The school also outlines a grievance procedure for students who may encounter issues during training. Complaints must first be directed to the instructor; if unresolved, students can submit a written complaint for review by the school administrator.

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While NOVA Nursing Academy does not guarantee job placement, it does provide employment assistance. Graduates can receive help with:

• Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Employer referrals through the academy’s network

Graduates are free to pursue opportunities independently or with the help of staffing agencies. According to the academy, many of its clinical partners do consider hiring students they worked with during clinical rotations, giving graduates a possible edge in the job market.

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Though the main campus is located in Falls Church, VA, NOVA Nursing Academy lists that it also serves students in Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, and Leesburg. Students living in or near these areas may find the commute manageable, especially with flexible class timing available.

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The CNA program at NOVA is a good entry point for anyone looking to start a healthcare career quickly. Many students use the CNA role as a stepping stone to more advanced positions like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). By starting as a CNA, students gain valuable patient care experience that can strengthen future applications to nursing school.

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