Thrive Healthcare Academy CNA Program

One unique aspect of Thrive’s program is the extra week included specifically to reinforce clinical skills, offer job-readiness tips, and provide review support for the state certification test. This isn’t something all CNA schools provide, and it shows Thrive’s emphasis on ensuring students walk away feeling truly job-ready.

Students work with seasoned nursing instructors who are known for giving personal attention. The school intentionally keeps class sizes smaller, which translates to more hands-on feedback and one-on-one support. Several student testimonials credit the instructors for helping them build confidence and pass their boards on the first try.

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Classes are held at Thrive’s Fairfax location (3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420). The school operates Monday through Friday, and while class times aren’t posted publicly, students are encouraged to call and ask for current schedules. There is no mention of weekend or evening availability, so this is something to clarify directly with staff if you’re working during the day.

The school does not currently offer online CNA classes. All learning is delivered in person, which is ideal for those who benefit from hands-on demonstrations and direct feedback from instructors.

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Thrive’s application process is straightforward but includes several important prerequisites. Candidates must be ready to commit both physically and mentally. Here’s a quick breakdown of the requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Strong written and spoken English language skills
• Able to lift at least 50 lbs
• Must pass a drug screening
• Must pass a criminal background check

There is an online application available through the school’s website. Once submitted, an administrator will contact applicants to schedule an in-person appointment.

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Student reviews of Thrive Healthcare Academy are overwhelmingly positive. Many mention how approachable and knowledgeable the instructors are, often going out of their way to make sure every student feels supported. A recurring theme in testimonials is how much the instructors truly care—pushing students to succeed, but also being patient and encouraging.

Another commonly praised aspect is the atmosphere. Students say they felt like part of a “family,” which can make a big difference in such a fast-paced program. This kind of learning environment is ideal if you value community, encouragement, and a hands-on approach.

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Thrive Healthcare Academy’s program aims to do more than just help students pass the CNA exam. The training is structured to ensure that graduates are ready for jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, private homes, and even doctor’s offices. Though the school doesn’t explicitly advertise job placement services, it does include instruction on job searching and resume-building during the program.

With the U.S. healthcare system seeing unprecedented demand for entry-level caregivers, this certification opens doors almost immediately after graduation—especially in Northern Virginia, where the aging population and expanding healthcare facilities continue to drive demand for CNAs.

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One of the program’s standout features is how it prepares students for the Virginia State Nurse Aide Exam. Instructors use a state-recognized curriculum and regularly test students to ensure mastery of required skills. The result? A 94.85% pass rate, which is notably higher than the national average for CNA programs.

Thrive also allocates time to help students review for both the written and skills portions of the test. If passing your exam on the first try is a priority, this program puts you in a strong position to succeed.

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Instructors at Thrive Healthcare Academy come with years of combined experience in both nursing and education. According to student feedback, instructors are passionate, attentive, and sometimes strict—but always focused on student success.

Don’t expect to slide by with minimal effort. The teachers here demand accountability but will walk with you every step of the way. If you’re someone who learns best through feedback and hands-on coaching, this school will likely be a good fit.

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Tuition costs aren’t listed on the school’s website, so you’ll need to call or email the school directly for current pricing. While this lack of upfront pricing may be frustrating, it’s fairly common among smaller healthcare training programs. That said, there is no mention of scholarships, grants, or third-party financial aid, so be prepared to cover your costs out-of-pocket or ask if payment plans are available.

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Getting started is relatively simple. Prospective students can fill out an online form, and the school will contact you to set up an interview or meeting. You can also call directly if you’d prefer to handle everything in person.

This part of the process is efficient and personalized. Students are guided by administrators throughout the application and enrollment process, so if you’re worried about paperwork or next steps, there’s help available every step of the way.

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