University of the District of Columbia CNA Program

This program trains students to support patients with daily care tasks, take vital signs, understand infection control, and assist those with chronic conditions or disabilities. The focus isn’t just technical skills—it also covers soft skills like communication with patients and healthcare teams.

Students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations, which are required to complete the program. You’ll work under supervision in local healthcare facilities, applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real patient care scenarios. While exact class schedules aren’t specified, training typically follows a set weekly schedule and can require daytime availability for clinical sessions.

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UDC-WDLL’s CNA program has a very structured admissions process, and while the program is free, getting in does require effort and preparation. The biggest qualifier is you must be a resident of Washington, DC and at least 18 years old.

Admission steps include:

• Attending an information session (mandatory)
• Taking the CASAS reading and math assessment
• Completing the NorthStar digital literacy assessment
• Submitting a full health screening and immunization records
• Completing a 7-panel drug screening
• Undergoing a criminal background check via Global Investigative Services
• Holding a current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS Provider level only)
• Showing proof of high school graduation or GED

All documentation must be submitted at the time of registration. No partial applications are accepted, so be ready to meet all the requirements before applying.

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The information sessions are hosted at 3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032, while the main workforce development campus is located at 801 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Details about clinical site locations are not publicly listed, but they are typically within the DC metro area.

There’s no mention of online classes, so students should expect to be on-site regularly. While schedules aren’t posted online, students can learn about exact timing during the required information session. If you’re working a full-time job, you’ll want to confirm whether class hours will be compatible with your current schedule.

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While job placement assistance is not extensively detailed on UDC-WDLL’s site, the program is part of a broader workforce development effort designed to reduce unemployment in DC. As a result, students are typically supported in pursuing job leads through employer partnerships, career expos, and resume-building workshops.

Because the program is approved by the DC Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the CNA certification exam, which is required for most nursing assistant jobs in the city. With that certification, many students go on to work in long-term care, assisted living, home health, or hospital settings.

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The CNA course is officially approved by the DC Board of Nursing, which means it meets all training requirements for CNA certification in Washington, DC. Other healthcare pathway programs at UDC-WDLL, like EKG Tech or Phlebotomy Tech, are backed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This combination of approvals lends credibility to the training and adds value to the credential once you graduate.

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Because the program is part of the University of the District of Columbia, students have access to facilities, staff, and support services typically not available through smaller training centers. This includes academic advising, tech support for digital assessments, and potentially even transportation or child care support depending on your eligibility.

Information sessions are held regularly and must be attended before applying. These sessions also include tours of the campus and provide a chance to ask instructors or coordinators questions directly—especially about what the clinical schedule is like or when classes are held.

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One of the most appealing aspects of the UDC-WDLL CNA program is the price: free. As long as you can prove DC residency and meet the other admissions requirements, there’s no tuition cost. This makes the program a standout for adult learners who may be changing careers or cannot afford private career schools.

Keep in mind that while the program itself is free, there may be minor out-of-pocket costs associated with medical exams, background checks, or CPR certification—but these are relatively affordable and a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

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