Pathway lookup
Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Virginia
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Virginia students can earn the CNA in high school: course 8341, 140 hours, exam at 16, and Board of Nursing approval at least 90 days before opening.
State program: Nurse Aide 8341 (140 hrs, 1 credit, grades 11-12); CIP not published by VDOE
What a high school can deliver
The full credential: students may test at 16, so juniors and seniors can finish the course and earn the CNA before graduating.
Credentials students can earn
Virginia CNA (Credentia exam, test within 24 months); CPR/First Aid; Workplace Readiness Skills; CNA on May 2026 Board list ()
Age and hour requirements
Exam age 16; 18VAC90-26 sets no student age. 140 clock hours: 24 before client contact, 20 skills lab, 40 direct client care (simulation does not count); 10:1 ratio (18VAC90-26-50).
Other agencies involved
Virginia Board of Nursing (DHP): program approval under 18VAC90-26, application at least 90 days before opening, site visit, annual review and survey every 2 years.
Who can teach it
Virginia RN with 2 years RN, 1 year long-term care, 12+ hours teaching methods (18VAC90-26-30), plus Health and Medical Sciences endorsement or Technical Professional License (8VAC20-23-250).
Child labor rules for work placements
No permit or state hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(B) bars paid nurse aide work under 16 in hospitals and nursing homes. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3).
College credit after high school
VCCS dual enrollment and Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificates by college; CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only. No statewide technical agreement.
Where to go next
- The full Nurse Aide / Patient Care guide, showing Virginia
- The Virginia state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Nurse Aide / Patient Care in other states
Other pathways in Virginia
- EMT
- Electrical
- Welding
- Construction and Carpentry
- HVAC/R
- Cybersecurity / Networking
- Programming / Computer Science
- Automotive
- Medical and Dental Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Early Childhood Education
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Machining and Mechatronics
- Engineering and Drafting
- Firefighting
- Law, Public Safety and Corrections
- Business Management and Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
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