The Nurse Aide Program prepares students to become essential members of healthcare teams providing direct patient care across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Combining a minimum of 120 hours of classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and instructor-led clinical experience, this course equips students to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients while preparing for state CNA certification.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | FastForward Workforce Credential (State CNA Exam Preparation) |
| Total Training Hours | 120+ Hours (Lecture, Hands-On Lab & Supervised Clinicals) |
| State Credential Alignment | Prepares for the Virginia Board of Nursing Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Exam |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Included Certifications | First Aid & Healthcare Worker CPR Certification (Included) |
| Clinical Prerequisites | Criminal background check, drug screening, and First Aid/CPR clearance |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand healthcare credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn
Trainees master essential clinical skills, safety protocols, and compassionate care techniques required in professional healthcare settings:
- Fundamental Patient Care: Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, grooming, and nutritional support.
- Vital Signs & Clinical Observation: Accurately measure and record blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration, recognizing critical changes in patient condition.
- Infection Control & Safety: Follow universal precautions, proper hand hygiene, PPE protocols, and safe patient transfer and positioning techniques.
- Holistic & Compassionate Care: Support patients' emotional, social, physical, and spiritual well-being while maintaining client dignity and confidentiality.
Program & Clinical Requirements
To participate in clinical rotations and complete the state certification pathway, trainees must fulfill the following requirements:
- Instructional Hours: Complete a minimum of 120 hours across lecture modules, laboratory skills practice, and supervised facility clinicals.
- Background & Health Screening: Successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to clinical placement.
- CPR & First Aid: Complete the built-in Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid training included within the program curriculum.
Career Opportunities
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) are in high demand across public and private healthcare facilities statewide, offering strong job stability and entry into nursing pathways.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Hospital Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Long-Term Care / Nursing Home Assistant
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Assisted Living Resident Care Specialist
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to start your healthcare career as a Certified Nurse Aide or explore FastForward tuition assistance? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)