Sentara CNA Program: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant with Sentara
If you’re exploring a meaningful entry point into the healthcare field, the Sentara CNA program can be a powerful launching pad. This structured nursing assistant training empowers you with essential clinical skills, patient care fundamentals, and a clear pathway to CNA certification.Whether you’re aiming to support an aging loved one,prepare for a hospital career,or bridge toward licensed nursing programs,Sentara’s program blends theory,hands-on practise,and clinical experience to help you succeed.
What is the Sentara CNA Program?
The Sentara CNA Program is a comprehensive nurse aide training initiative designed to prepare students for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam and for frontline caregiving roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Delivered through Sentara’s affiliated campuses and partner facilities, the program emphasizes patient safety, dignity, and teamwork in fast-paced healthcare environments.Graduates typically receive practical skills in daily living assistance, vital signs, infection control, mobility, and interaction-all critical for delivering high-quality patient care.
Eligibility and Admission: Who Can Apply
While specific requirements can vary by campus and state, the Sentara CNA Program generally welcomes motivated individuals who meet common prerequisites. Typical eligibility criteria include:
- Minimum age: frequently enough 16 to 18+ years old,depending on state rules and campus policy
- High school diploma or GED is common,though some locations accept equivalent coursework
- Proof of up-to-date immunizations and health screenings (e.g., TB test, hepatitis B vaccination or waiver)
- access to CPR for Healthcare Providers or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Complete a background check and provide relevant documents as required by clinical sites
Because requirements can differ by location, the best approach is to check the official Sentara CNA program page for your campus and speak with an admissions advisor to confirm current criteria.
Program Overview and Curriculum
The Sentara CNA program blends didactic instruction,hands-on skills practice,and supervised clinical experiences. Students learn to assist patients with activities of daily living, monitor health conditions, follow care plans, and communicate effectively with the healthcare team. Below is a snapshot of what you can expect.
| Component | Hours | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Didactic (theory) | 80 hours | Fundamentals of patient care, anatomy basics, infection control, safety protocols, ethics, and communication skills. |
| Skills Lab | 20 hours | Hands-on practice in essential CNA skills such as bathing, feeding, transferring, and vital signs in a supervised setting. |
| Clinical Training | 40 hours | Supervised patient care in a licensed clinical facility to build real-world experience with patients and healthcare teams. |
| Total | 120 hours | Integrated program hours that prepare you for the CNA exam and entry-level care roles. |
career-focused outcomes include confidence in caregiving routines, proficiency with vital signs and daily care tasks, and readiness to take the state CNA certification exam (which may be administered via the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, or state-approved alternatives, depending on your location).
Schedule, Duration, and Learning Pace
Most Sentara CNA programs are designed to be completed in a compact timeframe to accommodate students who need to enter the workforce quickly.Typical duration ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, with options for daytime or evening cohorts to fit work or family commitments. Availability can vary by campus, so its wise to:
- Review upcoming start dates on the campus page
- Ask about accelerated tracks if you need faster completion
- Plan around clinical site rotation schedules to avoid conflicts
tip: If you’re balancing work, childcare, or othre responsibilities, discuss flexible scheduling options early in the admissions process.Flexibility can make a big difference in your ability to complete the program successfully.
Costs, Tuition, and Financial Aid
Cost details for the Sentara CNA Program vary by campus, location, and any available scholarships or aid. In general, you should expect:
- Tuition: a one-time program fee that covers instruction and access to essential learning resources
- Textbooks and supplies: nursing scrubs, clinical materials, and PPE
- Certification exam fees: cost to take the CNA certification exam (or state test) after graduation
- Background check and fingerprinting (if required by the clinical sites)
Financial assistance may be available through Sentara-sponsored scholarships, the campus financial aid office, or external grants.If you’re pursuing healthcare as a long-term career, inquire about payment plans, employer sponsorships, or state-funded aid programs to help cover tuition and related costs.
Certification, Licensure, and Exam Readiness
After completing the Sentara CNA program, the next step is typically to earn your national or state CNA certification. key points include:
- The CNA exam often includes a written (or oral) portion and a practical skills demonstration
- Readiness is usually included in the program, with review sessions and practice exams
- Certification requirements vary by state; Sentara programs align with state boards and national standards
- Some graduates advance to LPN/LVN programs or associate degree RN pathways as a next step
Many employers in Sentara’s network prefer or require CNA certification upon hire, making this credential a valuable stepping stone toward broader healthcare roles.
Application Process: How to enroll
Getting started with the Sentara CNA Program typically involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s a practical checklist to help you prepare and enroll smoothly:
- Visit the official Sentara CNA program page for your campus to confirm eligibility and current start dates.
- Submit an application form and required documentation (transcripts, ID, immunization records).
- Complete any prerequisite health screenings and background checks.
- attend an orientation session and pay the program fees.
- Begin didactic coursework, skill labs, and clinical rotations as scheduled.
Pro tip: Reach out to the admissions advisor with questions about timelines, prerequisites, and how to access study resources. Early preparation can improve your admission odds and reduce last-minute stress.
Benefits of the Sentara CNA Program and Practical Tips for Success
Joining the Sentara CNA Program comes with tangible benefits and practical opportunities to set you up for long-term success in healthcare:
- Fast track into the healthcare workforce with a nationally recognized credential
- Hands-on experience in real clinical settings through supervised rotations
- Foundational skills that support future education in nursing or allied health
- exposure to a reputable healthcare system with potential career pathways
Practical Tips for Succeeding in the Program
- Establish a steady study routine for the didactic portion; use flashcards for vital signs ranges, safety protocols, and common diagnoses.
- Practice essential CNA skills with a partner-knead into your study schedule, especially skills like transfers, range-of-motion exercises, and hygiene assistance.
- Stay organized with a calendar of classes, lab times, and clinical shifts. Punctuality and reliability matter in both classroom and clinical settings.
- Attend all hands-on labs with enthusiasm; ask questions and seek feedback from instructors to polish technique.
- Prioritize safety and infection control; master the PPE donning/doffing process early.
First-Hand Experience: Real Students, Real Outcomes (Fictional Case Studies)
these anonymized case studies illustrate typical journeys through the Sentara CNA Program. Names and details are fictional, but the scenarios reflect common experiences reported by students.
Case Study 1: Maria’s Path to a Steady Start
Maria, 22, enrolled in a Sentara CNA program near virginia Beach.She balanced a part-time job and classes,completed her clinical rotations with confidence,and leveraged campus career services to prepare for the certification exam. Within two months of graduation, Maria secured a CNA position at a local long-term care facility and described the experience as life-changing-she found purpose in daily patient care and built a foundation for future nursing studies.
Case Study 2: Aashir’s Flexible Route to Certification
Aashir, 28, needed a flexible schedule due to family responsibilities. He joined an evening/weekend cohort, completed the didactic portion online when possible, and attended in-person labs and clinicals on weekends. Aashir successfully earned CNA certification after the program and now works a hybrid schedule at a community hospital, supporting both inpatient care and patient education efforts.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to common questions can definitely help you plan your path with confidence:
- Is the Sentara CNA Program online or in-person? Most essential learning combines in-person labs and clinicals with some online didactic components. Availability varies by campus.
- Do you need prior healthcare experience? No prior healthcare experience is typically required, but a genuine interest in helping others and meeting health and safety standards is significant.
- Does the program guarantee CNA certification? The program prepares you to take the certification exam,but certification is contingent on passing the required state/national exam.
- What makes Sentara CNA stand out? A structured curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, strong patient-care emphasis, and access to Sentara’s healthcare network for potential employment opportunities.
Conclusion: Your Path Forward with the Sentara CNA Program
The Sentara CNA Program offers a credible and practical route into frontline healthcare work. With a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a clear pathway to CNA certification, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to support patients with dignity and competence. Whether you’re aiming for immediate employment, a stepping-stone toward nursing school, or a long-term career in healthcare management, this program can be a strong foundation.
Remember, the key to success is proactive planning: verify current eligibility requirements for your campus, understand the cost structure and available financial aid, participate actively in labs and clinicals, and devote time to exam preparation. If you’re ready to begin, reach out to your Sentara CNA program admissions advisor to map out a personalized plan and start your journey toward becoming a certified nursing assistant today.
