Certified Nursing Assistant (Certificate)
6 Credits | Main Campus
Earn your Certification as a Clinical Nursing Assistant, on your way to an Associate's Degree in Health Services
Trinity’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is the only program in the District of Columbia that offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while preparing to enter the healthcare workforce as a CNA. Nursing Assistants provide essential support, form meaningful connections with patients, and enjoy consistent job demand that will only increase as our population ages and requires more care. Becoming certified to work as a Nursing Assistant opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare and can serve as an excellent foundation for future studies in other health professions.
Your on-ramp to an Associate’s Degree in Health Services
After completing the CNA program, all 6 credits can be applied directly toward Trinity’s AA in Health Services via the CNA track.
What You’ll Learn
The program is a 6-credit, two-course series consisting of classroom and clinical components. Topics will include the Nursing Assistant role; legal, ethical, professional and safety standards; an overview of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and techniques for patient care. The courses are scheduled for evenings and weekends and may be completed in the same semester or consecutively. Upon successful completion of both components, students qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam to become certified in the District of Columbia as a Nursing Assistant.
For more information on other pathways, please see the information below:
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The CNA program is two (2) courses for the option to sit for the certification exam (this is a national certification exam)
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Following these two courses, students can continue to complete the AA in Health Services, CNA Track.
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Following this, they can continue at Trinity to complete nursing prerequisites OR work on completing another Health Professions program (student’s choice).
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If a student completes the steps above and completes the remaining prerequisite for the BSN program meeting all criteria, they are guaranteed acceptance into the BSN program.
Local Internships
Clinical rotations will take place at area rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.
Global Careers
Certified Nursing Assistants work in acute care, long term care, rehabilitation, community, and other health care settings.
Certificate
Community Health Worker
Associate’s Degree
Health Services, A.A.
Bachelor’s Degree
Health Services, B.A.
Bachelor’s Degree
Nursing, B.S.N (Pre-Health Professions/Pre-Licensure)
Applying to the Certified Nursing Assistant (Certificate) Program
Admission requirements for the Certified Nursing Assistant Program
- Score of 225+ on the CASAS Reading GOALS exam
- Successful completion of background check and drug screen
Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.
We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.
Accreditation Info
The Trinity Washington University Certified Nursing Assistant program holds approval from the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DCBON).
Trinity Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.