Patrick & Henry Community College CNA Program

Patrick & Henry Community College offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide training program in Martinsville, Virginia that prepares students for entry-level practice in the healthcare field. Whether you’re looking to begin your healthcare career or make a meaningful transition into patient care, this Career Studies Certificate program equips you with essential skills and knowledge to provide compassionate care in various healthcare settings. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Virginia Certified Nurse Aide exam, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities in hospitals, nursing facilities, and other healthcare environments.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 17 credits
• Cost of Program: Tuition varies based on residency status, with additional expenses for drug screening, background checks, uniforms, and certification exams
• Accreditation: Approved by the Virginia Community College System
• Potential Certification: Virginia Certified Nurse Aide, American Heart Association Basic Life Support
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall semester courses

CNA Training Structure

The Nurse Aide program at Patrick & Henry Community College combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the diverse challenges of patient care.

Classroom Learning

Students receive comprehensive instruction covering therapeutic communication, medical terminology, and digital literacy. The program includes the following courses:

• Therapeutic Communication in the Health Care Setting
• Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
• College Success Skills

Clinical Experience

The program includes a dedicated clinical experience component (NUR 21) that allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under supervision. This hands-on training is essential for developing practical nursing skills and building confidence in patient care.

Exam Preparation

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Virginia certification exam for Certified Nurse Aide. After completing the required coursework with a grade of B (80%) or higher in the nurse aide lecture, lab, and clinical courses (NUR 27 and NUR 21), students become eligible to apply for the certification test.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Nurse Aide program at Patrick & Henry Community College, prospective students must meet specific requirements:

• Complete a program application
• Meet the physical requirements necessary for nurse aide work, including:
  • Sufficient eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity
  • Ability to fully observe patients and conditions
  • Sufficient hearing to communicate with patients
  • Competence in reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Ability to perform patient care activities that require full range of motion
  • Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to perform in stressful conditions or situations
  • Ability to participate in irregular hours (day/evening/night shifts, weekends, more than 8 hours at a time)

Additionally, students must:

• Undergo mandatory drug screening and criminal background check (with negative results required for clinical participation)
• Complete a medical physical examination and provide proof of required immunizations
• Meet placement requirements of EDE 11

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nurse Aide program at Patrick & Henry Community College is structured as a fall semester program. All required courses are offered during the fall term, allowing students to complete the program within one semester.

The program schedule includes:

• NUR 27 – Nurse Aide I (5 credits)
• NUR 21 – Nurse Aide Clinical Experience (1 credit)
• HCT 110 – Therapeutic Communication In The Health Care Setting (3 credits)
• HLT 105 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (1 credit)
• ITE 152 – Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications (3 credits)
• HLT 143 – Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• SDV 100 – College Success Skills (1 credit)

Please contact the program directly for specific class times, clinical rotation schedules, and any alternative scheduling options that may be available.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

Patrick & Henry Community College’s tuition is set by the State Board for Community Colleges. For the Fall 2025 semester, in-state students will see an increase of $4.90 per credit hour, while out-of-state students will experience an increase of $7.40 per credit hour.

Additional Expenses

Students should budget for the following additional costs:

• Drug screening: $38 minimum
• Criminal background check: $48 minimum
• Uniform: $30-$50
• Watch: $10
• Physical examination and TB Skin Test: $100-$150
• Textbook/Workbook: $25-$45
• Certification examination: $140
• Transportation to clinical agencies as required

Financial Assistance Options

Patrick & Henry Community College offers various scholarship opportunities that may help Nurse Aide students with educational expenses:

• Patrick & Henry Scholars program (for local high school graduates with at least 3.0 GPA)
• VTIC Tobacco Scholarships (for students from southside or southwest Virginia)
• Foundation Scholarships (available through a common application)
• Outside scholarships from organizations like Community Foundation, JT Minnie Maude Trust, and others
• Private student loans options

Students should apply for scholarships by the May 31 deadline using the Foundation Scholarships application available on the college website.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nurse Aide program at Patrick & Henry Community College, follow these steps:

1. Submit an application to Patrick & Henry Community College
   • Apply online at www.apply.vccs.edu
   • There is no application fee
2. Request official transcripts from all previous institutions
   • Send transcripts to: Patrick & Henry Community College, Office of Admissions and Records, 645 Patriot Avenue, Martinsville VA 24112
   • Electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the previous institution
3. Complete any placement testing or prerequisites required
   • Meet the EDE 11 placement requirement
4. Meet with an academic advisor to plan your course schedule
5. Register for the required courses and complete payment arrangements

For international students, transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by an approved evaluation agency.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Patrick & Henry Community College
• Address: 645 Patriot Avenue, Martinsville, Virginia 24112
• Phone Number: 276.638.8777
• Website: www.patrickhenry.edu

For specific program inquiries, contact:

• Admissions & Records Office
  • Walker Fine Arts Building
  • M-F 8 am – 5 pm
  • Phone: 276-656-0301
  • Fax: 276-632-0183
  • Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources

• Patrick & Henry Community College Application
• Application Submission Help Video
• Student Academic Program Change Form
• Scholarship Applications
• Credit for Prior Learning Handbook
• Virginia Wizard’s Net Price Calculator

Summary and Next Steps

The Nurse Aide program at Patrick & Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare. In just 17 credits, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to provide quality patient care and qualify for the Virginia Certified Nurse Aide examination.

Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or looking to make a meaningful career change, this program offers a structured pathway to certification with supportive faculty and comprehensive training. The blend of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience ensures you’ll be well-prepared for the diverse challenges of patient care.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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