LeadingAge Virginia was awarded $149,800 through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) with funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment program.

We used this opportunity to lead an innovative initiative to address the health care workforce shortage by creating an opportunity for certified nurse aides to become leaders in the aging services field.

In collaboration with Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and Sunnyside Retirement Communities, we developed an Advanced Certified Nurse Aide curriculum approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

We provided 22 scholarships to eligible certified nurse aides working in CMS-certified nursing homes to complete the course at BRCC and Northern Virginia Community College.

We are now pleased to provide this toolkit with the curriculum and resources to support community colleges and aging service providers throughout Virginia with developing and offering this new pathway to train and license Advanced Certified Nurse Aides to serve the aging services field.

What is an Advanced Certified Nurse Aide?

An Advanced Certified Nurse Aide (ACNA) is a Certified Nurse Aide that has received further education by successfully completing an approved ACNA course that includes a competency evaluation acceptable to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Learn more about eligibility.