Compare state-approved programs, find affordable and fast-track options, and start your healthcare career in Lakewood.
Pierce County is short nearly 3,000 certified nursing assistants right now, and Lakewood sits at the center of that gap. Skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies throughout the Tacoma metro are actively competing for credentialed CNAs, which means training costs and time-to-hire are both working in your favor.
The real tension most prospective students face is practical: how do you complete a state-required clinical component while managing work and family obligations? Washington requires supervised hands-on hours at an approved facility regardless of how you take the theory portion, so schedule flexibility has real limits.
Where do CNAs in Lakewood and surrounding Tacoma actually work? The metro area offers a dense network of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home care agencies that actively hire nursing assistants. Understanding this landscape helps you target your job search and find a role that fits your goals.
Hospital systems are among the largest employers. MultiCare Health System is actively hiring CNAs in Tacoma across its locations, including MultiCare Tacoma General. CommonSpirit Health’s St. Joseph Medical Center also lists multiple CNA positions in medical/surgical, telemetry, and float pool units6. The VA Puget Sound in Tacoma employs nursing assistants with annual salaries ranging from $52,908 to $68,781.1
Long-term care and rehabilitation centers provide steady opportunities. Tacoma Nursing & Rehabilitation holds a 5-star CMS rating2 and regularly seeks CNAs. Facilities like Birch Creek Post Acute and Rehab offer hourly wages between $22 and $24.602, while Heartwood Extended Health Care serves east Tacoma. Adult family homes such as Gloria’s House pay $18 to $22.75 per hour3.
Home care agencies cover a wide geographic area. Advanced Health Care staffs CNAs in Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Gig Harbor. Generations Home Care serves all of Pierce County. Pay rates vary: Greenstaff Home Care ranges from $21 to $27 per hour4, EverHome Healthcare starts at $213, and Sea Mar Community Health Centers offers around $21.225.
Certified nursing assistants deliver hands-on care that keeps patients safe and comfortable. In hospitals, they take vital signs, assist with mobility, and relay concerns to nurses. In nursing homes and assisted living, they help residents with bathing, dressing, eating, and social engagement, often forming close bonds. Home health CNAs bring these services into private residences, enabling clients to age in place. Washington requires completion of a state-approved CNA training in Washington program and a competency exam. The work is physically demanding, but it opens a clear entry path into healthcare with room for advancement into nursing or other roles.
Prospective CNAs in the Lakewood area can access resources that lower training costs. Pierce College and other community colleges frequently offer CNA courses, and financial aid or state grants may be available. WorkSource Pierce, a workforce development partnership, sometimes provides tuition assistance or job placement help for high-demand fields. Because funding cycles shift, it’s best to ask these organizations directly about current opportunities. Some employers also cover training costs for new hires, further reducing the barrier to entry.
Job market signals show sustained CNA demand. Employers openly reference short-staffing and the strain of overwork4, indicating immediate openings. MultiCare’s active recruitment and St. Joseph Medical Center’s multiple vacancies illustrate hospital-level need. Online job boards consistently list positions from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care agencies. Washington’s aging population drives this trend, and projections suggest no slowdown. For newly certified nursing assistants, the path from training to employment is often quick and direct, and our guide to landing your first cna job can help you get started.
Washington State allows the theory portion of CNA training to be delivered online, but every student must complete supervised clinical hours in person at a state-approved healthcare facility before sitting for the NA-C exam. That single rule shapes every "online" CNA program you will encounter in the state: none are fully remote, and any school claiming otherwise is not operating within Department of Health guidelines.
A true hybrid CNA program splits your training into two tracks. Classroom theory (patient rights, infection control, safety procedures, communication, documentation) is delivered through a learning management system, often with live Zoom sessions on a set weekly schedule. Skills labs and clinical rotations are conducted in person, typically at the college campus and at partner nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities.
Several programs within reach of Lakewood students use this format:
Clover Park Technical College, the closest option in Lakewood, currently lists its Nursing Assistant Certified program as campus-based rather than hybrid, so if you want online theory you will need to consider programs at Shoreline, Seattle Central, South Seattle, or Lower Columbia.
The appeal is straightforward: you can watch lectures, complete quizzes, and study care plans on your own schedule, which makes it far easier to hold a job, arrange childcare, or handle a long commute. In-person time is compressed into predictable lab days and clinical shifts you can plan around.
Be skeptical of any provider advertising a fully online CNA certificate. Washington DSHS and the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission require in-person clinical hours, and completing a non-approved program means you cannot sit for the state exam. Every hybrid program listed above is state-approved, but if you find a school outside this list, verify its approval status on the Washington DOH website before you pay tuition.
Lakewood sits inside one of the densest clusters of state-approved CNA training in Washington. Within a half-hour drive you can reach community colleges, technical colleges, and private nursing assistant schools, each approved by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and eligible to prepare you for the state certification exam. The differences come down to schedule, pace, and how quickly the next cohort starts.
Several options are within a five-mile radius of central Lakewood, which keeps commutes short and clinical placements local.1
A short drive up I-5 opens up two more well-established CNA programs in Tacoma.
If you need to keep a current job, the evening and weekend cohorts at Blossom, Priority, ProCare, and Clover Park are the most flexible. If you want a college transcript that transfers toward a nursing degree later, Pierce, Tacoma Community College, and Bates give you that credit trail. Start dates rotate frequently at the private schools (often monthly), while the colleges follow quarterly terms, so check directly with the school for the next open cohort. Every program listed here is state approved, which means completing it makes you eligible to sit for the Washington nursing assistant certification exam.
Pierce County's population aged 65 and older is growing three times faster than the overall population, according to Washington State Office of Financial Management projections. Statewide, the 85-plus age group is expected to grow 260 percent by 2050. This demographic shift is driving sustained demand for CNAs in long-term care facilities across the Lakewood area.
Wages for certified nursing assistants in the Tacoma-Lakewood area are among the more competitive in the country, and the region continues to add healthcare jobs faster than many parts of Washington. Here is what the latest labor data tells us about what you can expect to earn and how the job market is shifting.
Lakewood falls within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area for federal wage reporting, so figures for the broader metro apply to CNAs working in Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup, and surrounding communities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro earned a median hourly wage of $18.36, which works out to roughly $38,200 per year based on full-time work.1
Since that snapshot was taken, wages across Washington have continued to climb. The most recent statewide figure puts the median hourly wage for Washington CNAs at $23.203, one of the highest in the nation. That reflects both minimum wage increases and steady upward pressure from staffing shortages in long-term care and hospital settings.
Nationally, the median annual wage for nursing assistants is $39,530, or about $18.99 per hour.2 Washington CNAs earn noticeably more than the national median, and the Tacoma-Lakewood area typically tracks close to or slightly below wages for CNAs in Seattle. A few takeaways for local candidates:
The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro employs roughly 20,730 nursing assistants, making it one of the largest concentrations of CNA jobs on the West Coast.1 Nationally, BLS projects a steady cna job outlook, with employment growing about 2% between 2024 and 2034.2 While that headline number sounds modest, it understates local demand: openings in Washington are being driven by a rapidly aging population and high turnover in long-term care, not just net new positions.
The 2026 Long-Term Services and Supports Workforce Report from the Washington State Legislature has flagged persistent shortages in direct care roles, particularly in Pierce County.3 For Lakewood-area candidates, that translates to steady hiring at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, adult family homes, and home care agencies, with many employers offering sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement to attract new CNAs.
With tuition under $1,500 at many local programs, new CNAs in the Lakewood area can earn back their training cost in just two to three weeks of full-time work.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Washington means completing a defined sequence of steps set by the state, each building toward the moment you can legally work as a CNA. Here is exactly what the steps to become a CNA look like in 2026.
Washington requires a minimum of 108 hours of training before you can sit for the certification exam.1 That total breaks down into at least 35 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, with the remaining hours covering additional coursework and skills labs.
Critically, the program you attend must be approved by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).1 Programs listed on cnaclasses.org meet that requirement, so you can enroll with confidence that your training will count toward certification.
After completing your program, you have one year to pass the NNAAP exam, administered by Credentia.2 The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test (fee: $55) and a hands-on skills demonstration (fee: $100). You have up to three attempts to pass.3 Failing to pass within the one-year window means repeating training before you can try again.3
Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the certification process.1 Once you pass the exam and clear the background check, you apply for certification through the Washington State Department of Health. Expect an application fee of $80 to $90 and a processing time of roughly two to four weeks.
Certification renews annually. To stay current, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year, including 2 hours specifically on health equity topics. You also need to log at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work during each 48-month period to demonstrate active practice.
Many students confuse CNAs with Home Care Aides (HCAs). In Washington, these are separate credentials regulated by different agencies. The Home Care Aide credential requires 75 hours of training and a state-administered home care exam overseen by DSHS.4 HCAs typically support clients with daily living tasks in home settings, while CNAs work across a broader range of care environments, including nursing facilities and hospitals. If your goal is hospital or long-term care facility employment, the CNA credential is the one to pursue.
Note: Washington used a temporary nurse aide provision during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed individuals to work before completing full certification requirements. That provision has expired, and the full standard process described above applies to all new applicants in 2026.
Below are the top-ranked CNA programs serving Lakewood students, selected for affordability, student outcomes, and state approval. These schools offer a mix of accelerated, evening, and campus-based formats to fit your schedule and career goals. Each program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission or Department of Health, ensuring eligibility for the state certification exam.
Lakewood, WA · $10,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Lakewood locals wanting in-city campus training
Clover Park Technical College, located right in Lakewood, is the most convenient choice for local students. Its Nursing Assistant Certified program can be completed in just one quarter, combining classroom learning with clinical practice in nearby healthcare facilities. The state certification exam fee is included in tuition, and the college supports career changers with information sessions and financial aid guidance.
Tacoma, WA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Tacoma commuters prioritizing a 5-week format
Bates Technical College in Tacoma offers a rapid 5-week Nursing Assistant program that's a short commute from Lakewood. The Downtown Campus program is state-approved and includes a geriatric care focus, preparing students for the Washington certification exam. With affordable tuition and federal aid options, it's a practical choice for those seeking swift entry into the workforce.
Renton, WA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Best for: Cost-aware students valuing flexible evening options
Renton Technical College's Nursing Assistant Certificate is a 10-credit program with flexible day or evening classes, ideal for students balancing work and training. Approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing, the program includes clinical practice in local hospitals and facilities, ensuring hands-on experience. The college's strong graduation rate and low net price make it a valuable starting point for a nursing career.
Wenatchee, WA · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Wenatchee Valley College offers two CNA training paths: a standard quarter-long certificate and a 3-week fast-track option. Both include classroom, lab, and clinical hours, with the fast-track integrating the state skills exam. The program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission and offers financial aid for eligible students.
Aberdeen, WA · $5,000/yr (net price)
Grays Harbor College's CNA program combines classroom lectures with hands-on clinical practice in nursing homes. At just $1,764 to $2,154 in tuition and fees, it's one of the most affordable options in the state. The program is offered in winter and summer sessions and includes workforce funding assistance for eligible students.
Moses Lake, WA · $5,000 – $6,000/yr
Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake offers a one-quarter Nursing Assistant Certificate of Accomplishment approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission. The program includes 9 credits of classroom, lab, and clinical training, preparing students for the NNAAP exam. Admission is competitive, using a points-based system, and the college serves a diverse student body.
Auburn, WA · $14,000/yr
Green River College in Auburn offers a 15-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate that can be completed in about three months. The program features quarterly starts and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs. With a total cost around $2,450, it's an affordable option, and workforce education funding is available for eligible students.
Bellevue, WA · $11,000/yr (net price)
Bellevue College's Nursing Assistant program is a 10-credit, one-quarter certificate with 176 hours of training. It includes both nursing home and hospital clinical rotations and is approved by the Washington State Department of Health. The program emphasizes professional behavior, cultural sensitivity, and dementia care.
Bellingham, WA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Bellingham Technical College offers a 12-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate that prepares students for Washington State CNA certification. The program includes CPR certification and has a high graduate placement rate. With tuition around $1,700 per quarter and no entrance exam, it's an accessible pathway into healthcare.
Mount Vernon, WA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Skagit Valley College's 10-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate is a one-quarter program on the Mount Vernon campus. With flexible start terms and clinical placements in Island and Skagit counties, it offers hands-on training for the state certification exam. First-come, first-served admission simplifies the enrollment process.
Considering a nursing assistant career in Lakewood? Here are clear answers to common questions about CNA training costs, timelines, and requirements in Washington state.
