Key Points
- Projected job growth for CNAs in Washington is 12.37% through 2029.
- Metro wages range from $44,260 in Yakima to $51,990 in Seattle.
- Washington requires 85 hours of training and a background check for CNAs.
Best CNA Classes in Washington (2027 Rankings)
Compare the best CNA programs in Washington by cost, location, and schedule to start your nursing career.
In Washington, a CNA can be certified in four weeks for under $1,000, but graduates of longer programs with richer clinical hours often land hospital jobs at higher wages. This tension between speed and depth defines the training market. Your options span accelerated 85-hour courses, hybrid schedules, and employer-sponsored tracks that lead directly to hiring. CNA programs in Shoreline, WA balance low net cost with strong placement support and graduate earnings above metro averages. With a wage gap exceeding $7,000 between Seattle and Yakima, the right training choice can shape not only your job readiness but also your long-term earnings.
What Is a CNA? Understanding the Role
What's the actual day-to-day work of a certified nursing assistant? CNAs are the frontline caregivers who help patients with the essential tasks of daily living. They take vital signs like blood pressure and temperature, assist with bathing and dressing, help with mobility and feeding, and report changes in a patient's condition to nurses. The role is hands-on, personal, and vital: CNAs spend more direct time with patients than almost anyone else on the healthcare team.
How CNAs Fit into the Nursing Team
A CNA works under the supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs), but the scope of practice is distinct. CNAs do not administer medications, develop care plans, or perform invasive procedures. Instead, they focus on basic care and comfort. LPNs handle more clinical tasks like wound care and medication administration, while RNs manage overall care coordination and complex assessments. CNAs are often described as the eyes and ears on the floor because they are the first to notice subtle changes in a patient's mood, appetite, or mobility.
Work Settings in Washington
In Washington, CNAs find employment in a variety of settings: - Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care: The largest employer of CNAs, providing round-the-clock assistance to elderly or disabled residents. - Hospitals: CNAs work on medical-surgical floors, emergency departments, and rehabilitation units, helping patients recover after illness or surgery. - Home health agencies: CNAs travel to private homes, allowing clients to age in place with dignity. - Assisted living and memory care: A growing sector as the state's population ages.
Why CNAs Matter in Washington's Healthcare System
Washington's healthcare system depends heavily on a steady supply of qualified CNAs. As the state's senior population grows faster than the national average, demand for long-term care and home-based services is surging. CNAs fill a critical workforce gap, particularly in rural communities where other nursing professionals are harder to recruit. The role offers a quick entry into healthcare through CNA training and a meaningful career with strong job security.
Your Path to CNA Certification in Washington
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Washington follows a clear sequence that turns classroom learning into a state-recognized credential. The Washington State Department of Health oversees the process, and every step is designed to make sure you are ready to provide safe, compassionate care. Here is the path from enrollment to landing your first CNA job.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Rules
Before you can enroll in a training program, Washington sets a few non-negotiable requirements. You must be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma or GED is not mandatory in Washington, which opens the door for many career-changing adults. You will also need to pass a criminal background check. This is a state mandate and will be repeated when you apply for your credential.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Washington requires a minimum of 85 hours of instruction, but most programs exceed that number to fully prepare you for the exam. The typical program clocks in around 115 hours, which includes at least 7 hours focused on HIV/AIDS education. Training covers essential nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, and communication. You will split your time between classroom theory and hands-on clinical practice, all under the supervision of a licensed nurse. You can find approved CNA programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. To keep your options flexible, Washington publishes a list of all approved training providers on the Department of Health website.
Pass the NNAAP Competency Exam
Once you finish your training, you register for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which is administered by Credentia in Washington.3 The exam has two parts: skills evaluation and a written (or oral) knowledge test. You must take the skills portion first. During the skills demonstration, you perform a handful of randomly selected nursing assistant tasks on a test proctor acting as a client. Once you pass skills, you sit for the written or oral multiple-choice exam. You can retake a failed portion without repeating the other, but you must pass both within a set timeframe.
Submit Your Application and Background Check
After passing the exam, you submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health along with proof of training completion and exam results. The state will run a second background check, and there is no fee for this at the application stage. Once approved, your CNA certification is valid for two years. To renew, you must document 8 hours of paid CNA work within the preceding 24 months and complete 12 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours on health equity. The renewal fee is $75.4
Typical Timeline: From Student to Certified CNA
The entire process moves quickly. Full-time students often complete training in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the program format. Exam results are typically available within a few days, and the state processes applications in about 2 to 4 weeks. This means most candidates finish the entire certification journey in 2 to 3 months after starting classes, making it one of the fastest pathways into a healthcare career.
Washington's Leading CNA Programs: Our 2027 Picks
Below are nine Washington CNA programs that stand out for a mix of affordability, student support, and hands-on clinical preparation. Each entry highlights program format, admissions requirements, and student outcomes to help you find a fit.
Renton Technical College
#1Renton, WA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Seattle-area career starters needing hands-on labs
Renton Technical College offers a five-week Nursing Assistant certificate with four start dates each year, making it one of the most accessible fast-track CNA options in the Seattle area. Coursework combines patient care basics, safety, and communication with preparation for Washington certification. Graduates enter hospitals, long-term care, assisted living, and home care, and many use the training as a stepping stone to LPN or RN programs.
- Five-week certificate program with four start dates per year.
- Approved by Washington State Department of Health and Board of Nursing.
- Covers vital signs, daily living assistance, safe transfers, and patient rights.
- Admission requires BLS certification, background check, TB test, and COVID/flu vaccines.
- Prepares graduates for hospitals, long-term care, assisted living, and home care.
- Path to LPN or RN training.
Bates Technical College
#2Tacoma, WA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Tacoma learners wanting supervised clinical hours
Bates Technical College in Tacoma runs a five-week, 10-credit Nursing Assistant Certified program that blends classroom work, skills labs, and supervised clinical shifts. Students practice vital signs, daily living assistance, safe transfers, and documentation before taking Washington's written and manual skills exam. Admission requires a criminal background check and current immunizations.
- Five-week, 10-credit certificate program.
- Blends classroom, skills labs, and supervised clinical rotations.
- Eligible for Washington State written and manual skills exam.
- Background check and up-to-date immunizations required before clinicals.
- Downtown Campus in Tacoma; fall start.
- Lists median hourly wage of $23 and 17 percent job growth.
Big Bend Community College
#3Moses Lake, WA · $5,000 – $6,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Rural learners wanting a nursing pathway
Big Bend Community College offers a one-quarter Nursing Assistant Certificate of Accomplishment in Moses Lake. The program includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience and prepares students for the NNAAP exam and Washington NAC licensure. Admission is competitive, with fall-quarter entry and a top 24 applicant cap.
- One-quarter certificate program in Moses Lake.
- Prepares for NNAAP exam and Washington NAC licensure.
- Includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience.
- Admission is fall-quarter only with a points-based selection system.
- Top 24 applicants admitted; requires 2.0 GPA, CPR, background check, and immunizations.
- Approved by Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Bellingham Technical College
#4Bellingham, WA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Bellingham Technical College's Nursing Assistant certificate is a 12-credit, one-quarter campus program with both classroom instruction and hospital-based clinical practicum. It includes CPR certification and meets Washington DOH requirements for CNA certification. The program reports a high graduate placement rate, and estimated tuition and fees are about $1,700 plus supplies.
- 12-credit, one-quarter campus program.
- Includes CPR certification and hospital-based clinical practicum.
- Approved by Washington Department of Health.
- Reports 95 percent graduate placement rate.
- Estimated tuition and fees around $1,700 plus tools and clothing.
Bellevue College
#5Bellevue, WA · $11,000/yr (est. net price)
Bellevue College offers a 176-hour, 10-credit Nursing Assistant Certified Certificate of Completion with didactic, lab, and clinical rotations in nursing homes and hospitals. The program is Washington-approved and leads to NNAAP exam eligibility. Students can access I-BEST support or a non-I-BEST asynchronous online approach paired with in-person skills labs.
- 176-hour, 10-credit certificate program.
- Includes didactic, lab, and clinical rotations in nursing homes and hospitals.
- Approved by Washington state agencies; eligible for NNAAP exam.
- I-BEST support available for students strengthening English and basic skills.
- Non-I-BEST asynchronous online approach paired with in-person skills lab.
- Day or evening clinical shifts; CastleBranch application system.
Skagit Valley College
#6Mount Vernon, WA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Skagit Valley College's one-quarter Nursing Assistant Education Certificate runs on the Mount Vernon campus with clinical sites in local counties. Start terms include fall, winter, and spring, and admission is first come, first served. The program prepares students for Washington certification with hands-on patient-care skills and safety training.
- One-quarter, 10-credit certificate program.
- Mount Vernon campus with clinical sites in local counties.
- Fall, winter, and spring entry terms.
- First come, first served admission.
- Requires BLS certification, background check, and immunization documentation.
Green River College
#7Auburn, WA · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Green River College offers a 15-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate that runs about three months in person. The curriculum covers safety, infection control, communication, and patient care fundamentals, with hands-on labs and clinical experience. Admission requires students to be at least 18 and complete background, immunization, and drug screening steps.
- 15-credit certificate program completed in about three months.
- In-person format with quarterly program starts.
- Approximate cost is $2,450.
- Must be 18 or older; immunizations, background checks, and drug screens required.
- I-BEST support available for some students.
- State-of-the-art nursing labs and monthly open house events.
Shoreline Community College
#8Shoreline, WA · $5,000 – $8,000/yr (est.)
Shoreline Community College offers a hybrid Nursing Assistant Certified Certificate with 16 to 18 credits across fall, winter, spring, or summer quarters. Students can choose Non-I-BEST for independent learners or I-BEST with extra English and basic skills support. Washington residents pay about $126 per credit plus program fees, and federal aid and scholarships are available.
- 16-18 credit hybrid certificate program.
- Online theory component with campus skills lab and clinical practicum.
- Fall, winter, spring, and summer start terms.
- Non-I-BEST and I-BEST options available.
- Washington resident tuition around $126 per credit plus $690 program fees.
- Federal aid and scholarships available.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
#9Kirkland, WA · $6,000 – $12,000/yr (est.)
Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland offers a one-quarter Nursing Assistant certificate with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical practicum. The program prepares students for the NNAAP exam and Washington state certification, with admission available every quarter. It also serves as a foundation for further allied health pathways such as registered nursing.
- One-quarter certificate program with classroom, lab, and clinical practicum.
- Prepares for NNAAP exam and Washington state certification.
- Admission available every quarter.
- I-BEST support available.
- Applicants must be 18 or older with background check and immunizations.
- $110 NNAAP application fee; courses must be taken same quarter.
- Includes First Aid/CPR training and math/English prerequisites.
In Washington, nursing assistants earn the highest wages in the Seattle metro area.
How to Pick the Best CNA Program for You
Choosing the right CNA program isn’t just about finding the lowest price; it’s about matching cost, schedule, location, and quality to your personal situation. A program that looks perfect on paper can become a grind if the commute is too long, the clinical rotation is far from home, or the class pace doesn’t match your learning style. Use these four checks to weigh your options.
Cost and What’s Included
Washington CNA program prices vary significantly, and the sticker price isn’t always the full story. Total tuition and fees can range from $850 at Spokane CNA Classes1 to $1,677.10 at My CNA School Longview2. Many community college programs land in the middle: Edmonds College costs $1,189.84 total, with $380 in lab fees and $98.42 for books, while Wenatchee Valley College lists $1,235.80 including a $100 lab fee and $123 compliance cost4. Private schools like Crystal Point CNA Training School charge $1,3005, and Blossom Nursing Academy is $1,3226. Ask each school for a complete cost sheet that spells out tuition, lab fees, books, supplies, and any compliance or background check charges. Some programs, like Seattle Central College, separately estimate $500 for books and supplies7, so a lower tuition figure can be deceptive if those add-ons aren’t listed upfront.
Schedule and Pace
Program length ranges from accelerated three-week sprints at Crystal Point CNA Training School5 to standard eight-to-eleven-week community college tracks that spread the same material across a full quarter. If you need to earn a paycheck quickly, a faster pace may be worth the intensity; if you absorb information better with more repetition and study time, a traditional schedule is often a smarter choice. Look for schedule formats that fit your life: day, evening, and even hybrid options. NW NAC Training and Stardig Nursing Services9 both offer day and evening cohorts, giving you the flexibility to continue working or manage family responsibilities. Always confirm that the program’s clinical hours are scheduled at times you can consistently commit to.
Location, Clinicals, and Outcomes You Can Verify
Commute matters more than you think. A campus close to home can be offset if clinical placements require a long drive; ask where students typically complete their hands-on training. Smaller class sizes, like the maximum 10 students at Stardig Nursing Services9, can mean more individual attention during skills practice. Finally, don’t skip the outcome data. A reputable program will share its state exam pass rate, job placement figures, and graduate satisfaction feedback. Those numbers tell you what the program actually delivers, not just what it promises. The time you spend comparing these details upfront will pay off in a smoother path to certification and landing your first CNA job.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Your schedule dictates program pace; part-time evening or weekend options exist but are less widely available.
Hybrid programs let you learn theory online, though clinical hours are always in-person.
Costs range from free to over $2,000; knowing your budget helps you target the right program.
What You'll Need to Get Started: CNA Program Admissions
Before you can begin your CNA training in Washington, you will need to satisfy a set of admissions requirements. These vary somewhat from one program to the next, so it pays to do your homework early and gather the right documents well before your target start date.
Age and Education Basics
Most CNA programs in Washington require applicants to be at least 18 years old, although some will accept students as young as 16 or 17 with parental consent or additional documentation. On the education side, a high school diploma or GED is the standard expectation at the majority of training providers. A handful of programs may allow enrollment without a diploma if the student can demonstrate basic competency through an entrance assessment. For the most up-to-date official requirements on age and education, visit the Washington State Department of Health's CNA program page, which outlines the state's baseline standards.
Background Checks and Health Screenings
Washington requires a criminal background check for anyone seeking CNA certification, and many training programs ask you to complete this step before classes even begin. You should also expect to provide proof of certain immunizations, a current TB test, and in some cases a physical exam from your healthcare provider. These screenings protect both patients and classmates during your clinical rotations, so plan to schedule them early enough that results arrive before orientation.
Entrance Assessments and Program-Specific Criteria
Some programs require a reading comprehension or basic math assessment as part of the admissions process. These tests help instructors gauge readiness for the coursework and are generally not difficult for students with a solid high school education. Other programs may ask for CPR certification, a personal statement, or letters of recommendation. Because requirements differ from school to school, contact your chosen program directly to confirm exactly what they need from you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) also provides a helpful overview of general CNA education and certification guidelines if you want a national-level perspective.
Professional Resources Worth Checking
Organizations like the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) publish standardized expectations and CNA online resources that can help you understand what the profession demands before you commit. Reviewing these materials gives you a clearer picture of what admissions committees look for and how to present yourself as a prepared, motivated candidate.
A Quick Admissions Checklist
To keep your application on track, gather the following before you apply:
- Proof of age: Government-issued ID or birth certificate.
- Education documentation: High school diploma, GED, or transcripts.
- Background check clearance: Completed through the state's designated process.
- Health records: Immunization history, TB test results, and any required physical exam.
- Entrance test scores: If your program requires a reading or math assessment.
- Additional items: CPR card, personal statement, or references as requested.
Starting the admissions process with everything in hand saves time and stress. If any requirement is unclear, reach out to the program's admissions office directly. They field these questions regularly and can walk you through exactly what you need.
Paying for CNA Training: Scholarships, Grants, and Aid
How can I pay for CNA classes without going into debt in Washington? Whether you plan to enroll in CNA training in Seattle or CNA classes in Spokane, a surprising number of funding streams are designed specifically to help you earn this credential at little to no out-of-pocket cost, from state grants that cover tuition to employer partnerships that actually pay you while you train.
Washington-Specific Scholarships You Can Apply For
Two scholarships stand out for CNA students in 2026. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, Career & Technical Scholarship awards $1,5001 to eligible Washington residents enrolled in an approved health-care certificate program. You must submit your FAFSA or WASFA by the April 15, 2026 deadline to be considered2, and awards are based on financial need. The Washington Foundation for Long Term Care Scholarship offers $1,000 and is aimed specifically at those working in or committed to long-term care. Its application deadline falls on March 20, 2026, and you’ll need to show enrollment in an approved vocational or nursing-related program.3
A lesser-known but valuable resource is the AFH Training Scholarship from the Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington. If you work in an Adult Family Home that contracts with Medicaid and have logged at least 40 hours there before your sponsorship, this program can cover your CNA/NAC training costs and even provide a stipend for your employer to hire a temporary replacement worker.4
Workforce Funding Through WIOA and DSHS
Federal and state workforce dollars flow directly to CNA training. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds CNA programs through local WorkSource offices. Adults who are unemployed, underemployed, dislocated workers, or low-income can apply; there is no single statewide deadline, and funding may cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies up to 100%.5 If you receive Basic Food (SNAP) or DSHS benefits like TANF, the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program can also pay for your CNA training.5 Reach out to your nearest DSHS or WorkSource office to learn about rolling enrollment.
Don’t overlook the Washington College Grant. For Washington residents enrolled in eligible for-credit certificate programs, this grant can significantly lower costs: simply file a FAFSA or WASFA to be considered.6
Employer-Sponsored Training: Get Paid While You Learn
Many long-term care facilities and hospitals in Washington offer employer-paid CNA training. These programs typically cover the full cost of your education in exchange for a work commitment, often ranging from 6 months to 2 years after certification.5 In some cases you earn a wage during training, effectively making your education free while you build experience. Ask prospective employers about tuition reimbursement and training partnerships during your job search, it’s one of the most direct routes to a debt-free career start.
Tips for Comparing Financial Aid Packages and Payment Plans
When you weigh your options, look beyond the headline dollar amount. - Deadlines: Mark application cutoff dates on your calendar. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship closes April 151, while the Long Term Care Foundation scholarship ends March 20.3 - Eligibility fine print: Double-check residency, income thresholds, and program approval status. The Washington College Grant, for example, requires enrollment in a specific type of certificate program.6 - Funding coverage: Some awards pay tuition only; others cover books, supplies, or exam fees. WIOA tends to be the most comprehensive, while individual scholarships may be more limited. - Payment plans: If you need to spread out tuition, ask schools directly about installment options. Many private training centers offer zero-interest plans that make budgeting simpler.
Washington CNA Licensing Board at a Glance
CNA Pay by Washington Metro Area: Where Salaries Are Highest
CNA pay in Washington isn’t one flat number across the state. Median annual wages for nursing assistants range from $44,260 in Yakima to $51,990 in the Seattle area, and total employment numbers reveal which metro areas offer the most job opportunities. The data below, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 report, gives a clear geographic picture before you commit to a training location.1
Metro Area Pay Comparison
Here’s how the five largest Washington metro areas with reported CNA employment stack up, along with the statewide figures:
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: Median annual wage $51,990; 20,730 CNAs employed (the largest concentration in the state)
- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: Median annual wage $50,350; 8,260 CNAs employed (includes the Washington side of the metro)
- Bellingham, WA: Median annual wage $48,060; 1,050 CNAs employed
- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA: Median annual wage $45,110; 2,960 CNAs employed
- Yakima, WA: Median annual wage $44,260; 1,130 CNAs employed
- Washington (statewide): Median annual wage $49,180; 37,390 CNAs employed overall
What These Numbers Mean for Your Career Path
Seattle and Portland both offer median wages above the state average, making them the highest-paying metro areas for CNAs in Washington. However, a higher wage often comes with a higher cost of living, especially in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue corridor. Bellingham’s pay sits just below the statewide median, while Spokane and Yakima fall below it but may offer more affordable housing markets. When you compare offers, weigh the salary against local rents, commute costs, and lifestyle.
Employment totals tell a second part of the story. The Seattle metro employs over 20,000 CNAs, meaning job openings, shift variety, and employer choice tend to be stronger there. Spokane, with nearly 3,000 CNAs, is a solid mid-sized market. Yakima and Bellingham each employ around 1,000 to 1,100 nursing assistants, so while competition can be lower, the absolute number of open positions may also be smaller.
Choosing a Location Based on Pay and Opportunities
If maximizing income is your top goal, aiming for a CNA job in the Seattle or Portland-Vancouver metro is a strong move. If you prefer a lower cost of living and a tight-knit healthcare community, Spokane or Bellingham might feel more comfortable. Keep in mind that many CNA employers, especially large hospital systems, offer shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and benefits that can raise your total compensation well above the median wage. Once you’re certified, you can explore positions in multiple metros before deciding where to settle.
Here's a stat worth knowing: employment for nursing assistants in Washington is projected to grow 12.37% from 2019 to 2029, according to state workforce data compiled by the Washington Roundtable. That outpaces many other entry-level occupations, meaning CNAs entering the field now are stepping into strong, sustained demand across hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings statewide.
We evaluate CNA programs by weighing pass rates, hands-on clinical hours, employer partnerships, and student support services, because the best training does more than prepare you for an exam. It sets you up for a lasting healthcare career.
Additional Washington CNA Training Providers to Explore
The ranking above highlights standout CNA programs in Washington, but it is far from the only place to train. The directory below groups additional schools by region so you can find a program close to home, work, or family. Each entry lists the campus location, the delivery format, and a direct link to the program page.
Seattle Metro
Seattle Central College
A 16-credit Nursing Assistant Certified certificate that can be finished in one quarter full-time. Theory meets online over Zoom, lab sessions are held in person, and students complete a 40-hour clinical practicum before sitting for Washington's NA-C exams.
Pima Medical Institute-Seattle
An on-campus Nursing Assistant / Nurse Aide certificate that runs about six weeks. Coursework covers infection control, emergency procedures, and basic nursing skills, with clinical externships for real-world practice and financial aid options for those who qualify.
South Seattle College
The Nursing Assistant Certified program is delivered in a hybrid format through Seattle Central College. Remote theory sessions pair with hands-on labs at the South Seattle campus, and clinical training rotates through a variety of sites around the Seattle area.
Edmonds College
The Nurse Assistant Certificate of Completion covers basic patient care, CPR, and a supervised clinical externship, preparing graduates for the state competency exam. Small clinical groups and assigned faculty advisors support students, and a 2.0 GPA is required to earn the certificate.
Pima Medical Institute-Renton
A six-week Nursing Assistant / Nurse Aide certificate taught on campus. Students train in infection control, emergency procedures, and patient care techniques, then apply those skills during clinical externships. Career services and financial aid programs are available.
Tacoma and the South Sound
Tacoma Community College
The Nursing Assistant Certified certificate needs just 10 credits and prepares students for hospitals, long-term care, and home health work. Topics include patient rights, safety, CPR, personal care, and restorative services, with admission handled through a selective process.
Pierce College District
A 12-credit Nursing Assistant Certified certificate that moves from classroom theory to lab skills to clinical practice in a single quarter. The curriculum includes the HIV/AIDS training Washington requires, mock skills testing, and Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
South Puget Sound Community College
This Nursing Assistant Certified course runs about three months with fall, winter, and spring starts. Face-to-face lectures, lab practice, and long-term care clinicals cover vital signs, personal care, transfers, and documentation, and each cohort is limited to 20 students.
Kitsap and the Olympic Peninsula
Olympic College
The 13-credit Nursing Assistant certificate splits time between classroom study, a skills lab, and supervised clinical practice in acute care, long-term care, and home settings. Washington's Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission approves the curriculum, and most students finish in a single quarter.
Peninsula College
A state-approved Nursing Assistant Certified program with 54 hours of academic instruction and 48 hours of supervised clinical experience. Training covers basic nursing skills, emergency procedures, laws and regulations, and HIV/AIDS certification, with no prior experience required.
Southwest Washington
Lower Columbia College
This 7-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion blends online and in-person learning, and the state skills competency exam is built into the coursework. Instruction covers patient care, infection control, safety, legal principles, and cultural diversity in care.
Centralia College
A 10-week Nursing Assistant Certified program with 12 credits and 168 hours of training, open to students without prerequisites or a diploma. Graduates also earn state credentials in Dementia, Mental Health, Nurse Delegation, and Diabetes, and Workforce Funding may cover tuition.
Eastern Washington
Spokane Community College
A one-quarter Nursing Assistant Certified certificate with fall, winter, spring, and summer starts. Students complete classroom instruction, lab hours, and supervised clinical hours before sitting for the Washington State CNA exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Walla Walla Community College
The Nursing Assistant Certificate follows state and federal guidelines and covers basic nursing care skills. The 8-credit program is typically completed in one quarter and is offered at both the Walla Walla and Clarkston locations.
Columbia Basin College
The Certified Nursing Assistant program runs one quarter with 85 hours of training, including 50 clinical hours at Tri-Cities facilities. Starts are available in fall, winter, and spring, and I-BEST and Opportunity Grant funding may help cover costs.
