CNA Classes & Programs in Washington

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, form the backbone of daily patient care across Washington State. From major health systems in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane to community hospitals in Yakima, Bellingham, and the Tri-Cities, as well as long-term care centers throughout the state, CNAs assist with personal care, mobility, feeding, and monitoring patients' conditions.

Washington CNA training is structured to prepare students quickly for real patient-care environments through classroom learning and supervised clinical experience. For many, it represents one of the quickest and most affordable entry points into the healthcare workforce.

This guide covers:

• Washington's CNA training and certification requirements
• Required instructional and clinical hours
• What CNA classes typically include
• CNA program timelines and cost expectations
• How to compare CNA training options in Washington

CNA Programs in Washington: At-a-Glance

Why Train as a CNA in Washington?

Washington’s healthcare landscape includes large hospital networks like Providence, MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Swedish Medical Center, alongside extensive long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and growing home health services. An aging population, particularly in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, and expanding care needs contribute to steady demand for CNAs in both urban and rural areas.

CNA certification offers:

• Rapid workforce entry
• Experience that supports progression into LPN or RN programs
• Job opportunities across hospitals, skilled nursing, and home care throughout Western and Eastern Washington

Washington CNA Certification Step by Step

Here’s how the certification process works in Washington:

Complete Approved Training

Students must graduate from a state-approved CNA training program totaling at least 85 hours, including classroom and clinical instruction. Washington has one of the shorter minimum hour requirements nationally, allowing faster workforce entry.

Pass the Competency Exam

Graduates take the Washington State Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes:

• A written or oral knowledge test
• A hands-on skills evaluation

Registry Placement

After passing, candidates are added to the Washington State Nurse Aide Registry, allowing legal employment as a CNA.

Maintaining Certification

To stay active on the registry, CNAs must work in a paid nursing assistant position for at least eight hours during a consecutive 24-month period. Those who don’t meet this requirement must complete retraining.

Learn more about CNA certification.

CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Washington

Washington CNA programs emphasize practical, bedside care skills.

Clinical hours are completed in person at approved healthcare facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities across Washington.

How Long Does CNA Training Take in Washington?

Most CNA programs in Washington take about 4 to 10 weeks to complete. The exact timeline depends on:

• Full-time vs. part-time schedules
• Day, evening, or weekend classes
• Clinical rotation timing
• Whether the program condenses the 85 hours into intensive formats or spreads them over longer periods

Washington’s shorter minimum hour requirement compared to many states means students can complete training faster while still receiving comprehensive preparation.

Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Washington?

Washington does not permit CNA certification to be completed entirely online. Because CNAs provide hands-on patient care, students must complete in-person clinical training and skills practice before qualifying for testing.

Some schools may offer hybrid CNA programs, which typically include:

• Online coursework for theory topics such as infection control, anatomy basics, and safety protocols
• In-person skills labs for practicing patient-care techniques like transferring patients, taking vital signs, and providing personal care
• Supervised clinical rotations in healthcare facilities across Washington

Even if some coursework is delivered online, students must complete hands-on clinical hours in person to qualify for the Washington State Nurse Assistant Competency Exam and registry placement.

When researching programs, confirm:

• The balance of online vs. in-person hours
• Where clinical training occurs (location matters for commuting in spread-out areas like Spokane County or the Olympic Peninsula)
• That the program is state-approved by the Washington State Department of Health
• Whether the program provides exam preparation support

Washington CNA Employment and Wages

Work setting can influence CNA salary figures in Washington:

Washington’s minimum wage is among the nation’s highest, which benefits CNAs compared to many other states. Seattle, Bellevue, and other King County cities often pay premium wages due to high cost of living, while Eastern Washington locations like Spokane, Wenatchee, and Walla Walla typically offer lower wages but more affordable living costs.

Rural and underserved areas throughout Washington, including counties in the Cascade Range and along the coast, may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance to attract CNAs.

Evaluating CNA Programs in Washington: Good Signs vs Red Flags

CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Washington

Beginning as a CNA allows students to gain real patient-care experience quickly while keeping options open for advanced nursing education. Many Washington nursing programs give preference to applicants with CNA experience, and some employers offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing LPN or RN degrees at institutions like Seattle Central College, Spokane Community College, or Tacoma Community College. For more information on advancement, explore Washington nursing schools and look into CNA to RN programs.

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