Steps to Obtaining a Washington CNA License

Certified nursing assistants enjoy high demand in Washington since long-term health care facilities and private home care settings are always in need of competent CNAs. Washington is one of the states in the country that requires a high number of CNAs due to the shortage of skilled medical workers in the entry-level positions.

CNAs working in Washington have an annual salary of $26,000. The state CNA annual income is slightly higher the average salary. This is one of the reasons why Washington is an ideal place CNAs to build a rewarding career. The state offers many opportunities to aspiring students who want to acquire a Washington CNA license.

Before beginning your career as a certified nursing assistant, you have to complete a CNA training program in Washington. The training program for CNAs is regulated by Washington’s Department of Health and Social Services. CNAs without a Washington CNA license cannot practice their profession in Washington.

CNA Training Program

A typical training program for CNAs will usually need at least 80 hours of classroom training and clinical experience. If you are worried about the costs of the CNA training program in Washington, you can apply for a financial grant or scholarship to help finance your studies. As mandated by federal law, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the training program and CNA certification when you have successfully completed your training within a year. The mandate will hopefully attract more students to become trained and professional CNAs.

The training program for CNAs in Washington will vary according to the specific institution offering the program. The CNA program to obtain a Washington CNA license will have comprehensive courses covering the rights of patients, ethics, interpersonal skills, emergency and restorative care. Students are also expected to take classes in anatomy and biology as part of their CNA training.

To gain clinical experience, CNA students are expected to spend their clinical studies in nursing homes or a long-term care facility under the management of an experienced CNA instructor. Students will also get the chance to observe how CNAs will practice the skills learned during training.

List of Schools with CNA Programs in Washington

1. Bellevue College
   3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
   
2. Bellingham Technical College
   3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
   
3. Big Bend Community College
   7662 Chanute St, Moses Lake, WA 98837
   
4. Carrington College, Spokane
   10102 E. Knox, Suite 200, Spokane, WA 99206
   
5. Centralia College
   600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia, WA 98531
   
6. Clark College, Vancouver
   1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663
   
7. Clover Park Technical College
   4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
   
8. Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood
   20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
   
9. Everett Community College
   2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201
   
10. Gonzaga University
    E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, WA 99258
    
11. Lower Columbia College
    1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632
    
12. North Seattle Community College
    9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103
    
13. Olympic College
    1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
    
14. Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
    9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
    
15. Pierce College at Puyallup
    1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
    
16. Renton Technical College
    3000 NE Fourth St, Renton, WA 98056
    
17. Shoreline Community College
    16101 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
    
18. South Seattle Community College
    6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
    
19. Walla Walla Community College
    500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362
    
20. Wenatchee Valley College
    1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
    
21. Yakima Valley Community College
    South 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
    

Licensure and Examination

Once students have completed the CNA training program to obtain a Washington CNA license, they must begin preparing for the CNA licensure examination. Licensing for CNAs is regulated by the Department of Health. The exam will test the nursing knowledge and skills of aspiring CNAs.

Passing the licensure examination will get you to your goal of having a Washington CNA license. The certification will allow you to practice your profession and pursue career opportunities in the state of Washington.