CNA License in Washington

Have you been thinking about enrolling in a nursing assistant program in Washington, but would like some information pertaining to the career? If you would, you are at the right place! There is currently an increasing need for qualified nursing assistants in the state of Washington, and those who choose this field enjoy many benefits, including comfortable salaries, ample employment opportunities, flexible work schedules, and short training courses.

CNA Certification Requirements in Washington

Nursing assistants in Washington are known as certified nursing assistants (CNAs). There are also registered nursing assistants (RNAs) in the state. RNAs, who do not require formal training, employed in a nursing home have four months to complete an approved training program and testing for certification. To become eligible for certification, you must attend a training course that offers no less than 85 hours of instruction. Upon finishing your course, you are required to complete the nursing assistant's competency exam to be certified.

How to Get Your CNA Certification in Washington

After completing the state-approved nursing assistant course, you will be eligible to apply for a CNA certification, and if your application is approved, you will be able to sit and pass the state's certification exam. You can apply online. Simply go to the Washington State Department of Health website and navigate as follows: Licenses/Permits and Certificates, “Professions: New, renew or update,” “N” (under Professions A to Z), Nursing Assistant, Apply for a license, Nursing Assistant Certified Apply Online, Online application instructions are on our website. Follow the instructions there (you will need to create a Secure Access Washington account if you don’t already have one).

How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Washington

At times during your career as a CNA in Washington, you may need to verify your nursing assistant certification. In such a situation, click on Verify your license (Provider Credential Search) on the Nursing Assistant page of the Department’s website. On the page that shows up, you can verify the current status of your certification.

How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Washington

The state of Washington requires all CNAs to renew their certifications every two years. You can do this online by going to the Nursing Assistant page of the Washington State Department of Health’s website and clicking on “Renew your license.”

How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Washington

If your certification has expired, you will need to reinstate your status. Currently, to reinstate a nursing assistant license in Washington, you will need to retake the nursing assistant license exam.

How to Transfer Your RNA Certification from Washington to Another State

If you wish to transfer your RNA license from Washington to another state, you must abide by the transfer requirements of your new state. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing can help you locate the new state’s proper agency for you to contact and learn about the transfer requirements. Although transfer criteria often varies from state to state, common requirements include license verification, a small transfer fee, continuing education classes, and/or competency testing.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Washington

Do you need help finding a CNA school in Washington? If so, here are some of the state-approved schools that offer top quality nursing assistant courses.

1. Grays Harbor College

   1620 Edward P Smith Dr, Aberdeen, WA 98520 (360) 532-9020

2. Green River College

   12401 SE 320th St, Auburn, WA 98092 (253) 833-9111

3. Lake Washington Institute of Technology

   11605 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 739-8100

4. Lower Columbia College

   1600 Maple St, Longview, WA 98632 (360) 442-2311

5. North Seattle College

   9600 College Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 934-3600

6. Renton Technical College

   3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056 (425) 235-2352

7. Seattle Central College

   1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 934-3800

8. Shoreline Community College

   16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 (206) 546-4101

9. South Puget Sound Community College

   2011 Mottman Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512 (360) 596-5200

10. South Seattle College

    6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106 (206) 934-5300

11. Spokane Community College

    1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217 (509) 533-7000

12. Tacoma Community College

    6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466 (253) 566-5000

13. Walla Walla Community College

    500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362 (509) 522-2500

14. Whatcom Community College

    237 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226 (360) 383-3000