Online CNA Classes in Washington State: See Top Schools
Studying online to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Washington state can save you time and money. Thanks to flexible hybrid programs, you can have the best of convenient online coursework and real-world experience through on-campus labs and on-site clinical experiences. Discover the best online CNA classes in Washington state in our guide. We’ve included everything you need to know before you go, from school spotlights to FAQs to our outlook on salary & job data, so read on to find out more.
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Taking a Closer Look at Online CNA Classes in Washington
From feeding patients to helping them stay clean and comfortable after surgery, to making sure there is a good supply of medical equipment, bandages, and more on hand, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide vital support to doctors and patients alike.
If you’re looking to join this growing field, you’re in for an important career in healthcare with the opportunity to further your education and advance later with an online CNA to LPN bridge program. To get started, online CNA classes in Washington state can get you working quickly and affordably.
There are a variety of different online CNA classes in Washington state to choose from, but due to lab and clinical requirements, you’ll need to complete some of your education in person. However, many schools allow for flexible online coursework in some classes. We’ve highlighted a few high-quality programs below to get you started in your search.
Nursing Assistant Certification Course — Seattle Central College
Seattle Central College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate Course which can be completed in just one quarter. This program, which is accredited by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, can be completed through a convenient hybrid learning model. Traditional lecture-style classes are offered online through Zoom while labs are held on the Seattle campus. Later in the quarter, you’ll complete clinical skills classes at one of several clinical sites throughout the Seattle area.
Graduates are prepared to sit for the NAC exam and start work as nursing assistants. Seattle Central College offers in-state tuition for Washington residents and financial aid opportunities.
Duration: One quarter
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,527 (resident) | $1,713 (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 18+ years of age
- Proof of immunizations
- Proof of insurance
- Criminal background check
Curriculum:
- Nursing Assistant Certified Theory
- Nursing Assistant – Lab Skills and Concepts
- Nursing Assistant Clinical
- Nursing Assistant Bls Certification
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Nursing Assistant Certified Certificate — Shoreline Community College
The Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate Program at Shoreline Community College is designed to prepare you to sit for your CNA exam. The program, approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission, is primarily completed on campus. Unlike some online CNA classes in Washington state, SCC’s CNA program emphasizes hands-on experiences. You’ll complete two different clinical experience courses and two in-person lab courses during the program.
For added flexibility and convenience, classes start every quarter. To be admitted to this program, you’ll need to show completion of math and English prerequisites and pass a criminal background check to access healthcare facilities for your clinical experiences.
Duration: One quarter
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $126.47/credit (resident) | $144.67/credit (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Criminal background check
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of immunizations
- Math & English prerequisite courses
Curriculum:
- Nursing Assistant Theory and Skills Lab
- Nursing Assistant Clinical Experience
Answering Common Questions from CNA Students in Washington
Even if you’ve decided you’re ready to apply for Washington state CNA programs, it’s normal to have a few questions about getting your degree and your career prospects. We’ve assembled some of the most common questions for students considering CNA classes to help you in your research, along with detailed answers. Keep reading to find out more.
Are there 4-week online CNA programs in Washington?
Yes, there are 4-week CNA programs available in Washington. The length of online CNA programs varies by school, with most programs taking one quarter to complete. If you attend a traditional one-quarter program, you’ll still graduate relatively quickly–most college quarters are 10 weeks long. However, four-week programs are not unusual in general. For instance, the CNA program at Seattle Central College can be completed in as little as four weeks, with some online and some in-person elements. In Washington, four-week programs are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA, which makes them a great choice if you want to get into the job market quickly.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in Washington state?
While you don’t necessarily have to graduate from online CNA classes in Washington state to take your CNA exam, you will need some nursing education. According to the Washington State Board of Nursing, other training options can include partially completing nursing school, taking classes out of state, or being trained by the military. Whichever way you complete nursing assistant training, you’ll need to be prepared to pass an in-person skills test, as well as an online written test, so be sure to employ your best test-taking strategies. Most training programs provide the skills test, making it easy to test in your own training program soon after graduation.
How long is CNA training in Washington state?
The length of time your CNA training takes can vary. Depending on your program and whether or not they offer flexible classes, your training could take anywhere from roughly a month to an academic semester or more. The majority of CNA programs take between four and 12 weeks to complete.
In many cases, your own needs will determine program length. To estimate how long it will take you to complete training, consider whether you can attend school full- or part-time and how long it will take you to complete the required labs and clinicals.
How much does the CNA exam cost in Washington state?
The Washington state Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Exam actually consists of two separate tests, which cost a total of $155. The first is an in-person skills test, while the second is an online written test. Both are designed to test your knowledge and skills of nursing assistant duties and procedures, as well as your ability to perform them. Candidates are expected to take and pass the written skills test before registering for the written test. Each test has its own exam fee, payable at the time of registration. You’ll pay $100 for the written portion of the exam, and $55 for the oral portion.
What are the requirements for CNA certification in Washington state?
To become a CNA in Washington state, you’ll need to enroll in CNA classes. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations, a criminal background check, and a basic physical exam. After completing your CNA program, you’ll need to pass both education and exam requirements to earn your license and become certified. Educational requirements can vary, although approved CNA classes will generally prepare you for your National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency examination. If you plan to work as a CNA in Washington state, you will need to renew your license every year, on or before your birthday, to remain certified to work as a nursing assistant. CNA renewal requirements vary by state, and in Washington state, CNAs do not have any continuing education requirements for renewal, and you can renew your license online or by mail.
CNA Salary & Career Overview for Washington State
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Washington | $40,170 | $48,260 | $60,220 |
| Bellingham, WA | $39,930 | $47,860 | $58,070 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $40,130 | $47,420 | $57,410 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $36,800 | $46,640 | $56,700 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $38,070 | $46,020 | $58,960 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $39,580 | $47,220 | $57,070 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $37,660 | $46,900 | $56,040 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $42,850 | $50,690 | $62,210 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $37,370 | $46,180 | $57,440 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $39,300 | $46,850 | $62,500 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $40,140 | $47,140 | $59,830 |
| Yakima, WA | $39,640 | $46,330 | $50,030 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Washington | 35,130 | 39,890 | 4,760 | 13.50% | 6,290 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Washington State
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,617 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Columbia Basin College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Columbia Basin College prepares students for certification and entry-level healthcare jobs in just one quarter, accelerating time to workforce readiness.
- Students complete 50 mandatory clinical hours with diverse healthcare facilities throughout the Tri-Cities, ensuring practical, hands-on experience and exposure to real-world settings.
- The program is open multiple quarters per year with competitive admission, allowing students flexible start times while requiring verification of essential certifications like BLS CPR and First Aid before enrollment.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,617 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Whatcom Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Whatcom Community College offers clinical experiences in long-term care facilities with flexible evening and weekend scheduling, accommodating working students' availability.
- The program prepares students to take the state certification exam immediately upon course completion, enabling rapid entry into the healthcare workforce.
- Students have access to personalized advising and career services to support planning and successful career placement in nursing assistant roles.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,741 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Green River College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Green River College offers an accelerated one-quarter format with hands-on learning and I-BEST academic support, enabling students to become immediately employable after completion.
- Students meeting eligibility criteria can benefit from the Open Doors program, which pays for tuition, books, and some fees, significantly reducing the financial burden.
- The program provides practical clinical experience at local care facilities, enhancing job readiness with real-world application of skills alongside professional CPR, First Aid, and HIV/AIDS certification training.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,741 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,490 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Highline College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Highline College offers an accelerated four-week course that rapidly prepares students to take the Washington State licensure exam for immediate workforce entry.
- Students benefit from hands-on clinical training and experiential learning opportunities at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health facilities, including mentorship, job shadowing, and volunteer programs with leading healthcare employers.
- The program strategically builds a career pipeline by connecting students directly with regional healthcare providers, facilitating clinical placements and potential employment at partner organizations like St. Anne and St. Francis Hospitals.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,490 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,532 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Tacoma Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Tacoma Community College offers nearly 60% of students financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and workforce funding to ease tuition costs.
- The program provides an accelerated path to certification with a streamlined 100-hour course combining classroom instruction and clinical experience for eligibility on the state nurse aide examination.
- Students benefit from high-quality, hands-on clinical training under professional supervision in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring strong practical skills and job readiness.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,532 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,388 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shoreline Community College
- Shoreline’s Nursing Assistant program features an I-BEST instructional approach with two teachers per class, helping students strengthen English and basic skills while learning clinical nursing tasks.
- The program includes hands-on practice in a dedicated skills lab and a clinical practicum, providing real-world experience to prepare students for the State CNA exam.
- Students have access to personalized application guidance and assistance with tuition funding options through one-on-one meetings with program specialists.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,388 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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