The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

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Author: Taylor Cromwell, BA
Taylor is a freelance writer and content strategist with over seven years of experience specializing in healthcare degree programs, student resources, and career pathways in nursing and allied health professions. She has a background in journalism, having worked for The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg News, and her work has been published in HubSpot, Yahoo, The Seattle Times, and Money.com. Taylor holds degrees in broadcast journalism and international affairs from The University of Georgia. She stays current on industry trends by collaborating with healthcare professionals, attending webinars, and conducting in-depth research to ensure her content reflects the latest developments in education and healthcare. Dedicated to making complex topics accessible and guiding readers in their education and career decisions, Taylor combines her storytelling expertise with practical insights to support students and professionals.
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Editor: Kimberly Zaski
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Staff Writer & Editor
Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.
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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.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing earrings and a dark sweater, standing in front of lush foliage.
Author: Taylor Cromwell, BA
Taylor is a freelance writer and content strategist with over seven years of experience specializing in healthcare degree programs, student resources, and career pathways in nursing and allied health professions. She has a background in journalism, having worked for The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg News, and her work has been published in HubSpot, Yahoo, The Seattle Times, and Money.com. Taylor holds degrees in broadcast journalism and international affairs from The University of Georgia. She stays current on industry trends by collaborating with healthcare professionals, attending webinars, and conducting in-depth research to ensure her content reflects the latest developments in education and healthcare. Dedicated to making complex topics accessible and guiding readers in their education and career decisions, Taylor combines her storytelling expertise with practical insights to support students and professionals.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcarePre-NursingNursing
HealthcarePre-NursingNursing
Editor: Kimberly Zaski
Kim Zaski
Kimberly Zaski Arrow up right
Staff Writer & Editor
Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareOnline Learning
HealthcareOnline Learning

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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

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

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

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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.

Taylor Cromwell, BA AUTHOR

Taylor is a freelance writer and content strategist with over seven years of experience specializing in healthcare degree programs, student resources, and career pathways in nursing and allied health professions. She has a background in journalism, having worked for The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg News, and her work has been published in HubSpot, Yahoo, The Seattle Times, and Money.com. Taylor holds degrees in broadcast journalism and international affairs from The University of Georgia. She stays current on industry trends by collaborating with healthcare professionals, attending webinars, and conducting in-depth research to ensure her content reflects the latest developments in education and healthcare. Dedicated to making complex topics accessible and guiding readers in their education and career decisions, Taylor combines her storytelling expertise with practical insights to support students and professionals.

Read More About Taylor Cromwell

Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, specializing in writing, editing, and marketing for lifelong learning and professional studies. She served as marketing director at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she and her team earned top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. Kimberly also held the position of chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.

Read More About Kimberly Zaski
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