Online CNA Classes in Washington State: See Top Schools

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.

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

Now that you know about Washington’s top CNA classes and have learned the steps to certification, it’s time to research your salary and career prospects.

By the numbers, CNAs in Washington should not have difficulty finding job openings. Over the next ten years, the career is expected to grow 13.5% across the state, which is much faster than the national growth rate of 4.2%. In terms of annual earning potential, CNAs statewide make between $38,530 (10th percentile) and $54,620 (90th percentile). However, breaking down the figures from major metropolitan areas around the state, Bellingham has the potential for the highest pay, with a 90th percentile figure of $57,490. Yakima, on the other hand, seems to be a bit less promising. Here, those in the 90th percentile earn only $47,960 per year, which is about $6,600 less than the statewide figure. The tables below will give you a full understanding of your outlook around the state.