CNA Training Seattle, WA

The healthcare sector is widely recognized as one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. For this reason, there’s a strong demand for professionals skilled in various aspects of patient care delivery. Nursing assistants are among the careers where there are increasing demands for new and committed workers. In Washington, the State Department of Health oversees the training and licensing of nurse aides and manages the nurse aide registry. Prospective nurse assistants must first complete 85 hours of training through a state-approved program before challenging the state certification exam. Student nurses enrolled in RN and LPN degree programs may also challenge the exam after meeting the minimum requirements. Apart from the federal required training, Washington nurse aides must also complete seven hours of HIV/AIDS training as part of the curriculum.

Divine CNA Training

Divine CNA Training is approved by the DOH, Workforce, and DSHS. The curriculum covers 48 hours of classroom instruction, 40 hours of clinical practicum including 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training and 3 hours of CPR. During the classroom segment, licensed nurse instructors use effective teaching strategies to educate students on infection control, CPR, first aid, vital signs, personal care needs and documenting findings. Students also learn how to communicate effectively, identify good nutrition, prevent patient injury, and understand medical terms and abbreviations. Graduates will meet the state’s criteria for the certification exam. Convenient morning, evening and weekend classes are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Take and pass an entrance exam
  • Must be able to safely life at least 50 lbs.
  • Pass a DSHS and Washington state background test
  • Provide photo identification and social security number
  • Proof of negative TB test or chest x-ray

Tuition is $650 plus expenses for TB testing, closed toe shoes, watch with a second hand, scrubs, gait belt, and the state certification fee.

North Seattle College

NSC’s Nursing Assistant-Certified program prepares students for immediate entry-level employment at long term care facilities and nursing homes. The 3-month program is available in the fall, and spring semesters and applicants must attend the mandatory orientation session in order to gain entry. The 14-credit program provides 200 instructional hours, including 96 classroom hours and 104 lab skills/clinical hours in a clinical setting. Training includes CPR and First Aid for healthcare providers and seven (7) hours of HIV/AIDS education. Students learn personal care, infection control, clients’ rights, community health, nutrition, and state regulations. After completing classroom training requirements, students transfer to one of three licensed nursing facilities to complete the clinical practicum under the supervision of a clinical instructor.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be eligible for at least ENGL 098 and MATH 087 demonstrated via placement testing or evaluation of transcripts
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Attend a mandatory NA-C information session
  • Complete the 5-step enrollment process

Tuition for the 14-credit program is $1,280.36 plus costs for textbook and supplies.

South Seattle College

Graduates of SSC’s nurse assistant training can find employment as patient care technicians, CNAs, Registered nursing assistants and home health aides. To successfully apply for the program, you must attend an information session. The 3-month program is available in the fall, winter, spring and summer quarters and is a daytime-only course. Coursework covers emergency preparedness, nutrition, restorative care, controlling infections, basic care procedures, and death and dying. Students must provide evidence of immunization and background clearance, along with a valid CRP card. Strict attendance is a requirement for graduation.

Admission criteria:

  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Be eligible for placement in ENGL 098 and MATH 087 (minimum) as demonstrated by COMPASS placement test
  • Attend a program orientation
  • Complete a satisfactory physical exam
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit documentation of current immunization
  • Obtain a negative TB test

Tuition is $1,038 plus $250 for books and supplies.

American HC CNA School

American HC’s nursing assistant program prepares students for an entry-level career in healthcare. The school is a licensed educational institution with a curriculum designed to help students succeed on the state certification exam. Students develop essential knowledge and skills to care for patients during the 96-hour program, which includes classroom instruction, skills lab, and clinical experience in a skilled practical setting. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, which enables them to take the state certification exam. The duration of the program is 3 to 6 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Pass a 2-step TB test
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
  • Pass an entrance exam
  • Pay the registration fee of $50

Tuition is only $695 and includes textbooks and lab fees.

Seattle Central College

The summer quarter certified nursing assistant program at Seattle Central prepares students for a career in health. Graduates will be eligible to sit the NAC exam to obtain certification as a certified nursing assistant and assume an entry-level position in a variety of healthcare settings. Students complete 14 credits in one quarter (8 weeks). Required modules include nursing assistant, essential skills for healthcare, and Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association. To become certified, students must demonstrate competency in basic nursing skills, measuring vital signs, medical terminology, infection control procedures, safety and emergency procedures, communication skills, body systems, personal care skills, and patient and resident rights. Admission is based on a first come, first served basis.

Admission criteria:

  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Be eligible for placement in ENGL 098 and MATH 087 (minimum) as demonstrated by COMPASS placement test
  • Attend a program orientation
  • Complete a satisfactory physical exam
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit documentation of current immunization
  • Obtain a negative TB test

Tuition for the 14-credit program is $1,280.36 plus costs for textbook and supplies.

Nursing Assistant Training Institute

The Nursing Assistant Training Institute prepares students for the State Nurse Aide Exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide. The certification program includes AHA CPR class and card and HIV/AIDS class and certification plus a 5-hour review class to prepare for the state test. The curriculum covers 97 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, Supportive instructors ensure each student understands the coursework and direct in clinical activities. Accessible office staff are on hand to respond to all questions before and after admission. NATI is an approved test site so students will have the convenience of taking the exam in a familiar environment. Monthly job fairs link students with potential employers to provide relief in the job search process. Second chance opportunities are available for students who need to drop the class. Morning, midday, and evening sessions are available. Morning classes meet 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Midday classes meet from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Evening classes meet from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Pass a reading comprehension test – Reading, Writing, and Communication in English
  • Complete an online Background Inquiry. Disqualifying crime could exclude the applicant from employment as a CNA
  • Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
  • Have a valid state ID
  • Have a valid email address

The cost of the program is $815. The cost includes the course textbook and supplies such as gloves, blood pressure cuff, and stethoscopes. Additional costs for uniform, gait belt, watch with a second hand, State Competency Test, and NAC license application must be covered by the student.

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College provides a supportive environment for students to learn nurse aide skills and theory in preparation for the State Nurse Aide Exam. The program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission and uses an I-BEST approach to instruction with two teachers in the classroom. This approach will benefit students who want to strengthen their English and basic skills. The training will include classroom lectures, access to the skills lab, supervised patient care in a clinical setting, and preparation for the state exam. Students will understand the role of the nursing assistant and other members of the health care team, communicate effectively with clients, family members, and the health care team, the cause and effect of common disease processes and interventions, and basic concepts for health maintenance and daily care.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a program information session
  • Meet one-on-one with a specialist to be guided through the application process
  • Complete a satisfactory background check
  • Submit current immunization paperwork
  • A high school diploma is not needed to enroll

Tuition for the program is $1,980.50 Students should expect to pay approximately $450 in fees.

Nurse Assistant Training School

The Nurse Assistant Training School hosts a state approved CNA class designed to prepare students for success on the state exam. The curriculum includes theory and practical instruction in the skills lab and at approved nursing facilities. NATS is a state-approved test site, so students will have the privilege to take the exam in a comfortable environment. Course topics include the role and responsibility of nurse aide, rules and regulations governing health care, communication skills, safety and emergency procedures, basic restorative care, infection control, care of the cognitively impaired, and resident rights. Various class schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Take and pass an entrance exam – English reading, writing, and comprehension
  • Must be able to safely lift at least 50 lbs.
  • Pass a DSHS and Washington state background test
  • Provide photo identification and social security number
  • Proof of negative TB test or chest x-ray
  • Pay the registration fee of $75

The cost of the program is $700. It includes books, CPR training, 7 hours HIV certification, and administrative fees.

DT&T NA Training School

The CNA certificate program offered by DT&T NA Training School is approved by the WA State Workforce Training and Education Board and WA State Department of Health and DSHS/Adult and Aging Services. Theory and practical instruction covers vital signs, infection control, the role and responsibility of the nurse aide, resident rights, personal care, and basic nursing skills. Morning and evening classes are available. The morning class meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Evening classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The duration of the class is 4 weeks including the 5-day clinical.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a state ID or driver’s license
  • Complete a satisfactory TB test or chest x-ray
  • Provide a social security number for a background check
  • Pay the registration fee of $100
  • Take and pass an entrance exam – for applicants who do not have a high school diploma

Tuition for the program is $700. It includes tax, books, CPR, lab materials, registration, and 7 hours of HIV/AIDs training.

Crystal Point CNA Training School

The nursing assistant class at Crystal Point CNA Training School prepares adults for state certification. The curriculum blends theory and practical instruction in the classroom, lab, and clinical site. It includes 88 contact hours of instruction – 48 hours in the classroom and 40 hours of clinical training. CPR and First Aid Certification and HIV/AIDS certification are included in the program. Areas of study include basic nursing skills, role and responsibility of the nurse aide, personal care, nutrition, communication, infection control, and resident rights. Crystal Point maintains small class sizes to offer personalized attention for each student. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm during the day or 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm during the evenings. Clinical hours are schedules from 6:00 am to 2:30 for the day class and 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm for the evening class. The duration of the program is three weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a state ID or driver’s license and social security card
  • Complete a satisfactory TB test or chest x-ray
  • Complete a satisfactory background check
  • Pay the registration fee of $50
  • Take and pass an entrance exam – for applicants who do not have a high school diploma

The program cost of $700 includes the $50 registration fee.

Health Professional Institute

Students who successfully complete the nurse aide program at Health Professional Institute will earn the CNA designation, CPR/First Aid certification, and HIV/AIDS certification. The curriculum covers 118 hours of theory and practical instruction including 46 hours in the classroom, 16 hours of skills lab, and 56 hours of clinical activities at a skilled nursing facility. Graduates will be eligible to take the State Nurse Aide Exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency or pass the entrance exam
  • Pass the entrance exam with a passing grade of 75%
  • Pass the CELSA test with a grade of 75% or more – for foreign students
  • Complete a satisfactory DSHS background check
  • Complete a background inquiry form
  • Complete a satisfactory 2-step TB test or QuantiFeron blood test
  • Documentation of hepatitis B or waiver may be required by the clinical site

The total cost of the program is $785. It includes the registration fee, tuition, books, and entrance exam fee. Job placement assistance is available for graduates through an affiliate company, Dependable Staffing Agency.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

The Nursing Assistant (CNA/NAC) Certificate of Completion offered by Lake Washington Institute of Technology prepares graduates for success on the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program (NNAAP) state exam and entry-level employment in an acute and long-term facility. The curriculum is built on the foundation of three classes (11 credit) that must be taken in sequence over a period of ten weeks. Instruction will include classroom theory and hands-on practice in communication, basic nursing skills, and compassionate care. Students will learn how to measure and record vital signs, provide personal care, collaborate with the health care team, and move and reposition patients. The school’s skills lab contains medical equipment and hospital beds that simulate a real-world environment giving students the opportunity to practice before moving into the healthcare facility. Classes meet Monday through Friday in the classroom. Clinical hours vary and may include day, evening, and night shifts.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • A valid photo ID and social security card
  • Provide documentation of immunization – Hepatitis B, Flu, Varicella, Tdap, TB skin test, MMR
  • Complete a background check through CastleBranch
  • Must have American Heart Association BLS card
  • Submit the Student Release of Information Form

The estimated total program cost is $2,255. It includes tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and technology fees.

The following high schools and nursing home are other DOH-approved training providers in Seattle:

Seattle Skills Center- Medical Careers (High School Students Only)

Address: 3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Phone: 206 252 8800

Avamere Queen Anne Healthcare            

Address: 2717 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-284-7012

Seattle Public High School

Address: 2445 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-252-8800

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

3 thoughts on “CNA Training Seattle, WA”

    1. A GED or High school diploma is a pre-requisite at some of the institutions, though not at all of them. It might be best to check with the institute you are interested in enrolling with.

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