How to Become a CNA in WA State: A step-by-step guide
If you’re looking for a stable, meaningful career in healthcare without spending years in school, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great place to start. CNAs play a vital role in patient care, helping with daily activities, monitoring health, and providing comfort to those in need.
Washington State has a strong demand for healthcare workers, making this an excellent time to enter the field. Here’s exactly how you can become a CNA in Washington. We are going to be covering the CNA certification steps in Washington State.
Table of contents
- How to Become a CNA in WA State: A step-by-step guide
- An Overview of the Steps Covered
- Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
- Step 2: Complete a State Approved CNA Program
- Step 3: Pass the CNA Certification Exams
- Step 4: Apply for Certification in WA State
- Step 5: Start your Healthcare Career
- Additional Information
- Now We Know How to Become a CNA, What is a CNA?
- Timeline to Becoming a CNA
- What does a CNA do?
- Typical Responsibilities Include:
- Why choose CNA?
- Ready to take the first step?
- Better Options School of Nursing Contact Information
An Overview of the Steps Covered
These steps will be discussed in more detail below.
- Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
- Step 2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program
- Step 3: Pass CNA Certification Exams
- Step 4: Apply for Certification in WA State
- Step 5: Start your Healthcare Career
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
To enroll in our CNA Program (Varies Program to Program)
- Be at least 17.5 years old ( Must be 18 years old to take the written / oral exam)
- Pass a Background Check
- Have a Negative TB Test
Step 2: Complete a State Approved CNA Program
Washington requires aspiring CNAs to complete a state-approved training program. These programs prepare you with both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Programs include:
- Classroom / Theory Hours (35 hours)
- You will cover 10 chapters filled with various information pertaining to patient safety, basic nursing skills, resident rights, and much more.
- Skills Lab hours (33 hours)
- Clinical hours (40 hours)
Our CNA program is 18-days, however, other programs vary from 4-6 weeks. We also offer job-placement assistance, ensuring you will have options upon graduation.
Step 3: Pass the CNA Certification Exams
After completing training you must successfully complete the WA State CNA exams to become certified. WA State has two exams required to be passed before becoming a licensed CNA.
State Skills Exam
You will demonstrate a few skills by an evaluator ensuring competency. (This is included in our tuition, however, not included in all CNA programs tuition) The out-of-pocket cost is $100.00 if taken somewhere else.
Written Exam
This is about 70 questions of multiple-choice questions ($55 to register and schedule an exam)
Step 4: Apply for Certification in WA State
Once you have completed and passed both the state licensing exams, you will apply for your credential through the Washington State Department of Health.
After approval your name will be added to the state registry allowing you to legally work as a CNA.
Step 5: Start your Healthcare Career
CNA’s are needed in a variety of healthcare settings
Including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Home healthcare
Included in tuition, you will have access to job placement assistance. This allows you to ensure you have options of employment upon graduation.
Many people use their CNA certification as a stepping stone toward becoming an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).
Additional Information
Now We Know How to Become a CNA, What is a CNA?
We will go over what a CNA does and why choosing the healthcare field may be right for you.
Timeline to Becoming a CNA
Step 1
Typically does not take long, choosing a program and verifying eligibility. (1-3 days)
Steps 2 & 3
Our students can complete training in just 18 days and apply for certification in under a month. Making a CNA one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field. Most programs range from 4-6+ weeks.
Steps 4 & 5
Once completed the State skills exam, you are able to register for the written exam within 4-24 hours. We offer job-placement assistance allowing our students a sense of security upon graduation.
What does a CNA do?
Typical Responsibilities Include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and hygiene
- Taking vital signs
- Helping Patients move safely
- Observing and reporting health changes
- Providing emotional support
Before starting your journey, it’s important to understand the role. CNA’s work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to support patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.
It’s a hands-on career that requires compassion, patience, and reliability.
Why choose CNA?
Becoming a CNA offers several benefits including by not limited to:
- Quick entry into healthcare
- High job demand
- Opportunities for career growth
- Personally rewarding work
- Flexible scheduling options
If you enjoy helping others and want a career with purpose, this path may be perfect for you.
Ready to take the first step?
Starting your journey toward becoming a CNA could open the door to a lifelong healthcare career. With the right training and dedication, you can begin making a difference in patients’ lives sooner than you think.
Contact us today to learn more about upcoming classes and how we can help you succeed in your new career.
Better Options School of Nursing Contact Information
Email:
admin@betteroptionsnursingschool.com
Phone Number:
360-984-0770
