CNA Training in Washington
Washington is one of the best-paying states in the country for nursing assistants. The statewide median is $23.65 an hour, and the Seattle area pays about $25. Here the credential is called Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC).
Washington also does a few things its own way. You renew every year on your birthday, the written test is taken online, and home care aides and medical assistants can take a shorter bridge course. Below you'll find each step, current fees, pay by metro area, and programs across the state.
Clinical Min.
40 Hours
Median Pay
$23.65/hr
Application
$85
The 4 Steps to Becoming an NAC in Washington
1
Pick the Right Program
The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) approves programs. Which one fits depends on your background:
- New to healthcare: a full NAC program at a college, hospital, or nursing home.
- Home care aide or medical assistant: a shorter bridge program that builds on your training.
- Nursing students and grads: you may qualify to test with your transcripts instead.
2
Complete Your Training
Total hours vary by program. Every program includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical time in a facility.
40+ Hours
Clinical, in a facility
7 Hours
HIV/AIDS training, built in
Full programs are often 100 to 160 hours. Providence's Spokane program, for example, is 77 hours of class and skills plus 80 hours of clinicals.
3
Apply and Pass Both Tests
Apply for your NAC credential with the state while you're in training, then take the two-part exam.
| NAC application | $85 |
| Online knowledge test (Credentia) | $55 |
| Skills test | Set by program |
| Attempts on each test | 4 |
Skills test: five skills in 35 minutes, always including handwashing and one measurement. Many programs include your first skills attempt in tuition. The knowledge test is taken online, with oral and Spanish oral versions available.
4
Renew Every Year
Washington is one of the few states with an annual renewal.
- Due on your birthday every year, online through the state's HELMS portal.
- No continuing education is required to renew a NAC.
- Expired over 3 years with no active license elsewhere: you must retrain and retest.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free or Cheaper in Washington
A college NAC program in Washington can cost $1,200 to over $3,000 with fees and books. These are the realistic ways to bring that down.
Nursing Home Paid Training
✨ Exams Reimbursed, Retests TooMedicare and Medicaid nursing homes can't charge staff or job offerees for training, and Washington's NAC handbook says nursing homes must reimburse exam costs, including every retest.
Get the job offer in writing before class starts.
Bridge Programs
✨ Fewer Hours, Lower CostAlready a certified home care aide or medical assistant? Washington allows shorter bridge programs that count your past training, so you pay for fewer hours.
Ask local colleges for an "HCA to NAC" or "MA to NAC" bridge.
WorkSource Washington (WIOA)
✨ Grants for Eligible Job SeekersWorkSource centers can fund training at approved schools for eligible unemployed or low-income residents.
Apply before you enroll. Funding is rarely approved after classes start.
Hospital "Earn to Learn" Programs
✨ Train With a Job WaitingSome hospital systems run their own NAC programs tied to hiring. Providence in Spokane, for example, hires for its Earn to Learn program at quarterly events.
Ask hospital HR departments near you whether they sponsor NAC training.
Washington CNA Pay by Metro Area
Washington has about 30,270 nursing assistants, and pay is well above the national median of $42,260 everywhere in the state, not just in Seattle.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $25.00 | $51,990 | 16,530 |
| Kennewick-Richland (Tri-Cities) | $23.11 | $48,060 | 1,060 |
| Bellingham | $23.10 | $48,040 | 790 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $22.71 | $47,240 | 2,780 |
| Yakima | $22.63 | $47,080 | 1,320 |
| Washington (statewide) | $23.65 | $49,180 | 30,270 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Tuition varies more than anything else, so compare programs on it. The state fees are the same for everyone:
Tuition
$1,200 to $3,450
From Providence Spokane ($1,200) to a one-quarter college certificate with fees and books.
NAC Application
$85
Paid to the state. Add $2.50 if you pay online by card.
Knowledge Test
$55
Per attempt, paid to Credentia. Taken online.
Skills Test
Varies
Set by your program. The first attempt is often in tuition, with retakes around $100.
Moving to Washington? (Out-of-State CNAs)
Washington doesn't accept another state's CNA automatically. You apply for a Washington NAC and show your training meets Washington's standards. Depending on your records, you may still need to take the skills test.
Trained in Another State
Apply for the NAC and send transcripts or proof showing your program is equivalent to Washington's. WABON reviews it and tells you which tests, if any, you still need.
Nursing Students & Military
Washington nursing students and grads, and military-trained nursing students, have their own routes using transcripts.
Need the Skills Test?
If you weren't trained in Washington, you schedule the skills test through WABON by emailing NursingAssistantsED@doh.wa.gov.
Credentialing Questions
(360) 236-4700
Washington Department of Health, credentialing
NAC Training Programs in Washington
130 state-approved nursing assistant programs across Washington: colleges, private schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by region and program type.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| CollegeGreen River College12401 Southeast 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092 | Auburn | King | 253-833-9111 |
| CollegeBellevue College3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 | Bellevue | King | 425-564-5604 |
| Private SchoolDT&T NA Training School148 SW 153rd St, Suite 201, Burien, WA 98166 | Burien | King | 206-439-6715 |
| Private SchoolPNW Medical Training Academy1800 SW 152nd Street Suite 205, Burien, WA 98166 | Burien | King | (206) 278-2258 |
| CollegeHighline College2400 South 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 | Des Moines | King | 206-592-3785 |
| Private SchoolEvergreen NA Training Program2323 Jensen St., Enumclaw, WA 98022Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Enumclaw | King | 360-920-9343 |
| Private SchoolCaregiving Training & Huduma Center30821 Pacific Ave S, Ste A, Federal Way, WA 98003Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Federal Way | King | 206-460-9022 |
| Private SchoolDivine CNA Training1707 S. 341st Place, Unit D, Federal Way, WA 98023 | Federal Way | King | 253-874-0174 |
| Private SchoolElite Learning Institute, LLC33301 1st Way S, Suite #260, Federal Way, WA 98003Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Federal Way | King | (206) 330-4750 |
| Nursing HomeHallmark Manor32300 1st Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003 | Federal Way | King | 253-874-3580 |
| Private SchoolHealth Professionals Institute33305 1st Way South Suite B-207, Federal Way, WA 98003Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge, Medication Assistant endorsement | Federal Way | King | 253-252-3956 |
| Private SchoolHome Aide CNA Training Center1305 S 312th Street, #202, Federal Way, WA 98003Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Federal Way | King | 206-592-2115 |
| Private SchoolPuget Sound Nursing500 S 336th St. Ste 207, Federal Way, WA 98003 | Federal Way | King | 253-392-2026 |
| Private SchoolTwo Rivers Care Training, LLC31620 23rd Ave S. Ste. 304, Federal Way, WA 98003Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Federal Way | King | 214-354-5943 |
| Private SchoolPNW Nursing Assistant School12375 Upper Preston Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 | Issaquah | King | 206-475-0928 |
| Private SchoolBlossom Nursing Academy24437 Russell Road STE-108, Kent, WA 98032Also offers: Medical Assistant bridge | Kent | King | 253-945-8232 |
| Private SchoolVital Healthcare Training Center, LLC25833 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Kent | King | 253-277-0141 |
| CollegeLake Washington Institute of Technology11605 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 | Kirkland | King | 425-739-8344 |
| Private SchoolNurse Staffing Solutions600 SW 13th St Unit 100, Renton, WA 98057 | Renton | King | 425-473-2777 |
| CollegeRenton Technical College3000 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056 | Renton | King | 425-235-5728 |
| Private SchoolSpring Fields Healthcare Training304 Main Ave S Suite 300, Renton, WA 98057Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Renton | King | 206-507-6180 |
| Private SchoolBailey Boushay House2720 E Madison St., Seattle, WA 98112 | Seattle | King | 206-640-6905 |
| Nursing HomeFulton Academy for Certified Nursing Assistants7500 Seward Park Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118 | Seattle | King | 206-725-8800 |
| CollegeSeattle Central College1200 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 | Seattle | King | 206-934-4347 |
| Private SchoolNursing Assistant Training Institute15235 Aurora Ave N Ste. 101, Shoreline, WA 98133 | Shoreline | King | 206-546-1120 |
| CollegeShoreline Community College16101 Greenwood Ave North, Shoreline, WA 98133 | Shoreline | King | 206-546-4101 |
| Private SchoolAdvanced CNA School16300 Christensen Rd, Tukwila, WA 98188Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Tukwila | King | 206-491-8568 |
| Private SchoolNAT Healthcare Academy699 Strander Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 | Tukwila | King | 206-575-2010 |
| Private SchoolSunrise Caregiver Training1119 26th St, Anacortes, WA 98221Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Anacortes | Skagit | 425-212-4210 |
| CollegeBellingham Technical College3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | Bellingham | Whatcom | (360) 752-8316 |
| Private SchoolFive Peaks Healthcare2726 Alderwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | Bellingham | Whatcom | 360-733-2322 |
| Private SchoolSpring Creek Assisted Living Facility223 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226 | Bellingham | Whatcom | 360-756-2301 |
| CollegeWhatcom Community College237 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226 | Bellingham | Whatcom | 360-383-3080 |
| HospitalWhidbeyHealth Medical Center101 N. Main, Coupeville, WA 98239 | Coupeville | Island | 360-678-7656 |
| Private SchoolBethany at Pacific916 Pacific Ave Fl 4, Everett, WA 98201 | Everett | Snohomish | (425) 259-5508 |
| CollegeEverett Community College2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201 | Everett | Snohomish | 425-388-9135 |
| Private SchoolMedprep Vocational Training Center1830 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 | Everett | Snohomish | 425-257-9888 |
| Private SchoolSunrise Caregiver Training7003 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Everett | Snohomish | 425-212-4210 |
| Private SchoolLynden Healthcare Education and Consulting851 Aaron Dr, Lynden, WA 98264 | Lynden | Whatcom | 360-306-3038 |
| CollegeEdmonds College20000 68th Avenue W, Lynnwood, WA 98036Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Lynnwood | Snohomish | 425-640-1691 |
| Private SchoolEvergreen Elite Medical Academy20102 Cedar Valley Road, Lynnwood, WA 98036 | Lynnwood | Snohomish | 206-458-1571 |
| Private SchoolNorthcare Training3717 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98204Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Lynnwood | Snohomish | 425-239-5027 |
| Private SchoolWestfield Nursing Assistants Training Institute5031 168th Street SW STE-150, Lynnwood, WA 98037 | Lynnwood | Snohomish | 425-236-5530 |
| Private SchoolMedSmart Academy1410 7th Street Suite C2, Marysville, WA 98270Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medication Assistant endorsement | Marysville | Snohomish | 425-737-1605 |
| Nursing HomeRegency Care Center at Monroe1355 W Main St, Monroe, WA 98272 | Monroe | Snohomish | 360-794-4011 |
| Nursing HomeLife Care Center of Mount Vernon2120 E Division St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 | Mount Vernon | Skagit | 360-424-4258 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Mira Vista Care Center300 S 18th St., Mount Vernon, WA 98274 | Mount Vernon | Skagit | (360) 424-1320 |
| CollegeSkagit Valley College (Main Campus)2405 E College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 | Mount Vernon | Skagit | 360-333-8802 |
| Private SchoolRegency on Whidbey1040 SW Kimball Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | Oak Harbor | Island | 360-386-6142 |
| CollegeSkagit Valley College (Whidbey Island Campus)1900 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | Oak Harbor | Island | (360) 675-6656 |
| Private SchoolSunrise Caregiver Training on Whidbey1040 SW Kimball Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Oak Harbor | Island | 425-212-4210 |
| Nursing HomeLife Care Center of Skagit Valley1462 West State Route 20, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Sedro Woolley | Skagit | 360-856-6867 |
| Private SchoolJosephine at Home NAC Training Program9901 272nd Place NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 | Stanwood | Snohomish | (360) 629-2126 |
| Private SchoolBainbridge Island Health & Rehabilitation835 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | Bainbridge Island | Kitsap | 360-479-1915 |
| Nursing HomeForest Ridge Health & Rehab140 S Marion, Bremerton, WA 98312 | Bremerton | Kitsap | 605-366-9926 |
| CollegeOlympic College1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98346 | Bremerton | Kitsap | 360-475-7748 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Belmont Terrace560 Lebo Blvd., Bremerton, WA 98310 | Bremerton | Kitsap | (360) 479-1915 |
| Private SchoolReady Set Scrubs5610 Kitsap Way Ste 375, Bremerton, WA 98312 | Bremerton | Kitsap | 360-362-4177 |
| Private SchoolTrouvés Health Care College6416 Pacific Hwy E, Fife, WA 98424 | Fife | Pierce | 253-691-0197 |
| Nursing HomeCottesmore of Life Care2909 14th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | Gig Harbor | Pierce | 253-851-5433 |
| CollegeTacoma Community College (Gig Harbor Campus)3993 Hunt Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 | Gig Harbor | Pierce | (253) 460-4439 |
| CollegeClover Park Technical College4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW - Bldg 14, Lakewood, WA 98499Also offers: Medical Assistant bridge | Lakewood | Pierce | 253-589-6013 |
| Private SchoolPennant at the Oaks11411 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 | Lakewood | Pierce | 253-581-9002 |
| Private SchoolProCare Academy of Washington9116 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Lakewood | Pierce | 888-960-2553 |
| Private SchoolUnique NextGen Healthcare Training10828 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Ste 209/211, Lakewood, WA 98499Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Lakewood | Pierce | 253-625-7688 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Olympia Transitional Healthcare430 Lilly Rd NE., Olympia, WA 98506 | Olympia | Thurston | (360) 491-9700 |
| Private SchoolProCare Academy of Washington - Olympia3773 Martin Way E Suite A102, Olympia, WA 98506Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Olympia | Thurston | 888-960-2553 |
| Nursing HomePuget Skilled Nursing4001 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 | Olympia | Thurston | 618-792-8877 |
| CollegeSouth Puget Sound Community College2421 Heritage Ct SW, Olympia, WA 98502 | Olympia | Thurston | 360-596-5200 |
| HospitalWoodard Creek NAC Program3333 Ensign Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506 | Olympia | Thurston | 360-493-4900 |
| Nursing HomeAvamere at Ridgemont2051 Pottery Avenue, Port Orchard, WA 98366 | Port Orchard | Kitsap | 360-876-4461 |
| Private SchoolCare Plus Home Health, Inc1950 Pottery Ave Suite 160, Port Orchard, WA 98366Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Port Orchard | Kitsap | 360-373-8016 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Rainier Rehabilitation920 12th Ave. SE, Puyallup, WA 98372 | Puyallup | Pierce | (253) 841-3422 |
| Private SchoolIroko Bridge Academy5219 N Shirley St., Ste 004, Ruston, WA 98407Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Ruston | Pierce | 253-200-1683 |
| Private SchoolMason Health Certified Nursing Program901 Mountain View Dr, Shelton, WA 98584 | Shelton | Mason | 360-427-3609 |
| CollegeBates Technical College1101 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405 | Tacoma | Pierce | 253-680-7328 |
| Private SchoolHealth Care Apprenticeship Consortium1101 S Yakima Ave Room C206, Tacoma, WA 98405 | Tacoma | Pierce | (425) 255-0315 |
| Private SchoolSupreme Nursing Academy of Givers6430 Tacoma Mall Blvd Ste 101, Tacoma, WA 98409Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Tacoma | Pierce | 253-398-5395 |
| CollegeTacoma Community College6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466 | Tacoma | Pierce | 253-566-5085 |
| Private SchoolVisiting Angels1401 S Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405Bridge only: Home Care Aide bridge | Tacoma | Pierce | 253-537-3700 |
| CollegeGrays Harbor College1620 Edward P Smith Drive, Aberdeen, WA 98520 | Aberdeen | Grays Harbor | 360-538-4244 |
| HospitalForks Community Hospital District No. 1530 Bogachiel Way, Forks, WA 98331 | Forks | Clallam | 360-374-6271 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Pacific Care3035 Cherry St., Hoquiam, WA 98550 | Hoquiam | Grays Harbor | (360) 532-7882 |
| CollegePeninsula College1502 East Lauridsen Boulevard, Port Angeles, WA 98362 | Port Angeles | Clallam | 360-452-9277 |
| Private SchoolPeninsula College NAC in Port Townsend202 Eisenhower Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368 | Port Townsend | Jefferson | 360-417-5698 |
| Nursing HomeSequim Bay Post Acute650 W Hemlock St, Sequim, WA 98382 | Sequim | Clallam | 206-491-8568 |
| Private SchoolClark County Career Development Center105 W. Main St., Ste. #102, Battle Ground, WA 98604 | Battle Ground | Clark | 360-574-1535 |
| CollegeCentralia College600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia, WA 98531 | Centralia | Lewis | 360-623-8963 |
| Nursing HomeThree Rivers Care1305 Alexander St, Centralia, WA 98531 | Centralia | Lewis | 360-736-2823 |
| Private SchoolCNA School of Longview/Health Education Center5612 Ocean Beach Highway Suite 112, Longview, WA 98632 | Longview | Cowlitz | 360-747-7716 |
| CollegeLower Columbia College1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632 | Longview | Cowlitz | 360-442-2865 |
| Private SchoolPennant at Beacon Hill Rehabilitation128 Old Beacon Hill Drive, Longview, WA 98632 | Longview | Cowlitz | (360) 423-4060 |
| Private SchoolBetter Options School of Nursing15214 NE 25th Circle, Vancouver, WA 98684 | Vancouver | Clark | 360-607-8028 |
| Private SchoolCLT Care Academy, LLC201 NE Park Plaza Dr. Ste 296, Vancouver, WA 98684Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Vancouver | Clark | 360-713-6559 |
| Private SchoolHigher Living Healthcare Training School4609 NE 115th St, Vancouver, WA 98686 | Vancouver | Clark | 360-903-3106 |
| Private SchoolNorthwest NAC Training13504 NE 84th St. Ste. 119, Vancouver, WA 98682 | Vancouver | Clark | 360-882-0101 |
| Private SchoolStardig Nursing Services201 SE 124th Ave Suite 101, Vancouver, WA 98683 | Vancouver | Clark | 503-680-7709 |
| Private SchoolCNA Training School of Nursing1924 Belmont Loop, Woodland, WA 98674 | Woodland | Cowlitz | 360-546-0098 |
| Nursing HomeRegency Harmony House Rehabilitation & Nursing Center100 River Plaza, Brewster, WA 98812 | Brewster | Okanogan | 509-689-2546 |
| HospitalKittitas Valley Healthcare603 S Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 | Ellensburg | Kittitas | 509-933-7536 |
| Private SchoolUpper Valley Nursing CNA Training817 Commercial Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Leavenworth | Chelan | 509-548-4076 |
| CollegeBig Bend Community College7662 Chanute Street Northeast, Moses Lake, WA 98837 | Moses Lake | Grant | 509-793-2130 |
| Job CorpsColumbia Basin Job Corps6739 24th Avenue NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837 | Moses Lake | Grant | 877-763-0580 |
| Nursing HomeYakima Valley School609 Speyers Rd, Selah, WA 98942 | Selah | Yakima | 509-698-1245 |
| Private SchoolGoodheart Training - Sunnyside426 S 6th Street, Sunnyside, WA 98944 | Sunnyside | Yakima | (509) 439-5258 |
| Nursing HomeNorth Valley Hospital/Nursing Home203 S Western Ave, Tonasket, WA 98855 | Tonasket | Okanogan | 509-486-2151 |
| Private SchoolEmerald Care209 North Ahtanum Avenue, Wapato, WA 98951 | Wapato | Yakima | 509-504-9583 |
| CollegeWenatchee Valley College1300 5th Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge. Includes a Fast Track option | Wenatchee | Chelan | 509-682-6662 |
| Private SchoolGoodheart Training - Yakima303 Holton Ave., Yakima, WA 98902 | Yakima | Yakima | (509) 439-5258 |
| Nursing HomeColumbia County Health System1012 S 3rd St, Dayton, WA 99328 | Dayton | Columbia | 509-382-8401 |
| Private SchoolColumbia Safety Training Center418 N Kellogg St Ste D., Kennewick, WA 99336Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge, Medical Assistant bridge | Kennewick | Benton | 509-820-3883 |
| Private SchoolLife Care Center of Kennewick1508 W 7th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336 | Kennewick | Benton | 509-586-9286 |
| CollegeColumbia Basin College2600 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301 | Pasco | Franklin | 509-544-8300 |
| Private SchoolColumbia Safety LLC9530 Bedford Street, Pasco, WA 99301 | Pasco | Franklin | 509-820-3883 |
| Nursing HomePark Manor Rehabilitation Center1710 Plaza Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Walla Walla | Walla Walla | 509-529-4218 |
| CollegeWalla Walla Community College500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Walla Walla | Walla Walla | 509-527-4462 |
| HospitalProvidence St. Joseph's Hospital500 E. Webster Avenue, Chewelah, WA 99109 | Chewelah | Stevens | 509-685-5455 |
| Private SchoolEmpRes at Buena Vista151 Buena Vista Dr, Colville, WA 99114 | Colville | Stevens | 509-684-4539 |
| HospitalMt. Carmel Hospital982 E Columbia Avenue, Colville, WA 99114 | Colville | Stevens | 509-685-5455 |
| Nursing HomeLakeland Village2320 South Salnave Road, Medical Lake, WA 99022 | Medical Lake | Spokane | 509-299-1036 |
| Private SchoolRiver Mountain Training Center100 Scott Ave, Newport, WA 99156 | Newport | Pend Oreille | 509-447-9469 |
| HospitalFerry County Public Hospital District36 Klondike Road, Republic, WA 99166 | Republic | Ferry | 509-775-3333 |
| Nursing HomeCaldera Care East414 South University Road, Spokane, WA 99206 | Spokane | Spokane | 605-366-9926 |
| Private SchoolEmpRes at Royal Park302 E Wedgewood Ave, Spokane, WA 99208 | Spokane | Spokane | 509-483-7136 |
| Private SchoolNew Chapters In Healthcare Education320 W Spofford Ave, Spokane, WA 99205Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Spokane | Spokane | 509-572-7178 |
| Private SchoolProvidence Health Training1313 N Atlantic Ste 4900, Spokane, WA 99201 | Spokane | Spokane | 509-473-6007 |
| Nursing HomeRegency at Northpointe1224 E Westview Ct., Spokane, WA 99218 | Spokane | Spokane | 509-465-8800 |
| Private SchoolSparkle Training Center220 E Wellesley Avenue, Ste #201, Spokane, WA 99207Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Spokane | Spokane | 509-953-6810 |
| CollegeSpokane Community College1810 N Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99217 | Spokane | Spokane | 509-533-8829 |
| Private SchoolVital Healthcare Training6704 N Nevada St Ste 7, Spokane, WA 99208Also offers: Home Care Aide bridge | Spokane | Spokane | 509-688-4040 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All regions."
Before you call: nursing home and hospital programs often train people they plan to hire, which usually means the training is paid for. If you're already a home care aide or medical assistant, look for programs marked with a bridge option, since those are shorter. Always ask when the next class starts.
Source: Washington State Board of Nursing approved program list, October 2026. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Washington CNA Questions, Answered
What's the difference between an NAR and an NAC?
An NAR (Nursing Assistant-Registered) is a starter credential that lets you work while you train. An NAC (Nursing Assistant-Certified) is the full credential you earn after training and passing both tests. Most CNA jobs ask for the NAC.
Can I take the CNA test online in Washington?
The knowledge test, yes. It's taken online through Credentia for $55, with oral and Spanish oral options. The skills test is always in person.
How many times can I take each test?
Four times each. After four failed attempts on either test, you have to retrain.
Do I need continuing education to renew?
No. You renew every year by your birthday and pay the fee, with no CE hours. If you add a Medication Assistant endorsement, that one does require 8 hours of CE.
My NAC expired. What now?
You can renew late for up to a year. After that you file for reactivation, which costs more. If it's been expired over three years and you don't hold an active license in another state, you'll need to retrain and retest.
Who regulates nursing assistants in Washington now?
The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). Applications and renewals go through the state's HELMS online portal.
Sources
- WABON: Nursing Assistant-Certified Candidate Handbook
- WABON: NAC exam
- WABON: Renew or reactivate a license
- Providence: CNA training program, Spokane
- Career Bridge: Nursing Assistant Certified program costs
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. See something out of date? Report a correction.