A Guide to Washington State CNA Training and Testing
Long-term care has quickly become a high-demand field for medical work. This is why it’s a great time to consider becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Along with other medical professions, CNA work has guaranteed job security well into the future. Within a few weeks of training, you can get a certification to begin nursing assistance. Having a job as a CNA is also an excellent opener for a future nursing career.
Washington state offers CNA certification through the Washington State Department of Health, which also oversees registration and testing.
Let’s look at what it takes to become a Washington state CNA including training, testing, certification, and costs.
Washington State CNA Certification Requirements
Candidates must be certified by Washington state to work as a nursing assistant in a nursing home or other medical institutions.
Nursing assistant certification is a training license — no formal education is required. Certification through the state is necessary because nursing assistance requires medical knowledge of caring for disabled and older adults.
Nursing Assistant Training Requirements
CNA applicants have to complete a Washington state-approved, licensed program with a minimum of 85 hours of training to receive a certificate.
If you’ve already started working in a nursing home, you must obtain certification within four months. But if you have received any military medic or corpsman training, it may be enough to fulfill training requirements.
For those seeking endorsement from outside of Washington state, work history has to be confirmed. If you plan on working in Oregon, your Washington state certification will be valid thereafter paying a $60 fee.
After you meet training requirements, the exam is the next big step toward a CNA career.
The Washington State CNA Exam
There are two exams to pass to receive CNA certification: a written test and a skills test. Both of which need to be completed at a licensed testing center.
You’re automatically registered for the CNA exam when you apply for certification. Exam results are then forwarded to the Washington State Department of Health when you’re finished.
Washington CNA Training and Testing Costs
Although some places offer free training, other training program facilities accept financial assistance.
CNA training typically costs $1,500 or more, depending on which program you take. These costs might not cover books, uniforms, and other supplies.
The entire CNA exam is $155, which breaks down to $55 for written exam and $100 for skills exam. Also, both CNA registration and certification require non-refundable fees of $85.
Train and Test with Us for your Washington State CNA Certification
Here at Northwest NAC Training, we offer the training and testing you need to fulfill requirements for CNA certification.
CNA work is great for those wanting to care for others and are looking for job security. Our main goals are to help you find a passion in nursing assistance and lead you to medical career success.
Find out more about our training and testing. Contact us (360) 882-0101 or admin@nwnactraining.com.