CNA Classes in Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham CNA Training - Washington

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Bellingham, Washington

About Bellingham

Bellingham, Washington, is a picturesque city located on Bellingham Bay, with the San Juan Islands to the west and Mount Baker to the east. Known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and historic Fairhaven district, Bellingham offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. For more information, visit the City of Bellingham’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Bellingham, Washington

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bellingham, Washington, there are several local options for CNA training programs. Here are three notable programs:

1. Whatcom Community College
   Located in the Cordata neighborhood, Whatcom Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Certificate program. This program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to prepare students for the state certification exam.
   Whatcom Community College Nursing Assistant Program

2. Bellingham Technical College
   Situated in the Sunnyland neighborhood, Bellingham Technical College provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing positions. The program features a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
   Bellingham Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

3. Northwest Regional Council
   The Northwest Regional Council offers a Nursing Assistant Training Program in the downtown area of Bellingham. This program is tailored to meet the needs of the local healthcare industry and includes both classroom and clinical components.
   Northwest Regional Council Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Bellingham

Bellingham is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment opportunities. Here are some key employers:

1. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
   Located in the Birchwood neighborhood, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility offering a wide range of services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Employment Opportunities

2. Shuksan Healthcare Center
   Situated in the Columbia neighborhood, Shuksan Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility providing both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They often seek qualified CNAs to join their team.
   Shuksan Healthcare Center Employment Opportunities

3. Mt. Baker Care Center
   Located in the Roosevelt neighborhood, Mt. Baker Care Center offers comprehensive nursing care and rehabilitation services. They regularly hire CNAs to support their residents.
   Mt. Baker Care Center Employment Opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Washington

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington State, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program approved by the Washington State Department of Health.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
3. Submit an Application: Apply for certification through the Washington State Department of Health, including a background check and fingerprinting.
4. Maintain Certification: Renew your certification every two years and complete any required continuing education.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington State Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Bellingham, Washington, is a rewarding career path with numerous opportunities. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your journey towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Take the first step and enroll in a CNA program to make a difference in your community.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Washington may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Bellingham?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Bellingham usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Bellingham will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Bellingham?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Washington, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Washington, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Bellingham is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Washington CNA Salary info.