CNA Classes in Friday Harbor, Washington

Friday Harbor 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 Friday Harbor, WA

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Friday Harbor, WA, could be the perfect path. CNAs play a vital role in patient care, assisting nurses and providing essential support to patients in various healthcare settings. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Friday Harbor, including local training programs, certification requirements, and employment opportunities.

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is the charming county seat of San Juan County, located on San Juan Island in Washington State. Known for its scenic beauty, Friday Harbor is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands. The town is home to a close-knit community and provides a peaceful atmosphere that makes it an ideal place to live and work. For more information about Friday Harbor, visit the official Friday Harbor website.

CNA Training Programs in Friday Harbor, WA

While Friday Harbor is a smaller community, there are still opportunities to pursue CNA training nearby. Below are some of the closest schools offering nursing assistant programs:

1. Skagit Valley College (Mount Vernon, WA)
   • Distance from Friday Harbor: Approximately 40 miles (via ferry and drive)
     Skagit Valley College offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate program at its Mount Vernon campus. The program prepares students for the Washington State CNA certification exam and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
     Learn more about Skagit Valley College’s Nursing Assistant Program.
2. Bellingham Technical College (Bellingham, WA)
   • Distance from Friday Harbor: Approximately 60 miles (via ferry and drive)
     Bellingham Technical College provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that includes hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam to become CNAs in Washington.
     Learn more about Bellingham Technical College’s Nursing Assistant Program.
3. Everett Community College (Everett, WA)
   • Distance from Friday Harbor: Approximately 80 miles (via ferry and drive)
     Everett Community College offers a Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) program that meets Washington State Department of Health standards. The program includes classroom learning and clinical practice in a healthcare setting.
     Learn more about Everett Community College’s Nursing Assistant Program.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Friday Harbor

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and obtained certification, you’ll find several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Friday Harbor where you can begin your career. Here are a few major employers in the area:

1. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
   Located in Friday Harbor, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center is a critical access hospital that provides a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and outpatient services. CNAs may find opportunities to work in various departments within the hospital.
   Explore career opportunities at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center.

2. Life Care Center of the San Juan Islands
   This skilled nursing facility is located in Friday Harbor and offers long-term care, rehabilitation, and therapy services. CNAs are an essential part of the care team, providing daily assistance to residents.
   Learn more about Life Care Center of the San Juan Islands.

3. Orcas Island Healthcare District (Orcas Island, WA)

   • Distance from Friday Harbor: Approximately 10 miles (via ferry)
     While not located directly in Friday Harbor, Orcas Island Healthcare District offers healthcare services to nearby Orcas Island residents. CNAs may find employment opportunities here, particularly in patient care and support roles.
     Explore career opportunities at Orcas Island Healthcare District.

CNA Certification Requirements in Washington State

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

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 85 hours of training (35 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of clinical practice).

2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass a two-part exam that includes a written test and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by the Washington State Department of Health.

3. Submit to a Background Check: You must undergo a background check, which is required for all healthcare workers in Washington State.

4. Register with the Washington State Department of Health: Once you have passed the competency exam, you must apply for certification with the Washington State Department of Health. You can find more information on the certification process on the Washington State Department of Health website.

5. Maintain Your Certification: CNAs in Washington must renew their certification every two years and complete continuing education requirements.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health Nursing Assistant Certification page.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Friday Harbor, WA, is a fulfilling career choice with plenty of opportunities for growth. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your healthcare career, taking the first step toward CNA certification can open doors to a rewarding profession. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your training and start making 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 Friday Harbor?

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 Friday Harbor 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 Friday Harbor 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 Friday Harbor?

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 Friday Harbor is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Washington CNA Salary info.