CNA Classes in Kelso, Washington

Kelso 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 Kelso, Washington

About Kelso

Kelso, Washington, is a charming city located in Cowlitz County, known for its scenic beauty and friendly community. Nestled along the Cowlitz River, Kelso offers a blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor activities. For more information about Kelso, you can visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Kelso, Washington

If you are considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kelso, Washington, several local schools offer CNA training programs to help you get started on your career path.

1. Lower Columbia College
   • Location: Longview, WA (approximately 2 miles from Kelso)
   • Program Description: Lower Columbia College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Washington State CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Nursing Assistant Program
2. Cowlitz Indian Tribe Health and Human Services
   • Location: Longview, WA (approximately 3 miles from Kelso)
   • Program Description: This program provides culturally competent training for aspiring CNAs. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the certification exam.
   • Cowlitz Indian Tribe HHS
3. Kalama High School (CNA Program)
   • Location: Kalama, WA (approximately 10 miles from Kelso)
   • Program Description: Kalama High School offers a CNA program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The program includes classroom instruction and clinical practice, preparing students for the CNA certification exam.
   • Kalama High School

CNA Employment Opportunities in Kelso

Kelso and the surrounding area offer several employment opportunities for CNAs in various healthcare settings. Here are a few notable facilities:

1. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
   • Location: Longview, WA (approximately 2 miles from Kelso)
   • Description: PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities
2. Americare Longview
   • Location: Longview, WA (approximately 3 miles from Kelso)
   • Description: Americare Longview is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often seek qualified CNAs to join their team.
   • Americare Longview
3. Frontier Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center
   • Location: Longview, WA (approximately 3 miles from Kelso)
   • Description: Frontier Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center offers comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term care services. They provide excellent opportunities for CNAs.
   • Frontier Rehabilitation

CNA Certification Requirements in Washington

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a training program that is approved by the Washington State Department of Health.
2. Pass the CNA Competency Examination: After completing the training program, you must pass the CNA competency examination, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Submit an Application: Submit an application for certification to the Washington State Department of Health.
4. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.

For more detailed information, visit the Washington State Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kelso, Washington, can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. Take the first step by contacting one of the local CNA training programs to learn more about their courses and how to enroll. With dedication and the right training, you can soon be on your way to a meaningful career in healthcare.

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 Kelso?

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 Kelso 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 Kelso 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 Kelso?

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