CNA Classes in Lakewood, Washington

Lakewood 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 Lakewood, Washington

About Lakewood

Lakewood, Washington, is a vibrant city located in Pierce County, known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly community. Nestled between the bustling city of Tacoma and the serene beauty of the Puget Sound, Lakewood offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural attractions. Notable landmarks include Fort Steilacoom Park and the Lakewold Gardens, making it a delightful place to live and work. For more information about the city, visit the official Lakewood website.

CNA Training Programs in Lakewood, Washington

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lakewood, Washington, you’ll find several excellent training programs to help you get started on your career path. Here are three local schools offering Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Clover Park Technical College
   • CNA Program Page
   • Located in the heart of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical 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.
2. Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
   • Nursing Assistant Program
   • Situated just a short drive from Lakewood in nearby Steilacoom, Pierce College provides a robust Nursing Assistant program. This course covers essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a CNA, including patient care and basic nursing procedures.
3. Tacoma Community College
   • Nursing Assistant Program
   • Located in Tacoma, Tacoma Community College offers a well-regarded Nursing Assistant program. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to pass the state certification exam and excel in their roles as CNAs.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Lakewood

Lakewood is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find rewarding employment opportunities. Here are some notable organizations:

1. St. Clare Hospital
   • Employment Opportunities
   • Located in the Lakewood neighborhood, St. Clare Hospital is part of the CHI Franciscan Health system. It offers a range of medical services and has a strong reputation for quality care, making it an excellent place for CNAs to work.
2. Lakewood Healthcare Center
   • Employment Opportunities
   • This facility provides comprehensive nursing and rehabilitation services. It is dedicated to patient-centered care and offers various employment opportunities for CNAs.
3. Western State Hospital
   • Employment Opportunities
   • Located in the nearby city of Steilacoom, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state. It offers numerous opportunities for CNAs interested in mental health care.

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: The program must include at least 85 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Washington State CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Submit an Application: Apply for certification through 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 and the Washington State Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Lakewood, Washington, is a fulfilling and impactful choice. With several excellent training programs and abundant employment opportunities, there’s no better time to start your journey. Contact a local school today to learn more about their Nursing Assistant programs and take the first step toward a rewarding 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 Lakewood?

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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood?

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