CNA Classes in Olympia, Washington

Olympia 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 Olympia, Washington

About Olympia

Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, is a vibrant community known for its beautiful waterfront, lush parks, and a rich cultural scene. Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to live and work. To learn more about Olympia, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Olympia, Washington

If you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Olympia, Washington, several local schools offer nursing assistant programs to help you get started on your career path.

1. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC)
   • Location: 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512
   • Program Description: SPSCC provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Washington State CNA certification exam. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Nursing Assistant Program at SPSCC
2. Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA)
   • Location: 2400 15th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
   • Program Description: ORLA offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the state certification exam. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Nursing Assistant Program at ORLA
3. New Market Skills Center
   • Location: 7299 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 (approximately 5 miles from Olympia)
   • Program Description: This center offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom learning, skills lab, and clinical practice. It is ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
   • Nursing Assistant Program at New Market Skills Center

CNA Employment Opportunities in Olympia

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

1. Providence St. Peter Hospital
   • Location: 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
   • Description: A major hospital in the region, Providence St. Peter Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and has numerous employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Providence St. Peter Hospital Careers
2. Capital Medical Center
   • Location: 3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
   • Description: This full-service hospital provides various healthcare services and regularly hires CNAs to support patient care.
   • Capital Medical Center Careers
3. Olympia Transitional Care and Rehabilitation
   • Location: 430 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
   • Description: A skilled nursing facility offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services, providing numerous opportunities for CNAs.
   • Olympia Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Washington

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

1. Complete an Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 85 hours of training, with both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as required by the Washington State Department of Health.
4. Apply for Certification: Submit an application for certification to the Washington State Department of Health.

For more 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 Olympia, Washington, is a rewarding choice. With several local schools offering excellent CNA programs and numerous employment opportunities in the area, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to begin your education and take the first step toward a fulfilling 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 Olympia?

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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia?

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