CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Spokane, Washington (WA)

Though it seems remote, the city of Spokane, Washington is convenient to many other destinations in Washington and Montana. This small city of 203k is also one of the many places in the United States experiencing a need for trained CNAs. This means that you may find many excellent opportunities if you take CNA classes in Spokane to become a certified nursing assistant.

Information about CNA Jobs in Spokane, WA

Is there a lot of opportunity? It takes only a quick look at a general listing on a site like Craigslistto see that there are many job openings for those who can legally work as CNAs in the state. Whether as a live in caregiver, home health aide, or something else, there is plenty available for those who wish to become employed in Spokane.

You can also head directly into the type of work you want to do by working with a staffing service. Such agencies know about all of the openings and can help you find the ideal job for your personal interests and goals. Some of the most reliable agencies in the city include:

• Maxim Staffing

CNA Classes and Licensing in Spokane

Naturally, you have to get the appropriate CNA training and licensing long before you begin a job search. In the state of Washington you have to enroll in one of the approved CNA programs that have been reviewed and authorized by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to teach CNAs.

These CNA programs will require a commitment of 85 hours that are divided into 35 hours of specific CNA classes and another 50 hours of “hands on” training in a clinical or practical setting. You also have to have seven hours of HIV/AIDS training as well. Before enrollment  in classes, any student has to prove that they have graduated from high school or have a GED, get a complete physical exam, and undergo a criminal background check too.

Once all of the training and classes are done the student can sit for the two-part state exam. When this is passed, the CNA becomes placed on the official state registry and can begin working.

Approved CNA Training Centers in Spokane, WA

Though the state makes a full list of approved CNA programs available online, for those in Spokane the closest approved training facilities for taking CNA classes in Spokane include:

• Spokane Community College

Best Employers to Know

With all of your CNA training you will be able to start seeking employment, but should know that you may enjoy an easy job search when you head to the largest employers in the region. For instance, Spokane is home to award winning hospitals and clinics that would provide invaluable training to a new certified nursing assistant, while also allowing them to identify their preferences in terms of work. Some good choices include:

• Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
• St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute

Salary Information

Will you earn a high salary in your first year? Because the cost of living in this area of the country is lower than the national average it is reflected in the salaries. This means that CNAs in Spokane tend to earn a bit lower than the national average, and a standard salary would be around $32,020 (August 10, 2020), with a range of $26,594-$38,382.

Essential Skills Learned in CNA Training

What do you actually do in CNA training programs? A student will take classes to learn all of the following skills:

• How to properly and safely move, lift, feed, dress, and even toilet patients;
• CPR certification;
• How to provide services to the supervising nurses and physicians at a medical facility;
• How to properly care for the patients, including everything from bathing to moving or transferring them from bed to a chair, etc.;
• Using and implementing patient safety techniques, and
• The basics of human anatomy and physiology.

Some CNA classes and training programs can include some basic housekeeping in order to become a “live in” caregiver for a patient or long term client. And part of the educational experience for a certified nursing assistant may be around dispensing of medications and working directly under the supervision of a doctor.