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

Finding a career that offers a good salary, excellent growth potential and provides you with a challenging work environment can be tough to do. However, becoming a CNA in Seattle offers all of this and more. You’ll find plenty of employers, as CNAs are always in demand, as well as varying job duties and the potential for excellent earnings once you’ve completed your CNA classes in Seattle.

Finding Information about CNA Jobs in Seattle

Finding information about CNA jobs in Seattle can seem like a daunting task, particularly if you’ve ever tried to Google such information for yourself. However, there are plenty of places you can look to find out more about what positions are available, including the following:

• CNAJobs.net
• AxisMedicalStaffing.com

National job sites like Monster.com and SimplyHired.com can give you additional information, but finding local jobs here is actually more difficult than using some of the local staffing agencies. Often, staffing agencies are contracted by medical centers to provide them with CNAs and other trained medical staff on a regular basis, so starting with these services is a very good idea.

Licensing and CNA Classes in Seattle

Like all other states, Washington is responsible for setting their own requirements for education and licensing, so long as those requirements include federal guidelines. In Seattle, an aspiring certified nursing assistant is required to complete at least 85 hours of CNA classes within one of the approved programs in the state. If you already have training as an LPN, RN or from a military medical program, this may already be sufficient to take your competency exam.

After completing your training program, you will need to take and pass the state’s competency test. You will also have to register on the state’s OBRA registry. Felony convictions may bar you from becoming a CNA, and you must fill out a full background prior to obtaining your license. You can learn more about these requirements at the Washington Department of Health.

Key Training Centers in Seattle

CNAs never hurt for training centers, and the city of Seattle is no exception to that rule. You’ll find that the city is home to a wide range of different training programs. The key is to ensure that the CNA classes in Seattle you choose are approved by the state. Look for a notification of state approval. If the course isn’t approved, move on. You’ll find that the following Seattle CNA training centers can offer you an excellent education and help you learn the skills necessary to be successful in this field:

• South Seattle Community College – The program runs for a full quarter, and is offered four times per year. Students must have their required documentation prior to attending CNA classes (required on entrance to the program).

In addition to these, the Red Cross offers periodic CNA training in Seattle, and many area hospitals also provide education courses for aspiring CNAs as well.

Key Seattle CNA Employers

While the staffing agencies and sites listed above can play an important role in helping you learn more about CNA jobs in Seattle, you’ll find that going directly to employers can also be a good option. There are quite a few hospitals and medical centers in the city that require CNAs on staff, including:

• Seattle Children’s Hospital
• Harborview Medical Center
• Virginia Mason Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• Kindred Hospital Seattle – Northgate

Salary Information for Aspiring CNAs

As with other states, Washington’s pay range for CNAs varies considerably depending on the field in question. According to Salary.com, the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Seattle, WA is $35,310, as of August 10, 2020, with a range usually between $29,330-$42,340.

Key Skills Learned in Seattle CNA Training

All state-approved CNA programs in Seattle must meet federal skills and education requirements, but they might be more comprehensive as well. All CNA classes should address the following skills, though:

• Basic infection control
• Clinical record documentation
• Confidentiality
• How to recognize signs of abuse
• Proper skin care for patients
• Communication (staff, patient and family)
• Basic nutrition and diet principles

All CNA programs in Seattle will require that applicants have 2 TB tests (negative), as well as a full background check. As mentioned, it’s important that an applicant select one of the state-approved training programs to ensure that they can find employment with Seattle hospitals and medical clinics.