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

Just south of Seattle and right on the water is the wonderful city of Tacoma, WA. With a population hovering around 200k it qualifies as a small city, and yet it has a lot to offer. It is also a location experiencing a heavy need for CNAs of all kinds. This means that you may want to consider CNA classes in Tacoma if you are interested in living and working in the area.

Information about CNA Jobs in Tacoma, WA

If you want proof that the job market for CNAs is strong in Tacoma, you can take a quick look at an online source such as Craigslist. There you will see a need for caregivers (live in or not), home health aides, nursing assistants, and all of the other types of CNAs available.

If you already have a clear idea about the type of setting or work you want, you can go to directly to the local staffing services. They can help you find openings that are suited to your needs and wishes. Some of the most familiar and reliable names in the Tacoma include:

• Maxim Staffing
• Favorite Healthcare

CNA Classes and Licensing in Tacoma

Of course, long before you begin a job search for the Tacoma area you should have the proper CNA training and licensing that your work requires. This means that you have obtained your educational background from one of the CNA programs in Tacoma that has received approval from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. It will also mean that you have gone through a physical, had a criminal background check, and proved that you are a high school graduate or have a GED.

CNA programs in Tacoma will require 85 hours that are split up between 35 hours of specific CNA classes and another 50 or more of hands on clinical work. There is also the need for a special seven hour HIV/AIDS training program, and having CPR certification is always beneficial too.

Once this is done you can take the two-part state exam. When you pass this exam you will then become listed on the official CNA registry and can start looking for work.

Approved CNA Training Programs in Tacoma

As you already know, CNA training programs have to have state approval. You can search the entire list of approved programs at the state website, but the following list of locations for CNA classes in Tacoma is ideal for those in the area:

• Tacoma Community College

Best Employers to Know

When the CNA classes and training are done and the licensing process finished, you will need to seriously explore options for employment. If a general search or a targeted position is not what you are prepared to do, a hospital may be a good choice. Often, it is the large scale employers that allow someone to become experienced and discover which parts of their career as a certified nursing assistant they favor the most. The following are great facilities in Tacoma:

• Tacoma General Hospital
• Valley Medical Center
• MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital

Salary Information

Will the income be competitive? You have to understand that CNAs in Tacoma don’t all earn the same because the work can vary so widely. According to Salary.com the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Tacoma, WA is $34,410, as of August 10, 2020, with a range usually between $28,583-$41,249.

Essential Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs

So, with all of these job opportunities it seems that the working as a CNA is a good choice for anyone in need of employment. Unfortunately, this is not precisely true. While nearly anyone can learn the skills required through proper CNA training, there will always be the need for the appropriate attitude, compassion, patience, efficiency, and good sense of humor too.

The following list shows the things you can learn in CNA classes during your training:

• Establishing and promoting independence among patients,
• Abuse recognition,
• Infection control,
• Proficiency in all appropriate medical language,
• Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intakes, and mental state, and
• Communication with colleagues and patients.

Remember too that CPR certification is also a great thing to pursue as you obtain your other training to become a certified nursing assistant in Tacoma as well.