Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 108 hours, including classroom, skills lab, and clinical components, along with 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training. After training, you need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia, which includes a written and a skills test. Finally, apply for certification through the Washington State Department of Health, which involves an $85 application fee and a criminal background check. Washington offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, requiring an Out-of-State Credential Verification form and a background check.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 108-hour state-approved training program, including 35 hours of classroom/theory, 33 hours of skills labs, and 40 hours of facility/clinical. Additionally, 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training is required. |
| Experience Required | 8.0 hours |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($155) |
| Application Fee | $85 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Renewal is annual (on birthday) and requires proof of working at least 8 hours as a paid CNA within the last 24 months OR completing 12 hours of continuing education annually. A criminal background check is required for all applicants. Minimum age to work as a CNA in Washington is 18 years old, though some training programs may accept 17-year-olds. |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Washington
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Washington is $48,260 per year, which is 22.1% above the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,170 |
| 25th | $44,850 |
| 50th (median) | $48,260 |
| 75th | $54,780 |
| 90th (experienced) | $60,220 |
Washington employs approximately 28,080 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.