CNA Training Programs in Washington
To Become a Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC), often referred to as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), in Washington you will first need to find and complete a Nursing Assistant education program approved by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. Upon completion of this program or a program that meets the established criteria for nursing assistant training in Washington,* you will then need to register with the Washington Department of Health and successfully pass a competency exam (OBRA Test) administered through the Department of Social & Health Services. Once you have successfully completed the training and testing you are eligible to certified or licensed through the Department of Health.
It may sound a bit confusing, but it will become more clear once you enroll in a program. Listed below are the approved Nursing Assistant training programs in Washington.
Nursing Assistants are in direct contact with patients who are often in a frail or vulnerable state. For this reason many regulations have been developed by the State of Washington with regards to training curriculum and licensing that are intended to appropriately prepare a nursing assistant as well as protect patients. Legislation requires that 7 hours of the required 35 classroom hours be focused on AIDS education and 40 hours of the required 50 clinical hours must take place in an actual clinical practice setting. Nursing Assistant students learn the necessary competencies they will need to pass the competency exam and then function as a nursing assistant registered or certified. Some of the skills they learn during the course of a nursing assistant training program include CPR, taking vital signs, assisting patients or residents with personal care, how to recognize certain mental health and social service needs, emergency procedures, how to care for cognitively impaired patients or residents, infection control, restorative care or services, and related skills.**
According to the Washington Employment Security Department, the Median annual salary for a CNA in Washington is $26,000 and the median hourly wage is $12.51. The Employment and Security Department also project job growth for Nursing Assistants and related positions at 22% through 2016, which is higher than the national average of 18%. That means it is a great time to start considering a Nursing Assistant training program in Washington.
The Nursing Assistant Certified job is a demanding position, both physically and mentally and can be an excellent fit for the right person. Many registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state of Washington started out as nursing assistants. This is a great way to get your foot in the door to the fastest growing field.
Medical assisting is considered a related field and offers some of the same types of job growth as well as greater earnings potential. You may want to explore the Medical Assistant programs in Washington, you’ll find career, school and salary information for this rapidly growing field of health care.
(Sources: *Washington State Department of Social & Health Services to see alternate program requirements, **Washington State Legislature – WAC 246-841-400)
Approved Nursing Assistant Training in Washington
Approved CNA Training Programs in WA
Programs Offered: Nursing Assistant Training
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List of approved schools courtesy of the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services: Click Here