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Getting a CNA certification in Washington only requires a high school diploma or GED. This exciting and rewarding career is one of the most in-demand jobs nowadays because it does not only provide a sense of fulfilment but it also entails a great compensation. If you want to start a career in the healthcare field, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a good option. There are a number of facilities in Washington that provide CNA training programs. In fact, most of these facilities are regulated by the state in order to produce the best and the most competent Certified Nursing Assistants.
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington, you must successfully complete a Nursing Assistant training program approved by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. An approved CNA program is designed to prepare a nursing assistant to care for residents in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes throughout the state of Washington.
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who works under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, assisting patients in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting and feeding, measuring their vital signs and helping them move.
Also, overall safety tasks of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington may include maintaining an orderly environment with the necessary equipment and adequate ventilation as well as maintaining a sterile environment to reduce the spread of microorganisms.
CNA Training Requirements in Washington
Admission requirements to CNA schools include a high school diploma or GED certificate, a copy of a current driver’s license or ID, proficiency in English, a Washington State Patrol criminal background check that is no older than six months, and evidence of a negative tuberculosis skin test. If you have prior experience in health care education or clinical experience, you can waive the prerequisite coursework requirement. It takes at least 6-12 weeks to complete the training, but this also might vary depending on the individual school.
Most programs include the following curriculum and requirements for completion:
- Introduction to healthcare, infection control, psychology, physiology, anatomy, nutrition and advanced patient care
- Clinical experience in helping patients, with daily activities like eating, bathing and grooming in the hospital, long-term care clinics and nursing homes
- Laboratory exposure and understanding basic medical terminology
Also, there are several nursing homes in Washington State which offer free CNA training. Though, most of the nursing homes fail to offer you the CNA training directly. You can take your training at another facility while you work for these nursing homes that pay for your CNA training.
Basically, Washington requires more coursework compared to what is imposed by the federal government. They require 85 hours of training inclusive of classroom sessions and hands-on training. In addition to that, a class focusing on HIV and AIDS should also be taken. Once the entire program is completed, a CNA certification exam should be obtained. You have to pass this in order to get certified. If not, you can re-take it 3 times.
Starting a career can be difficult at first especially if you do not know where to undergo the training program. A few healthcare facility options include Kamanga CNA Training, CNA Vancouver, Divine CNA Training, Washington Nursing Assistant Training and Federal Approved NA Training. There are still more available and you can check it through the state’s official site or at the Nurse Aide Registry. The CNA training program will require certain fees and if you cannot afford it, there are grants available. Several healthcare facilities are offering grants to those who are interested in becoming a CNA. However, you have to work for them after getting certified. This is a great opportunity to have a job right away once the certification is obtained.
The state of Washington has more expensive CNA trainings compared to other states. If you are willing to take risk and invest on this short term study, be sure to do it only at state approved facilities.
CNA Certification in Washington
Before practicing as an aide in Washington, candidates need to take one of Washington’s certification courses. The department of health is responsible for certifying or licensing the nursing assistants.
After the student completes the CNA classes, he can appear for the CNA competency test. On successfully passing it, he is issued a license to practice and his record gets added to the nurse aide registry of Washington. The test is known as OBRA examination.
Once you have successfully completed the training and testing you are eligible to certified or licensed through the Department of Health.
To apply for certification, a student must undergo 85 hours of CNA classes from an approved training program. Out of 85 hours, 35 hours must be dedicated to classroom instruction and classroom coursework completion, which again includes at least 7 hours of AIDS education. 50 hours must be given to clinical practice, which includes 40 hours of supervised clinical coursework in a real clinical setting.
Renewal of the Nursing Assistant’s certification is every two years, and must provide proof of working in a for-pay capacity during the previous twenty-four months.
The CNA certification exam in Washington has two parts; the written part and clinical tests. This will be administered through the Pearson Vue and test takers have to abide on the requirements. Results will be released right away and if you successfully passed, your name will be placed on the Washington Nursing Aide Registry. Employers cannot hire you if they do not find your name on the registry. So make sure to pass the certification exam and renew it every two years.
CNA Salary & Job Opportunities in Washington State
Average Salary for CNAs in Washington State is around $29,430 annually according to BLS.
Common working places for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) are hospitals, nursing homes and long term care centers. CNAs can also expect to find employment at nursing homes, care and assisted living facilities and hospitals such as the University of Washington Medical Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center and Swedish Medical Cente.
When you work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington, you can always have a room for growth and career advancement. If you are ambitious about your career you can also take additional college credits and become a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse.
