Certified Nursing Assistant Training — Washington State
For individuals with no prior caregiving certification
The Stardig CNA Traditional Program is designed for students who want to begin a career as a Nursing Assistant–Certified (NA-C) in Washington State. This comprehensive program exceeds state minimum requirements — offering more classroom and hands-on clinical training than comparable programs in the region.
Led by licensed, practicing RNs, every aspect of this program is built around one goal: producing CNAs who are genuinely prepared to provide exceptional patient care from day one.
Who the CNA Traditional Program Is Designed For
You don't need prior healthcare experience to enroll. If you're motivated, compassionate, and ready to work, this program is your starting point.
Career Changers
Transitioning from another industry and looking for meaningful, stable work in healthcare? This program gives you everything you need to start from scratch.
Recent Graduates
Just finished high school or community college and want to enter the workforce quickly? CNA certification is one of the fastest paths into healthcare.
Natural Caregivers
Have you been informally caring for a family member and want to turn that compassion into a professional credential? This is your pathway.
Future Nurses
Planning to advance to LPN or RN? CNA experience is highly valued by nursing programs and gives you a real clinical foundation before you continue your education.
Home Caregivers Seeking Credentials
Providing informal home care without a certification? The Traditional Program formalizes your skills with a state-recognized credential — and opens more doors.
Job Seekers in High-Demand Fields
CNAs are among the most in-demand healthcare workers in Washington State. Certification dramatically expands your employment options and earning potential.
Program Curriculum
Our curriculum meets and exceeds WA State DOH and DSHS requirements. Every competency is taught in classroom, practiced in the skills lab, and verified in clinical settings.
Core Nursing Skills
- Infection control and standard precautions
- Vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure
- Personal care: bathing, grooming, dressing, oral hygiene
- Positioning, turning, and repositioning
- Transfers and ambulation assistance
- Range of motion exercises
- Catheter care and elimination assistance
- Nutrition, hydration, and meal assistance
- Peri-care and perineal hygiene
Safety & Professionalism
- Resident rights and person-centered care
- Body mechanics and safe patient handling
- Fall prevention and environmental safety
- Emergency response and basic first aid
- Reporting and documentation standards
- Communication with patients, families, and care teams
- Ethics and professional conduct in healthcare
- HIPAA and patient confidentiality
Specialty & Advanced Topics
- Dementia and Alzheimer's care principles
- Mental health awareness in care settings
- Care of the dying and end-of-life support
- Cultural competence and dignity in care
- Skin integrity and wound observation
- Restorative nursing and independence promotion
Clinical Training & Exam Prep
- Supervised clinical hours at an approved care facility
- Return demonstrations of all required skills
- Skills lab practice with hospital beds and mannequins
- WA State written exam preparation and practice testing
- Prometric skills exam simulation and review
- Credential application guidance (NA-C registry)
More Hours Than Other Programs
We exceed state minimums because we believe real competency is built through real practice. Here's how our training hours are structured.
CNA Traditional Program — Hour Breakdown
Exceeds WA State DOH MinimumsWA State Requirement: The minimum required hours for CNA certification in Washington State are 35 theory/lab hours and 10 clinical hours. Our program exceeds both — because we believe students deserve more than the minimum.
Tuition & Program Costs
All costs required to complete the program are listed below. No hidden fees.
CNA Traditional Program
Certified Nursing Assistant — Washington State
* Registration fee is non-refundable. All other fees subject to refund policy — see Student Policies page for full details.
Payment Information
Cash, check, money order, and major credit/debit cards accepted.
Payment plan options may be available. Contact us before enrolling to discuss arrangements.
This program is on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). WorkSource and WIA funding may apply for qualifying students.
Stardig CNA School does not currently participate in Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) programs.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements are straightforward. If you meet the criteria below, you're ready to apply.
Education
- High School Diploma or GED, or
- Pass a graded entrance exam administered by Stardig
- Program instruction is conducted in English
Background Check Notice
- Prior criminal offenses may affect ability to obtain WA State CNA licensure
- Students are encouraged to review DSHS background check requirements
- Contact us with questions before applying
Accessibility
- ADA accessible facility
- Reasonable accommodations provided upon request
- Disability disclosure is voluntary and confidential
- Contact our admin team to initiate an accommodation request
Non-Discrimination
- We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability
- We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds
Class Schedule
Day and evening options available to fit your schedule.
Class Times
Location
Observed Holidays
No classes on these days — not counted toward training hours.
Attendance
Career Outcomes for CNA Graduates
Washington State has among the highest demand for CNAs in the country. Here's where our graduates work.
Hospitals
Work alongside RNs in medical-surgical, ICU, ER, and maternity units.
Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care
Build lasting relationships with residents in skilled nursing facilities.
Assisted Living Facilities
Support elderly and disabled individuals in maintaining independence.
Home Health Agencies
Provide in-home personal care and clinical support for clients.
Rehabilitation Centers
Assist patients recovering from surgery or injury.
Memory Care
Specialize in dementia and Alzheimer's care in dedicated units.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Provide compassionate end-of-life care focused on comfort.
Adult Family Homes
Care for residents in small, residential-style licensed settings.
Pathway to RN or LPN
CNA experience is a recognized stepping stone to advanced nursing degrees.
From Application to Certification
Here's exactly what the process looks like from start to credential.
1. Apply Online
Complete our free online application. Our team will review and reach out within 1–2 business days.
2. Complete Training
Attend classroom, skills lab, and supervised clinical hours at our Vancouver campus.
3. Pass State Exams
Take the WA State written and skills exams through Prometric with full prep support from us.
4. Get Credentialed
Receive your NA-C credential and join the WA State Nurse Aide Registry. You're ready to work.