A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care to patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. This role involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility, and monitoring vital signs. Becoming a CNA in Washington State is a structured process overseen by the Department of Health (DOH). This guide details the specific steps required to earn the official Nursing Assistant Certified credential.
Understanding Washington State Nursing Assistant Designations
Washington State utilizes three main designations for nursing assistants, each indicating a different stage of the certification process. The Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) designation is a temporary credential allowing an individual to work while actively training or awaiting the certification exam. This registration is a prerequisite for most in-facility training programs, enabling the student to gain supervised experience. The ultimate goal is the Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) status, which grants full certification to work as a CNA in the state after completing an approved training program and passing the state competency examination.
Meeting the Initial Requirements
Before beginning the formal training process, applicants must meet several foundational prerequisites established by the state. Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a basic level of literacy, including English reading and writing skills. Every prospective nursing assistant must successfully pass a mandatory criminal background check required by the Department of Health (DOH). Clearing this screening is necessary to ensure patient safety and is a required step before proceeding to training.
Completing State-Approved Training
Certification requires completing a Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Washington State Department of Health. Washington programs require a minimum of 85 hours of instruction, which is broken down into classroom theory and hands-on clinical practice. This training typically includes skills lab practice combined with a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a care facility. Programs are offered through various providers, including community colleges and long-term care facilities, covering topics like basic technical skills, patient rights, and infection control. Upon successful graduation, the student receives a certificate of completion required for the next phase of the certification process.
Passing the Certification Examination
After finishing the required training, candidates must pass the state competency examination, which assesses readiness for the role. Washington’s exam is administered by a state-contracted vendor and consists of two separate components: a written knowledge test and an in-person clinical skills test. The written portion is a multiple-choice test covering theoretical knowledge for safe patient care. The clinical skills test requires the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in a randomized selection of nursing assistant skills within a strict time limit. Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt are typically allowed up to three retakes of the failed section before being required to retrain and retest.
Finalizing Your License Application
Once the competency examination is successfully passed, the final step involves submitting an application to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for the official credential. The applicant must submit the formal application packet using the appropriate DOH forms, including personal information, training documentation, and any disciplinary history. A non-refundable application fee is required to process the request for the Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) credential. The DOH reviews the application to confirm all requirements, including background check clearance, have been met. After approval, the DOH issues the official NAC license number, and the individual is added to the Washington Nurse Aide Registry.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
Maintaining an active NAC license requires adherence to specific renewal requirements set by the state. The certification must be renewed annually on the CNA’s birthday, and a renewal fee is required. While the DOH does not impose a continuing education requirement for annual renewal, the federal registry requires those working in nursing homes to meet specific criteria. To remain on the federal registry, an individual must demonstrate that they have worked a minimum of eight hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services within the preceding 24 months. Failure to renew the DOH certification within three years will require retraining and retesting to regain the NAC credential.