CNA Classes & Programs in Portland, Oregon
Get Information from CNA Programs in Portland and Nearby
Portland is home to 5 CNA programs, making it a notable destination for those interested in certified nursing assistant training in the Pacific Northwest. Prospective students will find options that cater to a range of needs, with the city serving as a central hub within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area.
Available CNA classes in Portland include free CNA classes, online training, and accelerated options for those seeking a quicker path into healthcare. Graduates of these programs often pursue employment at various local facilities, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies throughout the city and metropolitan area.
In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area, CNAs earn around $46,420 annually. This figure provides valuable context for individuals considering entry into this field and reflects regional earning potential for certified nursing assistants.
Quick Facts About Portland
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Population646,101Residents
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CNA Programs5State-approved Programs
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Median Income$85,876Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$22.32Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$46,420Median Annual Salary
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Facilities48CMS Healthcare Facilities30 Nursing Homes • 9 Hospitals • 9 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Portland and Nearby
Schools in Portland and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Portland
Students in Portland can choose from 5 CNA programs, including free CNA classes, online options, and accelerated training. Each program prepares students for Oregon state certification and provides practical skills essential for success as a nursing assistant. These varied offerings help graduates meet local healthcare demand while building a strong foundation for certification and employment as a CNA in the Portland region.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Portland through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Portland and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Portland offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Portland Community College
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Platinum Career Solutions
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Long - Term Careworks
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Family Healthcare Services
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Caregiver Training Institute
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Portland
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$46,420Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$22.32Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs8,260CNA Positions
In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro region, approximately 8,260 CNAs are employed according to recent data. The area’s substantial healthcare sector supports steady opportunities for newly certified nursing assistants across a range of settings. Local demand for CNAs remains consistent due to Portland’s population size and the concentration of healthcare facilities.
CNA jobs in Portland reflect regional compensation trends. In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area, the median CNA salary is $46,420 per year (or $22.32 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is slightly above Oregon’s statewide median of $46,260 annually, providing a modest incentive for those considering entering the field within this metropolitan region.
Portland features a wide range of CMS-certified facilities employing CNAs. Notable employers include Friendship Health Center (100-bed nonprofit nursing facility), Avalon Care Center - Portland (40 beds), Gateway Care and Retirement (59 beds), Portland VA Medical Center, Adventist Health Portland, and home health agencies such as Providence Home Health. These organizations contribute to the city’s diverse healthcare landscape and offer varied employment opportunities for CNAs.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Portland? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Portland? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tualatin, and Salem, or browse the Oregon CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Portland (30 facilities)
30 nursing homes in Portland providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Portland (9 facilities)
9 hospitals in Portland offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Portland Va Medical Center
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Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
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Providence Portland Medical Center
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Providence St Vincent Medical Center
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Portland (9 facilities)
9 home health agencies in Portland providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Providence Home Health
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Connected Home Health
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Adventist Health Home Care Services
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Mission Home Health Of Portland
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Kaiser Permanente Home Health Agency
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Portland, OR
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portland, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Oregon. These include completing an Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)–approved nursing assistant training program, passing the Oregon Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and holding active certification on the Oregon CNA Registry. As of July 1, 2025, Oregon has a single CNA certification; the former CNA 1 and CNA 2 levels are no longer used.
- At least 155 total hours of training (80 classroom and lab hours, 75 supervised clinical hours in a facility with an RN on duty)
- Completion of 24 hours of supervised classroom and lab instruction with return demonstrations before any direct client care
- A fingerprint-based criminal background check and completion of adult CPR certification
- Passing both the knowledge test (80 questions, 90 minutes, 73% to pass) and the skills test (three or four assigned skills, 35 minutes)
- Applying to test within one year of completing training, with one year from the application date to pass both parts
- Certification issued by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, with active status on the Oregon CNA Registry
Once certified, you may work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living and residential care communities, home health settings, and other healthcare facilities throughout Portland and across Oregon. Certification is renewed every two years, and CNAs must complete two hours of cultural competency continuing education every 48 months to remain eligible.
Already certified in another state? Oregon offers certification by endorsement for out-of-state nurse aides who hold an active certification in good standing. Applicants complete the OSBN application, submit proof of their training, arrange verification of their out-of-state credential, and complete a fingerprint-based background check. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Oregon guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Oregon guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Portland
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Portland?
Most CNA programs in Portland can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Portland?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Portland?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Portland?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Portland?
Yes, some schools in Portland or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Portland there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tualatin, and Salem. You can also look at the Oregon state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Oregon CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Oregon, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Oregon CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Portland?
CNAs in Portland are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.