CNA Classes & Programs in Bellingham, Washington
Get Information from CNA Programs in Bellingham and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in Bellingham can choose from 4 state-approved programs designed to prepare candidates for Washington certification requirements. Located near the Canadian border along scenic Bellingham Bay, this city offers accessible education pathways suited to new entrants seeking careers in patient care within local healthcare settings.
Bellingham’s available CNA courses provide foundational instruction combined with practical skill-building required by prospective employers such as hospitals or long-term care centers. At this time there are no online learning formats or accelerated/4-week program options reported among current offerings; all courses focus on traditional classroom learning paired with clinical experiences arranged through local partners.
CNA salaries in Bellingham average around $42,130 per year based on regional data—a figure that reflects typical wages earned by certified assistants across northwest Washington upon successful completion of their program and entry onto the state registry.
Quick Facts About Bellingham
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Population91,353Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$64,026Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.26Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$42,130Median Annual Salary
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Facilities10CMS Healthcare Facilities6 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 3 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Bellingham and Nearby
Schools in Bellingham 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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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Bellingham
Bellingham offers 4 CNA training programs that enable participants to earn Washington certification through structured coursework and direct-care experience in local healthcare settings. Each program helps students qualify for placement on the state registry while preparing them with job-ready skills valued by employers throughout Bellingham’s medical community.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Bellingham, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Washington.
Accelerated programs: not available in Bellingham but are offered in other cities throughout Washington.
Online programs not available in Bellingham but are offered in other cities throughout Washington.
Alderwood Park Health & Rehabilitation
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Bellingham Technical College
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Spring Creek Assisted Living Facility
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Whatcom Community College - Whatcom County
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Bellingham
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$42,130Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.26Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs840CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Bellingham are supported by steady employment opportunities across hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and home health providers serving Whatcom County residents. In this region, about 840 CNAs work within various CMS-certified facilities according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data, with demand expected to remain stable given ongoing needs among aging populations and diverse patient groups requiring supportive care services.
The CNA salary in Bellingham stands at a median of $42,130 per year, or roughly $20.26 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure is slightly below Washington’s statewide benchmark of $46,000 but aligns with compensation levels observed elsewhere across northwest Washington communities.
Bellingham features several notable employers, including Mt Baker Care Center (70 beds), Avalon Healthcare - Bellingham (105 beds), North Cascades Health And Rehabilitation Center (122 beds), Highland Health And Rehabilitation Of Cascadia (32 beds), Shuksan Rehabilitation And Health Care (52 beds), St Joseph Hospital (acute care), and Peacehealth Home Health Of Whatcom County plus Eden Home Health, all recognized CMS-certified agencies supporting patient needs throughout Whatcom County.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Bellingham? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Anacortes, Lynden, Sedro-Woolley, Port Townsend, and Sequim, or browse the Washington 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 Bellingham (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Bellingham providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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North Cascades Health And Rehabilitation Center
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Bellingham (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Bellingham offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Bellingham (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Bellingham providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
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Peacehealth Home Health Of Whatcom County
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Bellingham, WA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bellingham—designated as Nursing Assistant–Certified (NAC) in Washington—you must meet the statewide requirements set by Washington. These include completing a Washington State Department of Health–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program, passing the state-approved competency examination, and obtaining NAC credentialing from the Department of Health.
- At least 108 total hours of training (35 hours theory, 33 hours skills lab, and 40 hours supervised clinical experience)
- Passing both the knowledge test (70 questions administered by Credentia) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills)
- Up to four total attempts to pass the competency examination before retraining is required
- Background check meeting Washington state requirements prior to clinical placement or employment
- NAC credential issuance by the Department of Health after passing both exam components
- Annual renewal required on or before your birthday
Once credentialed, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Bellingham and across Washington. Healthcare facilities may employ nursing assistant trainees for a limited period while training and testing requirements are completed, in accordance with state and federal rules.
Already certified in another state? Washington offers credentialing by endorsement for out-of-state nursing assistants who are active and in good standing. Applicants must provide verification that their training met federal OBRA requirements and satisfy Washington's background screening requirements. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Washington guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining your NAC credential, see our full CNA License & Registration in Washington 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 Bellingham
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Bellingham?
Most CNA programs in Bellingham 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 Bellingham?
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 Bellingham?
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 Bellingham?
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 Bellingham?
Yes, some schools in Bellingham 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 Bellingham there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Anacortes, Lynden, Sedro-Woolley, Port Townsend, and Sequim. You can also look at the Washington state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Washington CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Washington, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Washington CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Bellingham?
CNAs in Bellingham 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.