CNA Classes & Programs in Bellingham, Washington
4 state-approved CNA programs in Bellingham, including evening and weekend options. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Washington cities.
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CNA training in Bellingham
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $42,130
- $20.26 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 840
- in the Bellingham region
- Healthcare facilities
- 10
- 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 91,353
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
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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.
Program Types in Bellingham
| Type | In Bellingham | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Bellingham | See other Washington cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Bellingham | See other Washington cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Bellingham | See other Washington cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Bellingham
Lowest published cost first.
Whatcom Community College - Whatcom County
Cost$1,314Hours126Weeks–
- Address
- 237 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (360) 383-3080
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Eight-credit Nursing Assistant course with evening on-campus lectures/labs and weekend clinicals; includes theory, skills lab, and clinical practice. Implements Washington State Common Curriculum beginning fall 2024.
Visit websiteBellingham Technical College
Cost$1,700Hours140Weeks12
- Address
- 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (360) 752-8316
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Quarter-long training with lectures, labs, clinicals, and CPR included to build core CNA skills for varied care settings. Not offered online.
Visit websiteAlderwood Park Health & Rehabilitation
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2726 Alderwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (360) 733-2322
Alderwood Park Health & Rehabilitation is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteSpring Creek Assisted Living Facility
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 223 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (360) 756-2301
Spring Creek Assisted Living Facility is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 4 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Washington cities
- Seattle4 programs
- Spokane8 programs
- Tacoma9 programs
- Vancouver6 programs
- Bellevue2 programs
- Kent2 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Bellingham
| Median annual pay | $42,130 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.26 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 840 |
| Salary region | Bellingham |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Bellingham (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Bellingham providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Baker Care Center2905 Connelly Avenue(360) 734-4181Map | 70 | 3.1 |
| Shuksan Rehabilitation And Health Care1530 James Street(360) 733-9161Map | 52 | 2.6 |
| Avalon Healthcare - Bellingham3121 Squalicum Parkway(360) 734-6760Map | 105 | 2.3 |
| North Cascades Health And Rehabilitation Center4680 Cordata Parkway(360) 398-1966Map | 122 | 2.3 |
| Highland Health And Rehabilitation Of Cascadia2400 Samish Way(360) 734-4800Map | 32 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Bellingham (1 facility)
1 hospital in Bellingham offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| St Joseph HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2901 Squalicum Parkway(360) 734-5400Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Bellingham (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Bellingham providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Eden Home Health316 E Mcleod Suite 101(360) 966-8593Map | 3.5/5 |
| Peacehealth Home Health Of Whatcom County800 E Chestnut St, Ste 200(360) 788-8143Map | 3.5/5 |
| Signature Healthcare At Home459 W Stuart Rd(360) 671-5872Map | 3.5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Bellingham.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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. The shortest published length here is 12 weeks, at Bellingham Technical College.
How much does CNA training cost in Bellingham?
CNA programs in Bellingham cost between $1,314 and $1,700, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Whatcom Community College - Whatcom County at $1,314. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Bellingham?
No program in Bellingham is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Washington cities. 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?
No program in Bellingham is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Washington cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Bellingham?
No 4-week program is listed in Bellingham. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Washington cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
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. CMS lists 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies in Bellingham. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.