CNA Classes & Programs in Des Moines, Washington
2 state-approved CNA programs in Des Moines, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in Des Moines
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $48,440
- $23.29 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 20,730
- in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 3 nursing homes and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 32,667
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Des Moines offers 2 state-approved CNA programs designed to help aspiring nursing assistants meet requirements set by Washington State. Prospective students benefit from choices that accommodate individual preferences, including access to online learning formats or accelerated study paths for faster entry into patient care roles within this Seattle-area community.
The city’s CNA classes enable participants to build core skills valued by employers across long-term care facilities and home health agencies located nearby. One program features an online option, while another provides an accelerated track—giving learners flexibility based on their schedules or desired pace toward achieving state certification as a nurse aide.
CNA salaries reflect metro-level trends; in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, annual earnings average $48,440. Graduates completing local CNA courses are well-positioned for employment as new opportunities continue across regional facilities serving diverse patient populations.
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Browse CNA Classes in Des Moines
Des Moines offers 2 CNA training programs featuring both online learning and accelerated pathways, allowing students to pursue Washington state registry placement efficiently. Each CNA class focuses on skill development for quick entry into patient-centered roles, supporting individuals preparing for careers where CNAs remain sought after throughout King County’s expanding network of care providers.
Program Types in Des Moines
| Type | In Des Moines | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Highline Community College ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Highline Community College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Excel Health Careers Training (Conditional Approval) ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Des Moines
Lowest published cost first.
Highline Community College
CostFreeHours77Weeks4
- Address
- 2400 South 240Th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (206) 592-3785
Highline College Continuing Education offers a 4‑week Nursing Assistant-Certified program totaling 77 clock hours with online instruction. A Seattle Children’s partnership cohort covers all student costs and places completers into paid roles.
Visit websiteExcel Health Careers Training (Conditional Approval)
Cost$1,025Hours103Weeks3
- Address
- 22659 Pacific Highway South, Ste 301, Des Moines, WA 98198
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (206) 271-1946
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Excel offers an in-person CNA program with day, evening and weekend schedules; day/evening cohorts run about 3 weeks. Training includes theory, 33 hours of skills lab, and clinical rotation in a nursing home.
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.
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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 Des Moines
| Median annual pay | $48,440 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $23.29 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 20,730 |
| Salary region | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Des Moines are part of the broader Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region, where approximately 20,730 certified nursing assistants are employed across acute care centers, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health organizations serving King County communities such as Des Moines.
CNA salary in Des Moines reflects metro-level trends: In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, CNAs earn around $48,440 per year (or $23.29 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median salary surpasses Washington’s statewide benchmark of $46,000 annually, indicating higher compensation levels typical of large metropolitan areas where competition for skilled staff remains elevated among top employers.
The area features several notable CMS-certified facilities employing newly credentialed CNAs: Judson Park Health Center (96 beds) is recognized as a nonprofit employer; Wesley Homes Des Moines Health Center provides services within a sizable campus offering over 140 beds; Puget Sound Transitional Care adds further skilled nursing options; Wesley Homes At Home delivers reputable home health services with broad reach—collectively representing key destinations where graduates may seek immediate opportunities post-certification within Des Moines’ healthcare landscape.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Des Moines (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Des Moines providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Judson Park Health Center23620 Marine View Drive South(206) 824-4000Map | 96 | 3.0 |
| Wesley Homes Des Moines Health Center826 South 218Th Street(206) 870-1345Map | 148 | 2.9 |
| Puget Sound Transitional Care2800 South 224Th Street,(206) 824-0600Map | 165 | 2.3 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Des Moines (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Des Moines providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Wesley Homes At Home, Llc815 South 216Th Street(206) 824-5000Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Des Moines? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Bainbridge Island, Tukwila, Enumclaw, Gig Harbor, and Ruston, 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 Des Moines, WA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Des Moines—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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Des Moines
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Des Moines?
Most CNA programs in Des Moines can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Excel Health Careers Training (Conditional Approval).
How much does CNA training cost in Des Moines?
Excel Health Careers Training (Conditional Approval) lists a price of $1,025. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Des Moines?
Yes. Highline Community College offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Des Moines?
Yes. Highline Community College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Des Moines?
Yes. 2 programs in Des Moines are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Des Moines there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Bainbridge Island, Tukwila, Enumclaw, Gig Harbor and Ruston. 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 Des Moines?
CNAs in Des Moines are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 1 home health agency in Des Moines. 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.