CNA Classes & Programs in Tacoma, Washington
Get Information from CNA Programs in Tacoma and Nearby
Tacoma is home to 9 CNA programs designed to train individuals seeking entry into patient care roles within this port city on Puget Sound. These state-approved options support candidates preparing for essential Washington credentialing as Certified Nursing Assistants through classroom instruction and practical experiences.
CNA classes in Tacoma feature a mix of program types—including accelerated, traditional classroom-based instruction as well as free CNA classes. Flexible scheduling makes it easier for students from varied backgrounds to access training suited to their needs while gaining exposure through clinical placements at local facilities ranging from hospitals to skilled nursing centers.
CNA salaries in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region average around $48,440 annually—reflecting both local demand and compensation trends across Tacoma’s expanding medical landscape.
Quick Facts About Tacoma
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Population219,234Residents
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CNA Programs9State-approved Programs
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Median Income$79,085Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$23.29Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$48,440Median Annual Salary
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Facilities19CMS Healthcare Facilities11 Nursing Homes • 4 Hospitals • 4 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Tacoma and Nearby
Schools in Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Tacoma offers 9 CNA programs that prepare students for Washington certification and registry through diverse offerings, including free training opportunities and accelerated 4-week classes. Each CNA class is structured to enable participants to qualify quickly while meeting regional healthcare demand, where certified assistants play an essential role throughout Tacoma’s hospital networks and residential care settings.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Tacoma through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Tacoma and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Tacoma but are offered in other cities throughout Washington.
Tacoma Community College
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Bates Technical College
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MultiCare University
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Park Rose Care Center
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Avamere Pacific Ridge
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Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound
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Supreme Nursing Academy of Givers
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Supreme Nursing Academy of Givers
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Visiting Angels
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Tacoma
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$48,440Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$23.29Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs20,730CNA Positions
In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region, approximately 20,730 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This reflects strong demand across hospital systems, skilled nursing centers, and home health agencies serving Pierce County residents.
CNA salary in Tacoma aligns with regional figures: In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, CNAs earn a median of $48,440 per year or $23.29 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). This exceeds Washington's statewide median salary of $46,000 annually—a reflection of competitive wages offered within large urban areas like Tacoma due to workforce needs and cost-of-living factors.
CNA jobs in Tacoma are available at Avamere at Pacific Ridge—a corporation-owned nursing facility—and Park Rose Care Center, among others serving long-term care populations locally. Area hospitals such as St Joseph Medical Center (a voluntary non-profit church hospital) and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital provide additional avenues for employment within Tacoma's CMS-certified facility network.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Tacoma? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Seattle, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, and Kirkland, 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 Tacoma (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in Tacoma providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Tacoma (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Tacoma offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Mary Bridge Children'S Hospital
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Tacoma (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in Tacoma providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Puget Sound Home Health
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Puget Sound Home Health Of King County
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Multicare Good Samaritan Home Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Tacoma, WA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tacoma—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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Tacoma?
Most CNA programs in Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
Yes, some schools in Tacoma 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 Tacoma there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Seattle, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, and Kirkland. 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 Tacoma?
CNAs in Tacoma 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.