CNA Classes & Programs in Tacoma, Washington
9 state-approved CNA programs in Tacoma, including free, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Online programs are offered in other Washington cities.
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CNA training in Tacoma
- Programs
- 9
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $48,440
- $23.29 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 20,730
- in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region
- Healthcare facilities
- 19
- 11 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 4 home health agencies
- Population
- 219,234
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Tacoma
| Type | In Tacoma | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 5 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Tacoma | See other Washington cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 4 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 9 CNA programs in Tacoma
Lowest published cost first.
Avamere Pacific Ridge
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3625 East B Street, Tacoma, WA 98404
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 475-2507
Avamere offers free Nursing Assistant classes with certification test fees covered and pathways to CNA employment at Avamere locations.
Visit websiteAvamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 630 S Pearl. St, Tacoma, WA 98225
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 671-7300
Avamere offers free Nursing Assistant classes with certification test fees covered and pathways to CNA employment at Avamere locations.
Visit websiteMultiCare University
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- 315 Martin Luther King, Jr Way, MS: 315 C5-CTR, Tacoma, WA 98405
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 403-7473
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Paid CNA training program for new hires combines classroom and clinical experience and leads to placement at MultiCare hospitals based on organizational need. Training cohorts are short-term and run on day or evening schedules.
Visit websiteSupreme Nursing Academy of Givers
Cost$955Hours108Weeks3
- Address
- 6430 Tacoma Mall Blvd Ste 101, Tacoma, WA 98409
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 398-5395
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
Weekday and weekend CNA cohorts provide 108 hours (theory, lab, clinical) with tuition that includes on-site skills testing. The weekday track runs about 3 weeks.
Visit websiteSupreme Nursing Academy of Givers
Cost$955Hours108Weeks3
- Address
- 6430 Tacoma Mall Blvd Ste 101, Tacoma, WA 98409
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 398-5395
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
Weekday and weekend CNA cohorts provide 108 hours (theory, lab, clinical) with tuition that includes on-site skills testing. The weekday track runs about 3 weeks.
Visit websiteBates Technical College
Cost$1,482Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 1101 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 680-7328
Department of Health-approved CNA training covering patient care, safety and teamwork with lab, classroom, and geriatric clinical experience. Cohorts run about five weeks with weekday daytime classes.
Visit websiteTacoma Community College
Cost$1,590Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 566-5085
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Five-week Nursing Assistant certificate totaling 10 credits with classroom, skills lab, clinicals and AHA BLS CPR included. Evening cohorts are offered at the Gig Harbor campus.
Visit websitePark Rose Care Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3919 S 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 752-5677
Park Rose Care Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteVisiting Angels
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1401 S Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (253) 537-3700
Visiting Angels 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 9 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Washington cities
All Washington cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Tacoma
| 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.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Tacoma (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in Tacoma 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Avamere At Pacific Ridge3625 East B Street(253) 475-2507Map | 102 | 3.5 |
| Park Rose Care Center3919 South 19Th Street(253) 948-5085Map | 139 | 3.2 |
| Eliseo1301 N Highlands Parkway(253) 752-7112Map | 187 | 2.9 |
| Tacoma Nursing And Rehabilitation Center2102 South 96Th Street(253) 581-2514Map | 150 | 2.8 |
| Avamere Transitional Care Of Puget Sound630 South Pearl Street(253) 671-7300Map | 60 | 2.6 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Tacoma (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Tacoma offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| St Joseph Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1717 South J Street(253) 426-4101Map | 4/5 |
| Tacoma General Allenmore HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 315 S Mlk Jr Way(253) 403-1000Map | 2/5 |
| Mary Bridge Children'S HospitalChildrens · 317 Martin Luther King Jr W Box 5299(253) 403-1400Map | – |
| Wellfound Behavioral Health HospitalPsychiatric · 3402 S 19Th St(253) 301-5400Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Tacoma (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in Tacoma providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Puget Sound Home Health4002 Tacoma Mall Blvd Ste 204(253) 581-9410Map | 5.0/5 |
| Puget Sound Home Health Of King County4002 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Ste 204A(253) 581-9410Map | 4.0/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health4020 S 56Th St, Ste 101(253) 475-6862Map | 3.5/5 |
| Multicare Good Samaritan Home Health1313 Broadway(253) 301-6400Map | 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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Tacoma.
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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. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Supreme Nursing Academy of Givers.
How much does CNA training cost in Tacoma?
CNA programs in Tacoma cost between $955 and $1,590, depending on the school. 3 programs are free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is Supreme Nursing Academy of Givers at $955. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Tacoma?
Yes. 3 programs in Tacoma are free or employer-paid: Avamere Pacific Ridge, Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound and MultiCare University. 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 Tacoma?
No program in Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Yes. 5 programs in Tacoma 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 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. CMS lists 11 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 4 home health agencies in Tacoma. 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.