CNA Training FAQs for Washington

General CNA Information
Enrollment and Eligibility
Program Costs
Job Placement
Time Requirements
Location
Quality
Mentorship
Curriculum
Contact Us

General CNA Information

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

CNAs provide hands-on care to individuals who need assistance—often elderly people or someone who has had an acute health care event or injury. CNAs may work in an individual’s home, at a nursing home, or in a long-term-care or assisted-living facility. They assist clients with basic needs such as personal care, wellness monitoring and household tasks. They’re also a source of emotional support during what may be the most vulnerable time in their clients’ lives. Learn more here.

How will becoming a CNA help my career?

Becoming a CNA is a great choice because it is in its own right a rewarding, high-demand career. And, it opens doors to future career growth in the health care industry. Learn more here.

What steps are required in Washington to become a CNA?

Complete a state-approved training program (like NextStep).
Apply for your nurse aide - registered (NA-R) certification.
Pass the written and skills state exams.
Apply for your nursing assistant certification.

Can I work in other states with a Washington nursing assistant certification?

Many states will allow you to apply for a license through reciprocity. This means you don’t have to test, but can become licensed. To find out if a state allows this, you’ll need to contact the state board that oversees nurse aides.

Enrollment and Eligibility

How do I enroll in NextStep’s CNA program?

To enroll, click the orange Get Started button and fill out the short form that appears. Then you’ll receive an email and text message (SMS) with instructions for completing enrollment.

What tech do I need to participate in the NextStep CNA program?

To participate in the NextStep CNA program, you must have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone that can be connected to the internet with a minimum of 30MB of storage. You’ll also need to purchase a course textbook.

Do I have to take a background check?

A background check is required for participation in the NextStep CNA program and for certification in many states. If you have any criminal offenses on your record, you may be ineligible.

Can I get recertified as a CNA through NextStep?

Absolutely! Our mentors can work with you to determine your best path to recertification.

How much education do I have to have to enroll?

You must have a high school diploma or GED to enter the NextStep CNA program. No college is required.

What documentation do I need to enroll?

NextStep requires a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity and legal name. You’ll also need a photo ID in order to be able to take your state certification exam after graduation. Some common types that learners use are a drivers license, state issued ID card or passport.

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?

Yes, our clinical partners require all learners to be fully vaccinated against the most common diseases — which includes COVID-19 — before they attend any clinical rotations. To be fully vaccinated, you must receive one or two injections, depending on the vaccine brand, at least two weeks before the first day of clinicals. Health and religious exemptions are not available.

Program Costs

How much does the program cost?

NextStep CNA program tuition is $0 with our employer-sponsored scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, you’ll agree to take a full-time CNA position with one of our respected employer partners for at least 90 days after graduation.

The course includes

Online and in-person portions of the course
CPR/BLS certification
One-on-one mentorship
CNA exam prep
State-required background check
One set of scrubs

You’ll also be responsible for some additional costs:

Vaccinations and medical check-ups required by our clinical learning facilities for safety

$250
(may be covered by medical insurance)

Textbook

$45

Washington State Certification Exam

$122

Job Placement

What kind of job can NextStep help me get?

NextStep’s employer partners range from skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities to home care agencies. Graduates are placed as full-time (minimum 32 hours per week) CNAs with employer partners who match their geographic and career preferences.

Is employment guaranteed?

Learners who meet all state certification requirements are guaranteed a CNA job placement offer with one of NextStep’s respected employer partners.

How much do NextStep CNAs make?

NextStep’s job placements pay starting wages up to $19 depending on your location, shift, and employer. Wage potential can increase throughout your career with experience, performance and additional training and development.

Is NextStep an employment agency?

NextStep provides training and placement opportunities for the caregiver community, but we don’t do the actual hiring. We match graduates from our CNA program and members of our wider CNA network with our respected employer partners, benefiting everyone.

What if I change my mind during the course or after accepting a job?

We encourage our learners to see their commitment to completing the program and working 90 days through. Transitions can be challenging, but most of our graduates find that once they’re in the groove, they’re glad they stuck with it! And, remember that you’ll have one-on-one mentorship throughout the program and during your first three months on the job.

What if I find a better job with another employer?

We feel confident that we’ll find you a job that matches your needs. If you’re concerned about some aspect of your NextStep job placement offer, talk to your mentor. They’re experts at matching graduates with the job that fits them best!

How quickly will you find a job for me?

NextStep commits to providing graduates of our course a job placement offer within seven calendar days following successful completion of the CNA program. For full details on our job placement policies, please see Section 4 of our Washington CNA Training Course Terms.

What if you don’t find any jobs for me during the 7-day job placement period?

In the unlikely event that NextStep is unable to offer you a job placement within seven calendar days following your successful completion of the CNA program, you are no longer obligated to accept a job placement. For full details on our job placement policies, please see Section 4 of our Washington CNA Training Course Terms.

Time Requirements

How long do I have to complete the program?

Most learners complete the CNA program in six to eight weeks. Because it’s important that your knowledge be fresh when you start your first job as a CNA, we require all learners to complete the course in no more than 12 weeks.

How quickly can I complete the course?

For Washington learners wanting to complete the CNA program as quickly as possible, we suggest a six-week schedule.

Location

Where do I take the course?

NextStep’s CNA program uses a blended-learning approach. You can complete the theory portion of the course on any device with a web browser, including mobile phones, tablets and computers. Then, you’ll attend our in-person practice labs and clinicals at a facility in your geographic area.

Quality

Is the course state approved?

NextStep’s CNA program is currently approved in Colorado, Washington and Oregon.

State

Certifying Agency

Certification Number

Colorado

Washington State Board of Nursing

#07730

Washington

State of Washington Department of Health

#52095

Oregon

Oregon State Board of Nursing

Certification numbers are not used in this state.

We’re expanding to other states soon! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up to date on our programs.

What do NextStep graduates say about the course?

Our graduates are NextStep’s biggest fans. They tell us they loved how flexible and easy the program is and appreciate the support they received from their mentors along the way. Check out our reviews to hear directly from our learners and graduates!

Mentorship

What is a mentor and how frequently do I speak with my mentor?

We match every learner in the CNA program with an experienced mentor. Your mentor is there to support you from the moment you enroll through your first 90 days on the job. From setting course goals to general cheerleading, your mentor is invested in your success. And, because every mentor has worked as a CNA, they can answer all your questions about being a professional caregiver.

Curriculum

What is the content of the NextStep CNA program?

The NextStep Program consists of three portions: online theory learning, practice labs and clinical rotation.
‍

Online Theory Learning

During this portion of the program, you’ll learn theory skills online on your own schedule using any internet-enabled device. Phones, tablets and computers are good options.

Practice Labs

This is where you’ll get a chance to practice the theory skills you’ve learned online. You’ll have the support of your fellow learners and our nurse instructors to make sure you are confident with your abilities.

Clinical Rotation

Once you’ve successfully completed practice labs, you’ll get real-world experience in a long-term care setting during clinicals.

We’re expanding to other states soon! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up to date on our programs.

Contact Us

How can I contact NextStep?

You can reach us directly at hello@nextstep.com.

Explore the Possibilities of a CNA Career