Seattle Certified Nursing Assistant Schools
Students wishing to enroll in certified nursing assistant programs in the Seattle area have a few school options. The three institutions featured in this article require around a 20-minute drive or less from downtown and have programs that prepare students to take the state certification exam for nursing assistants. Find out about their clinical and coursework requirements before taking a glance at the table of statistics and facts about each school.
- Located roughly eight miles from the city center, North Seattle Community College offers a nursing assistant certificate program in the fall, winter and spring semesters. This program also uses the I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) format, which offers instruction in basic learning skills and job training.
- Renton Technical College offers a nursing assistant program that results in a certificate of completion. The campus is situated around 16 miles from downtown Seattle.
- Shoreline Community College, located about 11 miles from central Seattle, offers a nursing assistant certificate program that can be completed in 11 weeks.
Comparison of Schools
Tuition rates and financial aid options can be just as important considerations as academic offerings when it comes to selecting a college to attend. Check out this table to find out about costs and other facts for the three schools.
| North Seattle College | Renton Technical College | Shoreline Community College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, primarily associate's, public | 4-year, primarily associate's, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 4,887 | 3,097 | 4,843 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Midsize city | Large suburb |
| Tuition (2021-2022)* | $4,799 | $5,671 in-state $6,131 out-of-state |
$4,166 in-state $7,013 out-of-state |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 69% | 76% | 51% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | N/A - Open admissions | N/A - Open admissions | N/A - Open admissions |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021)* | N/A | N/A | 63% of full-time students |
| Graduation Rate* | 40% (students beginning in 2015) | 57% (students beginning in 2015) | 29% (students beginning in 2018) |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
North Seattle College
North Seattle College (NSC) is located in Seattle and was established in 1970. Part of the Seattle Community College District, this college offers various academic programs, such as certificate and associate's degree programs, career training and continuing education. NSCC has a deferred tuition payment system that allows students to pay tuition over time rather than all at once.
Nursing Assistant - Certified Program
NSCC's nursing assistant certificate program prepares students for entry-level work as certified nursing assistants in various healthcare settings, such as long-term care institutions, hospitals and home health agencies. Both the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and Washington State Department of Health have approved this program.
The program is comprised of around 14 credits of clinical and classroom instruction, focusing primarily on nutrition, anatomy and physiology, communication, patients' rights, infection control, social service resources, personal care and state health regulations. Clinical education is offered at three facilities in the area. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to take the Washington State Nursing Assistant certification examination. Applicants must attend a pre-enrollment information session.
Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College offers certificate and degree programs, as well as general education development courses and apprenticeships. Many of Renton Technical College's students attend for workforce training.
Nursing Assistant
The nursing assistant program at Renton Technical College is a 10-credit program that involves five weeks of daytime classes. Students develop basic nursing skills and learn to care for patients of all ages. They also take courses in HIV/AIDS, health insurance portability and accountability (HIPAA) and patients' rights. In addition to coursework, students practice skills in the lab and complete clinical training at local hospitals or nursing facilities.
Upon completion, students can take the Washington State certification exam for nursing assistants. This program can act as a stepping stone towards becoming a licensed practical or registered nurse. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and take COMPASS tests prior to starting the program. Proof of good physical health, health insurance, current immunizations and criminal background check clearances are also required.
Shoreline Community College
Founded in 1964, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 academic training programs designed to help students obtain the education needed to meet their career goals. The college also offers transferrable programs, continuing education and online programs.
Nursing Assistant Certified Certificate of Completion
This program covers such areas of nursing as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), disease, hands-on care giving and patient care. Students are required to attend a five-day training lab for nutrition, diet planning, performing motion exercises, bathing patients and taking vital signs. Students can expect to spend two quarters on this program, taking courses that cover theory and practice for nursing assistance, participating in nursing skill labs and completing clinical externships.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to take the State of Washington Nursing Assistant examination for state certification, allowing them to work in hospitals, community health agencies, long-term nursing facilities, rehabilitation clinics and private homes. In addition to being 18 years of age, applicants must have adequate reading scores and proof of current immunizations, TB tests and criminal background clearances.
