Below is a detailed guide to the top 28 schools in Washington State for upgrading from a Home Health Aide (HHA or HSA) to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)**. This list includes the application process, requirements, and key details for a seamless transition. Each school is selected based on state approval by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) or Department of Health (DOH), reputation, and accessibility for career advancement in healthcare. Links are provided for further exploration, and the content for easy tracking of "CNA training Washington State," "HHA to CNA upgrade," "nursing assistant programs WA," and "CNA certification Washington."

General Requirements for HHA to CNA Upgrade in Washington State

• Prerequisite: Current HHA certification or experience as a Home Health Aide.
• Training: Complete a state-approved CNA program (minimum 85 hours, including 35 classroom hours and 50 clinical hours, per WAC 246-841-490).
• Competency Exam: Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Pearson VUE or an equivalent skills test.
• Background Check: Pass a criminal background check (required by most programs and employers).
• Application: Submit a CNA certification application to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) after training and testing.
• Additional: Some programs accept HHA training as partial credit via a "bridge program," reducing required hours.

Application Process Overview

1. Research and Choose a Program: Select from the list below based on location, cost, and schedule.
2. Meet Prerequisites: Ensure you have a high school diploma/GED (preferred, not always required), HHA certification, and immunizations (e.g., TB test, MMR, Hepatitis B).
3. Apply: Submit an application (online or in-person) with fees, transcripts, or proof of HHA experience.
4. Complete Training: Attend classes and clinicals (4-15 weeks depending on the program).
5. Schedule Exam: Register for the NNAAP exam through Pearson VUE.
6. Apply for Certification: Submit your application to DOH with exam results and fees ($65 for initial certification).

Now, let’s dive into the top 28 schools.

Top 28 Schools in Washington State for HHA to CNA Upgrade

1. Bellevue College - Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) Program

• Location: Bellevue, WA
• Details: Offers a comprehensive NAC program with on-site NNAAP testing. Ideal for HHA bridging with flexible evening classes.
• Requirements: 18+, HHA experience, background check, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA certificate, pay $1,200 tuition (approx.).
• Link: Bellevue College NAC Program
• CNA training Bellevue, HHA to CNA Washington.

2. Seattle Central College - Nursing Assistant Certificate

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Details: Hybrid program (online theory, in-person labs at South Seattle College). 8-9 weeks, full-time.
• Requirements: ENGL 098/MATH 087 eligibility, HHA proof, background check.
• Application Process: Ongoing applications online, first-come-first-served.
• Link: Seattle Central Healthcare Programs
• Seattle CNA certification, hybrid CNA classes WA.

3. Skagit Valley College - Nursing Assistant Certificate

• Location: Mount Vernon, WA
• Details: OBRA-compliant program, prepares for NNAAP exam. HHA experience may reduce clinical hours.
• Requirements: 18+, background check, TB test, HHA certificate.
• Application Process: Submit NAC Acknowledgement form to [email protected], register online.
• Link: Skagit Valley College Nursing
• CNA training Mount Vernon, HHA to CNA Skagit.

4. Clark College - CNA Program

• Location: Vancouver, WA
• Details: Affordable, 85-hour program with clinicals at local facilities.
• Requirements: HHA certification, GED/diploma preferred, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof, pay $800-$1,000 tuition.
• Link: Clark College Health Sciences
• Vancouver CNA program, HHA upgrade Clark County.

5. Shoreline Community College - CNA Certificate

• Location: Shoreline, WA
• Details: Hands-on focus with quarterly starts, HHA bridge option available.
• Requirements: Math/English prerequisites, HHA experience, background check.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit transcripts/HHA certificate.
• Link: Shoreline Community College CNA
• Shoreline CNA training, HHA to CNA Seattle.

6. Nursing Assistant Training School - Tukwila

• Location: Tukwila, WA
• Details: Specialized CNA training, HHA bridge program (75-85 hours).
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Call 206-575-2010, submit application in-person.
• Link: Nursing Assistant Training School
• Tukwila CNA classes, HHA to CNA bridge.

7. Highline College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Des Moines, WA
• Details: State-approved, flexible schedules, HHA credit considered.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, TB test.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Highline College Nursing
• Des Moines CNA training, HHA upgrade Highline.

8. Tacoma Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Details: Affordable, 85-hour program with clinical partnerships.
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Tacoma Community College Health
• Tacoma CNA certification, HHA to CNA Tacoma.

9. Green River College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Auburn, WA
• Details: HHA bridge-friendly, evening/weekend options.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, GED preferred.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Green River College Nursing
• Auburn CNA training, HHA upgrade Green River.

10. Spokane Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Spokane, WA
• Details: Comprehensive program, HHA experience may reduce hours.
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Spokane Community College Nursing
• Spokane CNA classes, HHA to CNA Spokane.

11. New Market Vocational Skills Center

• Location: Tumwater, WA
• Details: High school/adult program, HHA bridge option.
• Requirements: HHA experience, 18+, background check.
• Application Process: Call 360-570-4434, apply in-person.
• Link: New Market Skills Center
• Tumwater CNA training, HHA upgrade Tumwater.

12. Everett Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Everett, WA
• Details: Fast-track program, HHA credit possible.
• Requirements: HHA certification, immunizations, background check.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Everett Community College Nursing
• Everett CNA certification, HHA to CNA Everett.

13. Wenatchee Valley College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Wenatchee, WA
• Details: Rural-focused, HHA bridge available.
• Requirements: HHA experience, 18+, TB test.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Wenatchee Valley College Nursing
• Wenatchee CNA training, HHA upgrade Wenatchee.

14. Olympic College - CNA Program

• Location: Bremerton, WA
• Details: Affordable, HHA-friendly with clinicals.
• Requirements: HHA certification, background check, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Olympic College Nursing
• Bremerton CNA classes, HHA to CNA Olympic.

15. Columbia Basin College - Nursing Assistant Certificate

• Location: Pasco, WA
• Details: Tri-Cities program, HHA bridge option.
• Requirements: HHA experience, 18+, background check.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Columbia Basin College Nursing
• Pasco CNA training, HHA upgrade Tri-Cities.

16. Pierce College - CNA Program

• Location: Puyallup, WA
• Details: Flexible scheduling, HHA credit considered.
• Requirements: HHA certification, immunizations, GED preferred.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Pierce College Nursing
• Puyallup CNA certification, HHA to CNA Pierce.

17. Edmonds College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Lynnwood, WA
• Details: HHA bridge-friendly, quarterly starts.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, TB test.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Edmonds College Nursing
• Lynnwood CNA training, HHA upgrade Edmonds.

18. Bates Technical College - CNA Program

• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Details: Vocational focus, HHA bridge available.
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Bates Technical College Nursing
• Tacoma CNA classes, HHA to CNA Bates.

19. Walla Walla Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Walla Walla, WA
• Details: Rural program, HHA credit possible.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, GED preferred.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Walla Walla Community College Nursing
• Walla Walla CNA training, HHA upgrade Walla Walla.

20. Yakima Valley College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Yakima, WA
• Details: Affordable, HHA bridge option.
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Yakima Valley College Nursing
• Yakima CNA certification, HHA to CNA Yakima.

21. South Puget Sound Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Olympia, WA
• Details: HHA-friendly, clinical partnerships.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, TB test.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: South Puget Sound Community College Nursing
• Olympia CNA training, HHA upgrade Olympia.

22. CNA Training School of Nursing - Vancouver

• Location: Vancouver, WA
• Details: Specialized training, HHA bridge program.
• Requirements: HHA certification, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Call 360-546-0098, apply in-person.
• Link: CNA Training School Vancouver
• Vancouver CNA classes, HHA to CNA Vancouver.

23. Renton Technical College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Renton, WA
• Details: Vocational focus, HHA credit considered.
• Requirements: HHA experience, background check, GED preferred.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Renton Technical College Nursing
• Renton CNA training, HHA upgrade Renton.

24. North Seattle College - Nursing Assistant Certificate

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Details: HHA bridge-friendly, quarterly starts.
• Requirements: HHA certification, immunizations, background check.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA proof.
• Link: North Seattle College Nursing
• Seattle CNA certification, HHA to CNA North Seattle.

25. Big Bend Community College - CNA Program

• Location: Moses Lake, WA
• Details: Rural program, HHA bridge available.
• Requirements: HHA experience, 18+, TB test.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Big Bend Community College Nursing
• Moses Lake CNA training, HHA upgrade Moses Lake.

26. Clover Park Technical College - CNA Program

• Location: Lakewood, WA
• Details: Vocational focus, HHA credit possible.
• Requirements: HHA certification, background check, immunizations.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Clover Park Technical College Nursing
• Lakewood CNA classes, HHA to CNA Clover Park.

27. Lower Columbia College - Nursing Assistant Program

• Location: Longview, WA
• Details: Affordable, HHA bridge option.
• Requirements: HHA experience, 18+, immunizations.
• Application Process: Online application, submit HHA certificate.
• Link: Lower Columbia College Nursing
• Longview CNA training, HHA upgrade Longview.

28. Peninsula College - CNA Program

• Location: Port Angeles, WA
• Details: Rural-focused, HHA credit considered.
• Requirements: HHA certification, background check, TB test.
• Application Process: Apply online, submit HHA proof.
• Link: Peninsula College Nursing
• Port Angeles CNA certification, HHA to CNA Peninsula.

Important Details for Seamless Application

• Costs: Tuition ranges from $800-$1,850, plus fees for exams ($155 total for NNAAP: $100 written, $55 skills), uniforms, and supplies.
• Financial Aid: Many community colleges offer payment plans or scholarships (e.g., Propel at Wake Tech-style programs). Check with each school.
• Timing: Programs range from 4-15 weeks. Apply early as spots fill quickly.
• Bridge Programs: HHA experience may waive some hours—confirm with the program coordinator.
• DOH Certification: After passing the NNAAP, apply online at DOH Nursing Assistant Licensing.

This list provides a robust starting point for upgrading from HHA to CNA in Washington State. For the most current details, contact each school directly, as schedules and costs may vary. With these programs, you’re on your way to a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant!