Your career in the long-term care industry starts here.
Become a certified nursing assistant in five weeks!
Lynden Healthcare Education’s CNA training program aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient nursing assistants. This program is specifically tailored for the long-term care industry in Whatcom County to help ensure the well-being of our aging population.
Nursing assistant certification classes at LHE are currently offered at no cost to select students, thanks to financial support provided by the Christian Health Care Center Foundation.
In-demand industry
Nursing assistants are respected, appreciated and greatly needed! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts booming job growth for CNAs through at least 2031 — and that’s on top of the strong need in the industry right now, with nursing assistant positions waiting to be filled.
Career advancement
After working as a long-term care nursing assistant and gaining hands-on patient care experience, you may choose to continue your training and become a restorative nursing assistant or licensed nurse. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that can help fund your studies at a local college.
Full-time employment
Most graduates of this CNA certification program can immediately apply for positions at Whatcom County eldercare providers. Graduates of LHE’s free CNA training class even receive priority consideration for nursing assistant jobs that are open at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.
View upcoming classes
Upcoming CNA certification class dates are published on the Classes page when they are scheduled. Check that page often. If you would like to be notified by email when enrollment is open, please opt in to receive an email announcement from us using the form on the Classes page.
Here’s what you’ll learn
In attending the 20 required classroom sessions, you’ll study a number of topics that are critical to the role of long-term care nursing assistant, including but not limited to:
Patient care techniques
Using modern technology for medical records
Infection control
Resident rights
Observation and reporting skills
Addressing mental health challenges
Class details
Duties of a CNA
A long-term care nursing assistant’s primary goal is to ensure that residents are well cared for. This means helping them move around, eat, use the bathroom, bathe, dress and groom. You also will help measure and record residents’ blood pressure, weight, urine output, breathing and pulse.
Free CNA certification
Visit the FAQ page to learn how the Christian Health Care Center Foundation may pay for your class-related expenses (instructor fee, books, testing and application fees, a $1,400+ value) as part of its mission to ensure the health care needs of our community are met.
Class schedule
Classes are held in Lynden from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Weeks 1 to 3 include introduction, orientation and training. Week 4 consists of clinicals. Week 5 includes two days of clinicals and one day each of skills practice and testing.
About the instructor
Dianne Anderson has been a clinical instructor of nursing at Whatcom Community College since 2009. She taught CNA classes at Christian Health Care Center from 2016 to 2022, prior to the program’s expansion and transition to operating under the direction of Lynden Healthcare Education.
Dianne is certified by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and works as an infection preventionist. She also coordinates medication audits for nursing staff and serves as a staff development coordinator in the long-term care industry.
Approach
Passing the certified nursing assistant test in Washington state is not easy. It takes focus and determination.
LHE’s CNA training program for the long-term care industry has been structured to ensure the best possible result for students.
My primary motto is practice, practice, practice. My experience has shown that practicing prior to the state test will greatly increase your chances of passing.
Process
Classes are divided into two sections: theory and skills. Every day in class, you’ll have a theory test, and you’ll learn long-term care nursing skills by practicing with each other.
You’ll also have floor rotations in a local skilled nursing center, where you’ll provide care to residents and patients.
To pass the state test, you must be proficient with a set list of knowledge and abilities. I aim to ensure you ace them all.
Commitment
As your CNA instructor, I promise to always give extra help when you need it. I ask that you invest in your future and give 100% effort in return.
Throughout the course, I’ll share long-term care industry knowledge and help you learn new skills. I’ll share proven tips and strategies and encourage you along the way.
I am here to guide you through the training program and to help you succeed during the test and throughout your new career.
What graduates are saying
“Dianne was very engaging and made sure no one was falling behind. She also cared about her student’s mental well-being! It’s an amazing training program, and the instructor tries her best to make sure everyone passes.“
“Dianne was an amazingggg instructor! She was always willing to help and wanted us all to exceed and do our best. She made sure we were all prepared for testing and gave really good advice!“
Why becoming a long-term care CNA may be a good fit for you:
Working as a certified nursing assistant in the long-term care industry can bring purpose and meaning to each day. You can end each day knowing you’ve made a difference in the lives of older adults and their families.
You’ll have job security knowing that the skills you learn will be transferable to many health care settings, including skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities and in-home care organizations.
Nursing assistants are respected and appreciated. You’ll be well compensated for the work you do.