The cost of receiving training through this nursing assistant certification program is free for those who enroll and are accepted. 

The program is made possible by the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, which financially supports LHE’s programming as part of its mission to ensure that the health care needs of our community are met.

CNA certification classes take place several times each year. Sometimes, we offer back-to-back sessions, and sometimes there may be a month or so between sessions.

As soon as a class is confirmed, we add it to the Classes page on this website. You can check that page and apply when you see a session that suits your scheduling needs.

Option: You also may opt in to receive a monthly email from LHE that includes CNA enrollment information and other industry information. Enter your name and email address on the form at the top of the Classes page.

Background checks are required for all CNA trainees per Washington state law.

Students who are enrolled in LHE’s nursing assistant certification program must submit a background check, which will be reviewed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

A form will be provided by LHE, and there is no cost to you.

Yes! LHE is located on the same health care campus as Christian Health Care Center, and that organization often hires graduates after the completion of the program.

Should they choose to apply, LHE students are given hiring priority at CHCC.

Check here for a list of current openings.

After gaining hands-on patient care experience, you may choose to go on and become an RN or LPN or enter other healthcare fields like physical therapy or therapeutic recreation. CHCC offers a tuition reimbursement program for members of the team who wish to continue their studies through an online program or at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College or Western Washington University.

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 life of an older adult and their family.

Nursing assistants are respected, appreciated and in demand in Whatcom County! As the population ages, the value of nursing assistants (also known as nursing assistants-certified or certified nursing assistants) only grows. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts booming job growth for CNAs through at least 2024. The predicted 17-percent growth rate for nursing assistants far surpasses the national average of 7 percent.

Your image and conduct play a key role in establishing a professional atmosphere. You should always be dressed in a neat and professional manner. Scrubs must be clean, conservative, professional, correctly sized, in good repair and wrinkle-free. Appropriate undergarments must be worn, and they should not be easily visible beneath clothing. The use of perfume, body spray, cologne or scented aftershave is not allowed. Jewelry shall be in moderation and appropriate for job safety. Footwear must be well-suited for style and safety; shoes must be water- and slip-resistant.

In attending the 20 required classroom sessions, you’ll study topics that are critical to the role of a nursing assistant. To meet the standard, you must be on time for all scheduled classes and remain at the training room in Lynden, Washington throughout the duration of each class, except during designated breaks and when released by the instructor.

Because the content in this course builds on the knowledge and skills that are covered in preceding classes, make up classes are not offered. If you miss one of the 20 required classroom sessions, you will be released from the class and will need to reenroll in the program at a future date.

An HCA can quickly become a CNA—providing them with access to higher wages and better career opportunities—by completing a 24-hour “bridge” program.

HCA/CNA “bridge” programs provide the required skills and clinical practice that prepare students to take the nursing assistant-certified exam in Washington state.

Lynden Healthcare Education is currently focused on training certified nursing assistants in Whatcom County; we do not provide training for the HCA to CNA “bridge” program.

If you are an HCA, you can enroll in an approved “bridge” program.

In Washington state, certified nursing assistants must renew their certification online on or before their birthday each year. Most Long-term care workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. Visit the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website for a list of continuing education training requirements.

You will need to achieve a passing score of 80% or higher to meet the standard. You can retake one test; if you fail two tests, you will be released from the class and will need to reenroll in the training program at a future date.

The health and safety measures listed below are required prior to enrollment.

• COVID-19. Effective Aug. 7, 2023, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended, not required.
• TB testing. Provide proof of a negative TB skin test taken within the past 6 months. If you have not taken a recent test, LHE can facilitate testing at no cost to you.

This CNA certification program is highly competitive; space is limited to a maximum of 10 students.

When enrollment is open, you’ll find an application on the Enroll page. That form disappears when enrollment is closed.

If you would like to be notified by email when enrollment is open, please opt in to receive email messages from us (form on this page).

Each student will need a clean and comfortable pair of shoes (tennis shoes are OK) and at least one set of scrubs, which will be worn to class and when you’re on the floor for clinicals.

Some students choose to buy more than one set of scrubs so they do not have to do laundry each day. Any color and pattern are acceptable. Scrubs are typically available at Walmart and Amazon.com. Some students have found them at Goodwill and Value Village, too.