Tacoma, WA

Avamere at Pacific Ridge

Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C)

Location

Tacoma, WA

Cost

Free (tuition and testing fees covered)

State Required Hours

85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours)

Address

3625 East B Street

Tacoma, WA 98404

About This Program

Avamere at Pacific Ridge is a 102-bed skilled nursing community on East B Street in Tacoma's Eastside neighborhood, specializing in memory care and behavioral health. The facility runs a DSHS- and Board of Nursing-approved Traditional NA-C training program at no cost to students, with theory delivered online via Zoom (Mon-Thu, 8:30 a.m.-1:20 p.m.) and clinicals on-site. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, employer-paid testing fees for the NNAAP exam, and guaranteed employment at Avamere upon passing. The program is a work-then-train pipeline tied to employment at Avamere, so it is best suited to applicants planning to work for the company.

Location & Directions

3625 East B Street, Tacoma, WA 98404

Becoming a CNA in Washington

Becoming a CNA in Washington — formally called a Nursing Assistant-Certified or NA-C — follows a uniquely flexible two-tier pathway that no other state quite matches. You can either apply for the full NA-C credential after completing training, or apply first for the entry-level Nursing Assistant-Registered (NA-R) credential, start working in a nursing home for pay, and then complete the full NA-C training and exam within four months under federal OBRA rules. Most no-experience candidates choose the NA-R-first pathway because it lets them start earning a CNA wage 4 to 6 weeks earlier than the traditional training-then-test sequence.

Minimum Age

18

Training Hours

85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours)

Exam Vendor

Credentia

Time to Cert

5–10 weeks for entry-level NA-R; full NA-C requires up to 4 additional months under federal OBRA rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CNA program at Avamere at Pacific Ridge include?

Avamere at Pacific Ridge is a 102-bed skilled nursing community on East B Street in Tacoma's Eastside neighborhood, specializing in memory care and behavioral health. The program is located at 3625 East B Street, Tacoma, WA 98404. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (253) 475-2507 or visit https://www.avamere.com/avamere-at-pacific-ridge/skillednursing.

How much does Avamere at Pacific Ridge cost?

Avamere at Pacific Ridge lists tuition for its nursing assistant-certified (na-c) at Free (tuition and testing fees covered). Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call Avamere at Pacific Ridge at (253) 475-2507 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.

How long is the program at Avamere at Pacific Ridge?

Avamere at Pacific Ridge has not published a fixed length for this directory. Programs in Washington must meet the state minimum of 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours), so plan accordingly. Call (253) 475-2507 or check the program website at https://www.avamere.com/avamere-at-pacific-ridge/skillednursing to confirm the program length, start dates, and full-time vs part-time schedule options.

How do I apply or contact Avamere at Pacific Ridge?

Call Avamere at Pacific Ridge directly at (253) 475-2507 or visit https://www.avamere.com/avamere-at-pacific-ridge/skillednursing. The program is located at 3625 East B Street, Tacoma, WA 98404. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.

What Washington CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Avamere at Pacific Ridge?

Before enrolling at Avamere at Pacific Ridge, make sure you meet Washington's minimum age (18), education requirements, and background-check rules. Washington requires 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours) of state-approved training and uses Credentia for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 5–10 weeks for entry-level NA-R; full NA-C requires up to 4 additional months under federal OBRA rules. See the full Washington CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.

Are there other CNA programs near Tacoma?

Yes. In addition to Avamere at Pacific Ridge in Tacoma, our directory includes CNA training programs in Seattle, Spokane, Olympia. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Washington CNA classes for the full list.