Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Community College
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C)
Location
Tacoma, WA
Duration
5 weeks (10 credits)
Cost
$1,590.70 per quarter (WA resident)
State Required Hours
85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours)
- Address
6501 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
- Phone
- (253) 566-5085
About This Program
TCC's NAC program is on the main 150-acre campus on South 19th Street on Tacoma's west side, easily reached from downtown via Pierce Transit. The program is approved by the Washington Department of Health and Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, with clinical rotations through MultiCare and other Pierce County partners. Students complete 10 credits over five weeks covering patient rights, communication, safety, CPR, and direct patient care, then test for the NA-C credential via the NNAAP written and skills exam. Selective admission applies; quarterly cohorts run year-round and the program is paired with TCC's broader nursing pathway.
Location & Directions
6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466
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 Tacoma Community College include?
TCC's NAC program is on the main 150-acre campus on South 19th Street on Tacoma's west side, easily reached from downtown via Pierce Transit. The program is located at 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (253) 566-5085 or visit https://www.tacomacc.edu/academics-programs/your-tcc-path/healthcare/nursing/.
How much does Tacoma Community College cost?
Tacoma Community College lists tuition for its nursing assistant-certified (na-c) at $1,590.70 per quarter (WA resident). 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 Tacoma Community College at (253) 566-5085 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at Tacoma Community College?
The nursing assistant-certified (na-c) at Tacoma Community College is structured as 5 weeks (10 credits). Washington requires 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours) of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (253) 566-5085 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Tacoma Community College?
Call Tacoma Community College directly at (253) 566-5085 or visit https://www.tacomacc.edu/academics-programs/your-tcc-path/healthcare/nursing/. The program is located at 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466. 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 Tacoma Community College?
Before enrolling at Tacoma Community College, 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 Tacoma Community College 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.
Other CNA Programs in Tacoma
Bates Technical College
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) Training · 5 weeks
Bates Technical College
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) · 5 weeks (10 credits)
Supreme Nursing Academy of Givers
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) · $955 (CNA) / $550 (HCA-to-CNA bridge)
Park Rose Care Center
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C)
Avamere at Pacific Ridge
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) · Free (tuition and testing fees covered)
St. Patrick CNA Training
Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C)