Tuition Free CNA Academy

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant - Tuition-Free CNA Academy

Port Washington Post Acute | Starting CNA Wage: $23/hour

Want to start a career in healthcare but don’t know where to begin? Is college tuition out of reach right now?

Port Washington Post Acute is offering an opportunity to earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential through our tuition-free, 11-week CNA Academy!

No previous healthcare experience is required. Our Washington State Board of Nursing-approved academy combines classroom education, hands-on skills practice, and supervised clinical experience to prepare students for the Washington State nursing assistant certification examinations.

More Than Just Passing a Test

Our 11-week CNA Academy is designed to prepare students for more than the state certification exams. We teach not only the required skills, but also the everyday responsibilities of caring for residents that aren't covered by the state skills tests.

Students learn how to manage multiple residents' needs, respond to call lights, communicate with nurses, document care, and handle the unexpected challenges of a busy nursing unit.

The extended program also gives students plenty of time to practice their skills, receive individual feedback, and build confidence before taking their certification exams. Rather than rushing through the material, students have opportunities to practice until they feel comfortable and capable.

Our goal is to graduate CNAs who are ready to care for residents, not just pass an exam.

What You'll Learn at the Academy

• Essential resident care skills, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, mobility, and positioning
• Infection prevention, safety practices, proper equipment use, and accurate documentation
• Communication, professionalism, resident rights, and person-centered care
• How to recognize and report changes in a resident's condition
• Hands-on skills through laboratory practice and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience with actual residents

Students participate in classroom instruction, skills practice, daily quizzes, and unit examinations throughout the course.

What to Expect

• Program length: 11 weeks
• Class schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM
• Tuition: Fully sponsored by Port Washington Post Acute
• Class size: Limited to six students per cohort
• Clinical experience: 40 hours of supervised resident care
• Certification: Graduates are prepared to complete the Washington State nursing assistant certification examinations

Attendance, participation, and successful completion of academic and clinical requirements are expected.

Why Choose Our Academy?

• Tuition-free education: Tuition is sponsored by Port Washington Post Acute, subject to the academy's employment commitment agreement.
• Application fees covered: We cover the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) and Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) application fees.
• Application assistance: Students receive guidance through the state credentialing application process.
• Real clinical experience: Learn and practice resident care in an operating skilled nursing facility.
• Employment opportunities: Qualified graduates will receive preferential consideration for employment at Port Washington Post Acute, with a starting CNA wage of $23 per hour.

What You'll Need

• A genuine interest in caring for others
• A high school diploma or GED
• Ability to meet background screening and program admission requirements
• CPR certification before the academy begins (obtained independently)
• Scrubs for classroom and clinical attendance
• Willingness to enter a six-month, full time employment commitment if hired after graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need healthcare experience?

No. The academy is designed for students who are new to healthcare.

Is the academy really tuition-free?

Yes. Port Washington Post Acute sponsors tuition. Students sign an agreement outlining a six-month employment commitment if hired after graduation.

Will I have a job after graduation?

Qualified graduates will receive preferential consideration for employment at Port Washington Post Acute. Employment is not guaranteed and is subject to hiring requirements and available positions.

How long is the academy?

Eleven weeks, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Will I be certified when I graduate?

Graduates must successfully complete the Washington State nursing assistant certification requirements, including the state examinations, to become certified.

Ready to Begin Your Healthcare Career?

Apply today for consideration for our next CNA Academy cohort!

Enrollment is limited to six students. Applicants will be interviewed and selected based on program admission requirements.

Port Washington Post Acute is an equal opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are subject to applicable hiring requirements and availability. Completion of the academy does not guarantee employment.