Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portland, Oregon can be a rewarding career path. CNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
To become a CNA in Oregon, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. Once you are certified, you can begin looking for job opportunities in the Portland area.
Some of the responsibilities of a CNA in Portland may include assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; taking vital signs; helping with mobility and exercise; and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
In Portland, many healthcare facilities may be hiring CNAs, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. Some of the top healthcare facilities in the nation are in Portland, so getting in the door as a CNA is a great standpoint for a good career in healthcare.
Highlights
- There are an estimated 7,480 Certified Nurse Assistants employed in the Portland-Vancouver Washington metro area. There are currently 25 hospitals in the Portland metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, WA.
- CNAs in Portland can make up to $52,080 in the highest percentile, which depends on their experience and place of work.
- Portland has several CNA programs in Portland that offer several different options for candidates on their preferences
- Many of the CNA programs in the Portland area offer online, 2-week and 4-week track programs so aspiring CNAs can get qualified and enter the workforce.
CNA Requirements in Portland
To become a Nursing Assistant in Oregon, you must meet certain requirements set by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Here are the basic requirements:
Education and Training: You must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program that consists of at least 75 hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of clinical practice.
Hours: 75
Classroom Hours: 59 Hours
Clinical Training: 16 Hours
Criminal Background Check: You must pass a state and federal criminal background check. If you have a criminal history, you may be denied certification.
English Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, and understand English.
Competency Evaluation: You must pass a competency evaluation, which consists of both a written or oral test and a skills test. The competency evaluation is designed to test your knowledge and ability to perform essential nursing assistant tasks.
Other Requirements: You must also provide proof of immunizations, including a negative TB test, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply to take the Oregon state certification exam. After passing the exam, you will be added to the Oregon State Registry of Nursing Assistants, and you can legally work as a CNA in Oregon.
CNA Classes Near Portland
Looking for a CNA class in Portland? How about the top ten CNA programs? We’ve got you covered. Check out our rankings below and read on to find more details and pricing on each of these top-rated programs.
| Rank | School | Address | Phone# |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clackamas Nursing Assistant Training | 11875 SE 129th Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086 | 503.709.6560 |
| 2 | Caregiver Training Institute | 12790 SE Stark St, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97233 | 503.257.0117 |
| 3 | Northwest NAC Training | 11606 NE 66th St Suite 101, Vancouver, WA 98662 | 360.882.0101 |
| 4 | Sumner College | 8338 NE Alderwood Rd. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97220 | 503.972.6230 |
| 5 | Portland Community College | 705 N Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97217 | 971.722.6111 |
| 6 | Marquis Companies | 4560 SE International Way #100, Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 | 503.266.6328 |
| 7 | Chemeketa Community College | 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, Oregon 97305 | 503.399.5000 |
| 8 | Moore Nurse Consulting | 180 E Main St. Suite B, Hillsboro, OR 97123 | 503.828.5987 |
| 9 | TLC Education | 3102 SE Holgate Blvd., Portland, OR 97202 | 503.915.7905 |
| 10 | Clatstop Community College | 1651 Lexington Ave., Astoria, OR 97103 | 503.338.2359 |
Clackamas Nursing Assistant Training
Clackamas Nursing Assistant Training is an approved Nursing Assistant-1 training program that has been given the green light by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The curriculum, classroom, lab, and clinical sites all meet the requirements set forth by the OSBN.
Although the name may have changed, Clackamas Nursing Assistant Training is not new to the scene. From 2007 through 2014, it operated under the name Quick! Nursing Assistant Training. With this extensive experience in training nursing assistants, you can rest assured that the program is well-versed in delivering high-quality instruction to students who are pursuing careers in the nursing field.
Price: $1,300 – does not cover the cost of the Oregon state CNA exam.
Address: 11875 SE 129th Ave.
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Phone: 503.709.6560
URL: http://www.clackamascna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes available throughout the year.
Caregiver Training Institute
Caregiver Training Institute provides an online information session for those interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant Level 1. This training program teaches students the skills, responsibilities, and duties that are required of CNAs in the State of Oregon. Students will participate in a classroom setting, skills lab, and complete their practicum in a nursing facility within the community. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to apply for certification by competency examination with the OSBN.
The program prerequisites and eligibility requirements can be reviewed on Caregiver Training Institute’s website, which also provides a downloadable PDF of the NA-1 Faculty-led Hybrid Program Information and Checklist. The program offers affordable training with low barriers to entry, and short-term classes, making it an ideal starting point for a career in nursing.
Price: $800 – does not include drug screening, textbooks, or equipment.
Address: 12790 SE Stark St, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97233
Phone: 503.257.0117
URL: https://cnatrainingoregon.com/
Job Placement: No, but maintains a job board for students.
Additional Features: One-on-one tutoring is available for an additional fee.
Northwest NAC Training
Northwest NAC Training offers an accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students to pass the Washington State Nursing Assistant exam and start their careers in the healthcare industry. The classroom portion of the program spans two weeks with varying hours based on day or evening schedule and is conducted at the Northwest NAC Training campus in Vancouver, Washington.
During the clinical section of the program, which also runs for two weeks with varying hours, students have the opportunity to work under the supervision of a nurse in one of six affiliated facilities in the area, including long-term, sub-acute, assisted living, and memory care facilities. This hands-on experience prepares students for their future careers and makes them highly sought after by employers.
As an official site for Washington State Nursing Certification, Northwest NAC Training offers both regional and In Facility CNA testing to students. Additionally, after a $60 fee, all certifications apply in the State of Oregon for those who plan to work there.
For those who are compassionate, caring, and looking to make a difference in people’s lives, a career as a Nursing Assistant may be the right path. Contact Northwest NAC Training today to learn more about their CNA Certification program or schedule a campus tour.
Price: $1,450
Address: 11606 NE 66th St Suite 101
Vancouver, WA 98662
Phone: 360.882.0101
URL: https://nwnactraining.com/
Job Placement: No, but the school maintains a job board for students.
Additional Features: Scholarships available from Washington Works for qualifying students.
Sumner College **Accelerated 4-Week CNA Program
Sumner College offers a Nursing Assistant Program that aims to prepare students to begin their careers with the necessary experience gained in a safe educational environment. The program duration is four weeks, including three weeks of class/lab and one week of clinical practice. During this program, students will learn about patient safety and rights, diet and nutrition, ambulatory transfers, and CPR.
Sumner College is a licensed institution by the Arizona State Board for Postsecondary Education and is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing to provide the Nursing Assistant Training Program.
Price: $2,350
Address: 8338 NE Alderwood Rd. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503.972.6230
URL: https://www.sumnercollege.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes available on weekdays only.
Portland Community College
This CNA course is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and is a hands-on course that equips students with the necessary skills to provide excellent patient care. Students gain practical experience in the lecture and lab setting before putting their skills into action during a clinical practicum at one of several Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in the Portland area.
Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared to pass the Oregon State Board of Nursing exam, which qualifies them to work as a CNA in Oregon. The program is divided into two parts: Lecture and Lab, and Clinical. During the Lecture and Lab section, students learn about healthcare principles, various diseases, and body systems. They also work together to practice skills like taking vital signs, dressing and undressing clients, and assisting with feeding.
During the Clinical section, students gain 75 hours of real-world experience and interact with patients and healthcare workers. Portland Community College places students in a clinical rotation, so they do not need to arrange their own clinical internship.
The program aims to equip students with a range of skills and knowledge, including passing the state board exam, applying a working knowledge of human body systems, understanding and treating different human disease processes, and understanding the importance of standard precautions and maintaining a clean and sterile environment to prevent the spread of disease. To prepare students for the state exam, a special “mock skills” day is provided upon graduation.
Price: Contact the school for current course fees.
Address: 705 N Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97217
Phone: 971.722.6111
URL: https://www.pcc.edu/climb/health/nursing-assistant/cna1/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Students have a 98%+ passing rate on the Oregon written exam and 78%+ passing rate on the skills exam. Installment plans are available.
Marquis Companies **Free CNA Classes Available
This nursing assistant class requires participants to attend all scheduled classroom days, which are typically held from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3:30pm. The program includes completing at least 80 classroom hours, consisting of 53 hours of lecture and group demonstrations, as well as 27 hours of hands-on learning and return demonstrations in the lab.
To successfully complete the program, students must demonstrate all items on the skills checklist while in a classroom setting, pass four checkpoint exams with a score of 75% or higher, and pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher. Marquis Companies’ Nursing Assistant training class offers a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful CNAs.
Price: $0
Address: 4560 SE International Way #100
Milwaukie, Oregon 97222
Phone: 503.266.6328
URL: https://www.marquiscompanies.com/naclass/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Day and evening courses available.
Chemeketa Community College
The Basic Nursing Assistant Program at Chemeketa Community College is an approved 165-hour training course by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The program comprises 90 hours of on-campus classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as 75 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take the Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation test for state certification as a Nursing Assistant.
The course is offered year-round as a non-credit program at Chemeketa’s Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses. The Salem Campus class is generally offered during Summer, Fall, and Winter terms. On the other hand, the Yamhill Valley Campus class is offered during Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms, and can accommodate up to 10 students. The schedule for the Yamhill Valley Campus class is typically 8am-1:30pm for classroom and lab, and 7am-1:45pm for clinicals from Monday to Thursday, though subject to change.
Chemeketa Community College’s Basic Nursing Assistant Program provides a comprehensive learning experience that prepares individuals for a successful career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Price: $1,412
Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, Oregon 97305
Phone: 503.399.5000
URL: https://www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/program-finder/nursing/basic-nursing-assistant/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Small class sizes and year-round class availability.
Moore Nurse Consulting
Moore Nurse Consulting offers NA-1 classes that are held for a total of 20 days, Monday through Friday, providing a total of 155 hours of training. The program includes 80 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 75 hours of clinical experience in a designated nursing facility. The exact schedule of the program will vary depending on location and class size.
The NA-1 program is designed to engage and actively involve students in a classroom setting using books, handouts, videos, and skills lab time. Upon completion of the classroom portion, students will participate in clinicals at various nursing facilities. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be issued a “Certificate of Completion” and will be eligible to take the certification test for the class they completed in the State of Oregon.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and able to read, write and communicate fluently in English. For those who are 16 or 17 years old, contact Moore Nurse Consulting for details on enrollment, as a signed agreement from a parent or guardian is required.
Moore Nurse Consulting’s NA-1 program offers a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students to become Certified Nursing Assistants, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in the healthcare industry.
Price: $1,500
Address: 180 E Main St. Suite B
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: 503.828.5987
URL: https://moorenurseconsulting.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Additional courses for medication aide training available twice per year.
TLC Education
TLC Education offers a CNA program that is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The program provides a total of 155.5 hours of instruction, consisting of 80.5 hours of classroom and skills lab training, and 75 hours of clinical practicum. The classroom instruction includes lectures, group activities, class discussions, and exams.
During the skills lab training, students have the opportunity to learn, practice, and demonstrate nursing assistant skills. The clinical practicum is held in skilled nursing facilities, providing students with the chance to apply the skills they have learned in a real-world healthcare setting.
Upon completion of the program requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the state competency examination for certification as a nursing assistant. TLC Education provides students with exam information and the application necessary for the certification process.
TLC Education’s CNA program offers a comprehensive training experience, preparing students for a successful career in the healthcare industry as Certified Nursing Assistants.
Price: $1,335
Address: 3102 SE Holgate Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202
Phone: 503.915.7905
URL: n/a
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Free program consultation available by phone.
Clatstop Community College
Clatsop Community College offers a Nursing Assistant 1 training course, which provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform direct patient care under the supervision of nursing staff. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play an essential role in the healthcare team, providing services such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, and moving patients.
The Clatsop Community College Nursing Assistant course is 155 total hours, lasting approximately 11 weeks, with a minimum of 80 classroom hours and 75 hours of clinical experience. In order to participate in the course, individuals must pass a criminal background check, complete a 2-step tuberculosis (TB) screening, and provide evidence of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the certification examination to become a CNA-I, certified by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). With this certification, individuals will be qualified to provide direct patient care and support in a variety of healthcare settings.
Price: Contact the school for current credit hour cost.
Address: 1651 Lexington Ave.
Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: 503.338.2359
URL: https://www.clatsopcc.edu/academic-path/academic-programs-a-z/nursing-assistant/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Financial aid and scholarships available to qualified students.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Portland?
The average salary for CNAs in Portland, Oregon is $44,000 per year or $21.15 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is slightly higher than the Oregon state average of $42,960 and much higher than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually.
| CNAs Employed | Avg. Annual Pay | Avg. Hourly Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 7,430 | $39,590 | $19.03 |
| Oregon | 12,460 | $38,830 | $18.67 |
| United States | 1,314,830 | $33,250 | $15.99 |
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Portland?
The cost of CNA classes in Portland, Oregon can vary depending on several factors, including the type of program, location, and duration of the course. Here are some estimated costs for CNA training programs in Portland:
CNA training programs offered by community colleges can cost between $800 and $1,500, which may or may not include the cost of textbooks, uniforms, and supplies. Vocational schools in Portland can charge between $1,200 and $2,500 for CNA training programs, which can last for four to eight weeks. Some nursing homes in Portland may also offer free CNA training programs, but you will be required to work for the facility for a certain period after completing the training. The American Red Cross also offers CNA training in Portland, which can cost around $1,400 for a 4-week program.
It’s worth noting that financial assistance may be available for some CNA training programs in Portland. For example, some employers may provide tuition reimbursement, and the Oregon State Board of Nursing may offer scholarships or grants to eligible applicants.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Portland
As of the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, they are approximately 7,430 CNAs working in the Portland and Vancouver, Washington area. As the population in this area ages, there will be an increased demand for CNAs within the healthcare system. View the types of places of employment nurse assistants in the Portland area are most likely to be working in:
| Industry Type | Portland Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 2,662 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 2,184 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 796 |
| Home Health Care Services | 472 |
| Employment Services | 220 |
| Individual and Family Services | 205 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 147 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 146 |
| Offices of Physicians | 99 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 91 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 80 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 67 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 67 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 51 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 37 |
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