2 accredited schools across the Bellingham metro area trained 99 nursing assistants in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
This public four-year institution in Whatcom County graduated 54 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $3,633 ($9,049 out of state).
Public four-year institution in Bellingham that reported 45 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $3,195 ($3,998 out of state).
2 accredited schools in the Bellingham, WA metro area graduated 99 CNA students in 2023–24. The largest was Whatcom Community College with 54.
Certified Nursing Assistants in the Bellingham, WA metro earn a median $48,040 a year ($23.10/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $49,180 statewide and $42,260 nationally.
Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more.