Opening a Traditional or Alternative “Bridge” Program
Before you decide whether to apply to open a traditional or alternative “bridge” training program, review the requirements for opening and operating training programs in WAC 246-841A.
Then, Use These Six Key Steps to Apply:
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Step 1: Attend an Online Required Orientation Before Submitting Your Application
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If you plan to open a traditional or alternative “bridge” program, you must attend an online orientation prior to submitting your application. The orientation will give you the information you need to make the application process more efficient.
Orientation Session:
Opening a New Nursing Assistant Training Program
You can attend orientation on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.**
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Join us on Microsoft Teams:
Need Help?- Join the meeting now
- Meeting ID: 256 314 304 939 7
- Passcode: ih3h7nu7
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Dial in by phone:
- +1 564-999-2000 United States, Olympia
- (833) 322-1218 (Toll-free)
- Phone conference ID: 136 553 303#
Orientation Session:
Common Curriculum Orientation Offerings
You can attend orientation on the 3rd Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.**
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Join us on Microsoft Teams:
Need Help?- Join the meeting now
- Meeting ID: 260 101 495 821 5
- Passcode: mq3jB2fy
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Dial in by phone:
- +1 564-999-2000 United States, Olympia
- (833) 322-1218 (Toll-free)
- Phone conference ID: 889 682 890#
Orientation Session:
New Program Directors
*Can be done within 30 days after program approval
Program Director orientation sessions are offered twice monthly on the:
1st Wednesday of each month from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.**
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Join us on Microsoft Teams:
Need Help?- Join the meeting now
- Meeting ID: 282 358 439 901 5
- Passcode: tU3b4xy6
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Dial in by phone:
- +1 564-999-2000 United States, Olympia
- (833) 322-1218 (Toll-free)
- Phone conference ID: 843 122 5#
3rd Thursday of each month from 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.**
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Join us on Microsoft Teams:
Need Help?- Join the meeting now
- Meeting ID: 282 611 783 683 4
- Passcode: Xq9Ap6CH
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Dial in by phone:
- +1 564-999-2000 United States, Olympia
- (833) 322-1218 (Toll-free)
- Phone conference ID: 549 894 852#
**If the orientation is scheduled on a national holiday, it will be suspended for that month.
For questions email WABONNursingAssistantsED@doh.wa.gov.
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Join us on Microsoft Teams:
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Step 2: Complete the Required Program Application and Personnel Applications
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- Complete the Program Application form and all required attachments. The Program Application form lists required attachments.
- You may also go to All Forms for NA Training Program Directors to find the required forms.
- Submit all required documents in one submission to WABONNursingAssistantsED@doh.wa.gov.
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Step 3: Complete Adult Education Class Training if Necessary
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Classes Available Include:
Adult Education Classes:
Provider Contact Type DSHS Registration Page Online EduConcepts Bonnie Brian-Caldwell
bonnie@EduConcepts-SDR.com
425-488-0338In-Person Health Professionals Education and Consultation Jane Branda
j.branda27@gmail.com
509-319-0591In-Person Train the CNA Trainer Nils Bollen
www.trainthecnatrainer.com
503-891-8075Online -
Step 4: Complete the Common Curriculum Application
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Once you have attended the common curriculum orientation, submit the following documents using the tool available for planning:
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Step 5: Obtain Verification of Approval from Your Co-Approving Agency
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Depending on the classification of your organization, you have one of the following co-approving agencies:
- College Programs: Require approval by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to operate.
- High Schools/Skills Center Programs: Require approval by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to operate.
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Nursing Home Programs: Require approval by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Note: Lack of a DSHS sanction signifies DSHS approval.
- Private Vocational School Programs: All other programs fall under the private vocational school classification and require approval by or a waiver from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTB).
WABON is unable to finalize approval of a nursing assistant training program if the organization does not have the approval of its co-approving agency. Dual agency approval of nursing assistant training programs is required to operate a nursing assistant training program.
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Step 6: Email All the Documents as One Complete Application
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Before emailing your application, please use this checklist to make sure you have completed every requirement.
Email all the documents as one complete application to WABONNursingAssistantsED@doh.wa.gov.
WABON staff will review your application materials as quickly as possible. They will contact you if they have questions for clarification or need additional materials.
WABON’s Nursing Assistant Program Approval Panel (NAPAP) will provide the final review and decision regarding your program application. NAPAP meets on the 2nd Monday of each month and requires review materials one week before its meetings.