Training

In Washington, a home care aide is a credential and a home health aide is a nursing assistant's job. How they differ, and how to move from one to the other.

Joy took the HCA state exam in July after finishing 75 hours of training. The written test, the skills she drew, the feedback she got, and what she scored.

A first-hand account of the HCA state exam: the four skills tested, the medication assistance trap, and why the training was enough to walk in prepared.

Washington has four caregiver credentials plus uncertified family caregivers. What each one is, where they work, training required, and how to keep it.

Virtual Skills Labs cover the same DSHS-required skills as an in-person lab, and every caregiver sits the same in-person exam. What actually differs, and how to choose.

Home care aide certification in Washington costs up to $964: $714 training, $100 application, $150 exam. The first deadline lands 14 days after hire.

How to renew your Washington HCA certification: the annual birthday deadline, 12 CE hours, fees, and what to do if your certification has expired

Do you really need a CNA? Learn when an HCA is enough, key differences, and how to build a flexible workforce with HCA-to-CNA pathways.

Learn how to hire a CNA, including costs, where to find candidates, and whether you need a CNA or HCA for home care.

How long is CNA training and how much does it cost? Learn timelines, paid CNA training options, and the fastest ways to get certified.

How to become a CNA in Washington State: steps, requirements, and two pathways to certification explained clearly.

Need to retake the HCA exam? Learn how it works in Washington, including retake rules, costs, timelines, and practical tips to pass on your next attempt.

Cornerstone's Director of Learning & Development, Jocelyn Wagner offers advice on what to expect and how to prepare for Home Care Aide Exam.

Explore long-term care settings in Washington State and learn how caregiver roles differ across home-based care, residential settings, and facilities.

Discover the top traits every caregiver needs, from patience to flexibility.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health and personal care aides had the highest job growth in 2021 and are projected to continue growing in the next decade. By 2031, the demand for these positions will continue growing by 25.4%, or 924,000 available job openings. How to Become an HCA in WA Suppose you’re considering a career change and exploring an HCA career in Washington State. In that case, you’ll be glad to know it’s easier than you might think—no a

Wondering if you chose the right caregiver training program? Discover key compliance tips and strategies to ensure your training meets regul

Learning in your native language is much easier. Here are 5 reasons why.

Continuing education is necessary for every caregiver. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, long-term care workers must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education courses each year. As an employer, you should encourage and support your caregivers to complete this training. Of course, the official requirements are not the only reason. Offering full support when it comes to continuing education is one of the best ways to keep your

The best caregivers are people who develop an understanding of what quality care looks like for their clients through experience and training. That is why it’s never been more critical for homecare agencies to invest in exceptional training of caregivers. Considering that an estimated 80% of caregiver turnover happens within the first three months of employment, homecare agencies have limited time to fully prepare their employees for success. Caregiver turnover in 2021 was 64