Huduma CNA ProgramsBurien, WA sits at the north end of South King County, about 13 to 15 miles (approximate, via SR 509 or I-5) from Federal Way, which makes it the farthest of the Highline-area cities from Huduma CNA Programs' 4-week, 108-clock-hour Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) course, priced at $1,100 tuition plus about $105 in books and supplies with the skills test on site. The trip is 20 to 30 minutes by car and roughly 45 to 60 minutes by transit using the RapidRide F Line to Tukwila International Boulevard Station and the 1 Line south. Because every Washington program must deliver the same 108 hours (35 theory, 33 lab, 40 clinical) and every graduate pays the same $100 skills and $55 knowledge test fees, a Burien resident's decision comes down to start dates, total price, on-site testing, and whether a 4-week finish is worth the longer commute compared with a quarter-based course closer to home.
Burien's position in the South King County map
Burien has one hospital, St. Anne Hospital (formerly Highline Medical Center, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health), plus skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and many adult family homes, so it generates its own nursing assistant demand. What it lacks is a light rail station. Burien Transit Center at SW 148th Street is a bus hub: the H Line north to downtown Seattle, the F Line east to Tukwila International Boulevard Station, Southcenter, and Renton, routes 131 and 132 to downtown Seattle, route 161 to Kent Station via the airport, and, since Metro's August 29, 2026 service change, route 166 to Highline College and Kent Des Moines Station via Normandy Park and Des Moines. Sound Transit and Metro published information is the basis for every time in this article; all are approximate.
That geography means a Burien student can go north to Seattle programs, east to Highline College in Des Moines, or south to Federal Way, and the transit time to each is similar.
Three directions, three kinds of program
| Direction from Burien | Program type | Length | Skills test | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East, Highline College (Des Moines) | Community college nursing assistant course | One academic quarter, about 10 to 12 weeks | College site or WABON online scheduling | Route 166 from Burien Transit Center to Highline College |
| North, Seattle | Private training centers and hospital-affiliated programs | Varies, often 4 to 8 weeks | Varies | H Line or routes 131/132 to downtown, 37 minutes on the restored peak route 121 per Metro |
| South, Federal Way | Huduma CNA Programs, 4 weeks, day or weekend pattern, 108 hours | 4 weeks | On site | F Line to Tukwila International Boulevard, 1 Line to Federal Way Downtown |
| In Burien or Tukwila | Nursing-facility-sponsored training while employed as a NAR | Several weeks | Facility or scheduled site | Local |
A facility-sponsored program is the one option that can cost nothing out of pocket, in exchange for a work commitment; ask for the commitment terms in writing. The comparison between college and private programs is worked through in community college vs private CNA school in Washington.
The Burien to Federal Way commute in detail
| Starting point | Route | Approximate time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burien Transit Center | F Line to Tukwila International Boulevard Station (about 15 to 20 minutes), then 1 Line south five stops to Federal Way Downtown (about 20 to 25 minutes) | 45 to 60 minutes with transfer | F Line every 10 minutes at weekday peak, 15 off-peak, per Metro |
| Burien Transit Center | Route 166 to Kent Des Moines Station, then 1 Line two stops south | 45 to 60 minutes | Route 166 is peak-frequent (15 minutes), 30 minutes off-peak |
| Downtown Burien or Seahurst by car | SR 509 south to SR 516 or I-5, then to South 320th Street | 20 to 30 minutes | About 13 to 15 miles |
| Boulevard Park, North Burien by car | I-5 south from Tukwila | 20 to 30 minutes | Peak traffic on I-5 adds time |
Tukwila International Boulevard Station has 600 parking stalls per Sound Transit, so a Burien driver can also park there and ride the 1 Line for the last 20 to 25 minutes, avoiding I-5. From Federal Way Downtown Station or the Federal Way Transit Center, the school is a short walk.
Total cost for a Burien student
| Cost | Huduma CNA Programs | Same everywhere? |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,100 (traditional); $800 (HCA bridge) | No |
| Books and supplies | About $105 | No |
| Skills test, Part 1 | $100, on site | Yes |
| Knowledge test, Part 2 | $55, Credentia | Yes |
| DOH application | Per the current DOH fee schedule | Yes |
| ORCA fare, 20 class days | F Line plus 1 Line, or route 166 plus 1 Line | Depends on route |
The three state-set items are identical whether you train in Burien, Seattle, or Federal Way. Burien residents who qualify for WIOA or Basic Food Employment and Training through WorkSource may have tuition covered; see WorkSource, WIOA, and Basic Food Employment and Training.
Weekday or weekend cohort from Burien
The longer the commute, the more the pattern matters. Twenty consecutive weekday trips of 45 to 60 minutes each way is a real cost in time; a weekend cohort spreads the same 108 hours over more calendar weeks but fewer, longer days, which suits anyone keeping a weekday job in Burien or at the airport. Weekend transit is thinner: the F Line runs every 15 minutes most weekend hours per Metro, and route 166 is peak-oriented, so weekend students from Burien usually drive or park at Tukwila International Boulevard. The differences are compared in weekend CNA classes in Washington.
What Burien offers after the certificate
St. Anne Hospital is the anchor employer, with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and adult family homes across the city. Burien also has a local minimum wage: L&I's list of local rates shows $21.63 per hour in 2026 for employers with more than 500 employees and $20.63 for 21 to 499, with employers of 20 or fewer exempt. A facility NA-C role normally posts above that floor; Indeed job-posting data (August 2026) shows a Washington average of about $23.62 per hour, with Burien not reported separately. Employers and commute rings are mapped in CNA jobs in Burien, WA.
Decision rule for a Burien resident
- Need the credential in a month with testing in the same building? The CNA Traditional program in Federal Way; check the schedules page for the next day or weekend cohort.
- Willing to wait for a quarter start and want college credit? Highline College by route 166.
- Already a nursing facility employee? Ask about sponsored training under the NAR 4-month rule.
- Hold an active Washington HCA credential? The 40-hour bridge for $800 in 5 weekdays or about 2.5 weekends replaces the 108-hour course; see HCA to CNA bridge near Burien, WA.
- No car and a weekday job? Compare the north (Seattle) and south (Federal Way) transit times; they are similar, so choose by start date and price.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Federal Way from Burien for CNA classes? About 13 to 15 miles. Plan 20 to 30 minutes by car and 45 to 60 minutes by transit with one transfer at Tukwila International Boulevard or Kent Des Moines Station.
Is there a light rail station in Burien? No. The closest 1 Line stations are Tukwila International Boulevard (via the F Line) and Kent Des Moines (via route 166 since August 2026).
Are there CNA classes in Burien itself? Nursing facilities sometimes run their own approved training, and private programs open and close. Verify any listing on the WABON approved-program list and confirm 108 hours and on-site testing.
Does a 4-week program cover the same hours as a college quarter? Yes. Both must meet the 108-clock-hour minimum under WAC 246-841A-440 and lead to the same exam and credential.
Can I train on weekends and keep my Burien job? Yes. Weekend cohorts cover the full 108 hours on Saturdays and Sundays over more weeks; driving or parking at Tukwila International Boulevard is usually simpler than weekend bus connections.
The steps from enrollment through the DOH credential are in how to become a CNA in Washington State.
Which path may fit you?
Already an eligible HCA?
Review the HCA–CNA Bridge Program and confirm the active Washington HCA credential requirement before choosing a class.
Explore the HCA–CNA Bridge ProgramStarting CNA training?
Review CNA Traditional, the complete training route for learners who are not entering through the HCA bridge route.
Explore the CNA Traditional Program