Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) play an integral role in America's healthcare system. As direct healthcare workers, CNAs assist patients with their medical needs under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). CNAs wear a wide variety of hats, providing basic care to patients and assisting them in any daily activities they might have trouble completing on their own, such as bathing and preparing meals.
CNAs can be found working in assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and at local hospitals, among other settings.
Individuals who are thinking about pursuing a career as a Certified Nurse Assistant should seek to attend the top programs in their area. Future CNAs should take the following into strong consideration when looking for the best program:
To become a Certified Nurse Assistant, a state approved CNA program must be completed. Programs in the state of Arkansas must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services and provide at least 90 hours of training and education. Upon completion of a program that meets the appropriate criteria, CNA candidates can sit for the state Nursing Assistant Competency Exam. This examination is comprised of two parts: practical skills and knowledge. Both section must be passed to apply for certification. CNA candidates are given three attempts to pass the exam and must pass within a year of completing their program.
With the bountiful CNA program options in Arkansas, it can seem daunting to find the right one. We've narrowed down the top CNA programs in the state to help students make this difficult choice a little easier. The following CNA schools are some of the most respected in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas State University Mid-South
ASU Mid-South, founded in 1992 and formerly known as Mid-South Community College, is a publicly funded community college which serves the eastern Arkansas region. Its campus is located in West Memphis.
Arkansas State University Mid-South offers students a 7-8 credit hour CNA program which focuses on infection prevention and control, personal care, communication skills, safety/emergency procedures and elemental curative services. To successfully complete the program, CNA candidates need a 70% grade and a minimum of 90 hours of training in order to be qualified to sit for the state certification exam.
ASU Mid-South’s CNA program goes by the course name CNAS 1015 Nursing Assistant.
Hospitals and healthcare centers currently hiring CNAs near ASU Mid-South include
- Baptist Memorial Hospital - Crittenden
- Regional One Health Extended Care Hospital
Tuition:
The CNA Program at ASU Mid-South will cost approximately $801-914.
Arkansas State University Mountain Home
ASU Mountain Home has a 7-credit hour CNA program. The program is comprised of 74 hours of in-class and lab training, and 16 hours of supervised training at a local hospital or healthcare facility. Students who graduate from the programs will be prepared to work in acute care, long-term care and in-home health care settings.
ASU Mountain Home’s CNA program goes by the course name CNA 1007 Nursing Assistant.
Hospitals and healthcare centers currently hiring CNAs near ASU Mountain Home include
- Baxter Regional Medical Center
- Mt. Home VA
Tuition:
Students coming from out-of-state who choose to attend ASU Mountain Home’s CNA program will be required to pay approximately $1,450.
Students coming from in-state who choose to attend ASU Mountain Home’s CNA program will be required to pay approximately $924.
University of Arkansas Community College—Batesville
University of Arkansas Community College—Batesville is a publicly funded community college located in Batesville, Arkansas in the northeastern region of the state.
UACC—Batesville offers a 7 credit-hour CNA program that meets requirements of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care. The program encompasses both clinical training and didactic instruction. It places an emphasis on professional relationships, technical skills and workplace ethics.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities near UACC—Batesville currently hiring Certified Nursing Assistants include
- White River Health System
- Absolute Care Management Corporation
Tuition
UACC’s CNA program costs approximately $592 for in-state students and $749 for out-of-state students.
Arkansas Northeastern College
Located in the city of Blytheville, Arkansas Northeastern College is a community college that runs one of the top 7-credit, eight-week CNA programs in the state. It provides students with the 90 hours of instruction/training required by the Arkansas Department of Health and Office of Long Term Care. In addition to discussions, lectures and clinical labs, the program also provides CNA candidates training in Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, and instruction in Medical Terminology.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities near ANC currently hiring Certified Nursing Assistants
- East Arkansas Area Agency of Aging
Tuition
For students coming from inside Arkansas state lines, ANC’s CNA program costs approximately $504. For students coming from outside Arkansas state lines, ANC’s CNA program costs approximately $889.
North Arkansas College
North Arkansas College is a community college located in Harrison, Arkansas that happens to be highly respected for the Allied Health programs. NACs Certified Nursing Assistant program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to take and pass the state CNA exam for certification. The 6-credit program is 120 hours in total and is composed of lecture, labs and clinical practice. CPR certification is also included in the program, which is designed specifically to instruct future CNAs in assisting patients with ambulation, feeding, bathing, dressing and other kinds of restorative care.
CNA students will need to enroll in NURS 1006 – Community Nursing Assistant.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities near NAC currently hiring Certified Nursing Assistants
- Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas
- North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Tuition
To attend NAC’s CNA program, in-state students are required to pay approximately $576. Out-of-state students are required to pay approximately $1,014.
Black River Technical College
Black River Technical College was originally founded in 1971 as Black River Vocational School. BRTC is a publically funded community college located in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The school is named after the Black River that runs through the city. BRTC offers students a 5-8 week Certified Nursing Assistant Program which positions its graduates for gainful employment in various medical facilities. Those that are successful in the program are eligible to sit for the Arkansas State CNA examination.
Healthcare facilities near BRTC currently hiring CNAs
- Above and Beyond Home Care
- Randolph Home
- National Home Care
Tuition
The total cost to attend BRTC’s CNA program for in-state students is approximately $600, while out-of-state students will pay around $1,200.
