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Home ยป Become a CNA in Arkansas

How to Become a CNA in Arkansas

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Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent career choice because there is a growing demand in Arkansas for trained personnel. The Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) oversees the CNA training programs and the certification process. CNAs work in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, adult day care facilities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The CNA performs tasks that are crucial to the well-being of patients or residents.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Arkansas
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Arkansas
  • Nearby or Bordering States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

Step 1: Find and Choose a Program That Best Meets Needs

Anyone interested in CNA programs in Arkansas will find over 100 choices at community colleges, Arkansas State University, academies, technical centers, high schools, colleges, rehabilitation centers and training centers. A good way to narrow the selection is to first consider the CNA classes in Arkansas offered in the student’s local area. Then evaluate the programs on an individual basis in relationship to personal needs and preferences.

Find Best Local CNA Classes in Arkansas

The following schools offer state approved Certified Nursing Assistant training programs in 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CountyCity/TownTraining SchoolPhone
ArkansasDewittPhillips Community College of the U of A
www.pccua.edu
(870) 946-3506
ArkansasStuttgartM & M Education, Inc(870) 673-1657
ArkansasAANA(501) 658-1446
BaxterMountain HomeArkansas State University
www.asumh.edu
(870) 508-6154
BaxterMountain HomePine Lane Therapy and Living(870) 425-6316
BentonBentonvilleNorthwest Arkansas Community College
www.nwacc.edu
(479) 986-6790
BentonFort SmithAR Career Training of the Ozarks(479) 831-2221
BentonPea RidgePea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy(479) 451-8182
BooneHarrisonAHEC - Northwest(870) 391-3140
BradleyWarrenChapel Woods Health & Rehab(870) 226-6766
ClarkArkadelphiaPHCTA(501) 304-1909
ClarkArkadelphiaClark County CNA School(870) 245-6693
ClayRSB NATP - Northeast(870) 926-9496
CleburnePHCTA(501) 304-1909
ConwayMorriltonRiver Chase Rehabilitation and Care Center(501) 354-4647
ConwayMorriltonUACCM Nursing Assistant Training Program
www.uaccm.edu
(501) 354-7583
CraigheadJonesboroSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(870) 207-7600
CraigheadJonesboroArkansas State University Newport
www.asun.edu
(870) 512-7833
CraigheadJonesboroNortheast Arkansas Career & Tech Center
www.neactc.com
(870) 933-5891
CraigheadJonesboroRSB Nursing Assistant Training Program(870) 926-9496
CrawfordPHCTA(501) 304-1909
CrittendenWest MemphisArkansas State University Mid-South
www.asumidsouth.edu
(870) 733-6062
DeshaMcGeheeUAM College of Technology
www.uamont.edu
(870) 222-5360
DeshaMcGeheeNew Educational Beginnings(870) 222-6442
DeshayRenaissance Healthcare(870) 536-2300
DrewMonticelloMonticello Occupational Education Center(870) 367-4060
FaulknerConwayConway High School
chs.conwayschools.org
(501) 450-4888
FaulknerConwayPHCTA(501) 304-1909
FranklinOzarkArkansas Tech University
www.atu.edu
(479) 508-3327
FultonMammoth SpringsOzarka College
www.ozarka.edu
(870) 368-2079
FultonSalemSouthfork River Therapy and Living
southforktlc.com
(870) 895-3817
GarlandHot SpringsPHCTA(501) 304-1909
GarlandHot SpringsPetra Allied Health
petraalliedhealth.com
(501) 627-1906
GarlandHot SpringsSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(501) 276-3520
GreeneParagouldArkansas Northeastern College
www.anc.edu
(870) 239-3200
HempsteadHopeUA Hope Texarkana
www.uacch.edu
(870) 722-8224
Hot SpringMalvernPHCTA(501) 304-1909
Hot SpringMalvernCollege of the Ouachitas
www.coto.edu
(501) 332-0304
IndependenceBatesvilleUAMS - North Central
uams.edu
(870) 698-1023
IndependenceBatesvilleUniversity of Arkansas Community College
www.uaccb.edu
(870) 612-2141
IzardMelbourneOzarka Technical College
www.ozarka.edu
(870) 368-2079
IzardMelbourneAANA(501) 658-1446
JacksonNewportArkansas State University
www.asun.edu
(870) 512-7833
JacksonNewportLindley Healthcare & Rehab Center
www.lindleyhealthrehabcenter.com
(870) 523-6539
JacksonNewportNewport High School NATP
www.newportschools.org
(870) 523-1311
JacksonTuckermanTuckerman High School(870) 349-2657
JeffersonPine BluffSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(870) 879-1440
JeffersonPine BluffRenaissance Healthcare
www.renhealthcare.net
(870) 536-2300
JeffersonPine BluffSoutheast Arkansas College
www.seark.edu
(870) 543-5917
JeffersonPHCTA(501) 304-1909
LincolnCentral Arkansas NA Training(501) 940-1914
LoganPRN Medical Services
www.prnmedstaff.net
(479) 785-9222
LonokeArkansas Career Training Ozarks(479) 616-6138
LonokeCentral Arkansas NA Training(501) 940-1914
MillerTexarkanaTexarkana Nursing Academy
texarkananursingacademy.com
(870) 772-6860
MillerTexarkanaSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(870) 773-2030
MillerTexarkanaTexarkana Arkansas Career & Tech Center(870) 772-3662
MississippiBlythevilleArkansas Northeastern College
www.anc.edu
(870) 762-1020
MississippiBurdetteArkansas Northeastern College
www.anc.edu
(870) 780-1200
MonroeClarendonM & M Education, Inc(870) 673-1657
OuachitaCamdenSouthern Arkansas University Tech
www.sautech.edu
(870) 574-4585
OuachitaPHCTA(501) 304-1909
OuachitaSAU Tech Career Academy
www.sautech.edu
(870) 904-0517
OuachitaRSB NATP - Central(870) 926-9496
PerryPerryvillePerry County CNA Training Center(501) 889-2400
PhillipsHelenaVYDAINC(870) 816-0157
PoinsettMarked TreeArkansas State University Newport
www.asun.edu
(870) 512-7833
PolkMenaRich Mountain Community College
www.rmcc.edu
(479) 394-7622
PopeRussellvilleRiver Valley NATP(479) 858-2290
PopeArkansas Career Training Ozarks(479) 616-6138
PrairieCentral Arkansas NA Training(501) 940-1914
PulaskiLittle RockPHCTA(501) 304-1909
PulaskiLittle RockDr. Emma Kelly Rhodes Education Center
ekreducationcenter.weebly.com
(501) 372-0281
PulaskiLittle RockSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(501) 526-6500
PulaskiLittle RockAR Nursing Assistant Academy LLC
www.arkansasnursingassistantacademy.com
(501) 666-1825
PulaskiLittle RockMedlinc, Inc
www.medlincstaffing.com
(501) 492-7200
PulaskiMaumelleCapstone Elite Medical Training(501) 954-0322
PulaskiNorth Little RockNorth Little Rock High School-West NATP
www.nlrsd.org
(501) 771-8100
PulaskiCentral Arkansas NA Training(501) 940-1914
RandolphPocahontasBlack River Technical College
www.blackrivertech.org
(870) 248-4000
SalineBentonPAL CNA Training Academy
www.palcna.com
(501) 776-8422
SalineBentonArkansas State Hospital(501) 860-0675
SalinePHCTA(501) 304-1909
ScottWaldronUniversity of Arkansas Fort Smith - Waldron High School(479) 788-7715
SebastianFort SmithPetra Allied Health
petraalliedhealth.com
(479) 750-9876
SebastianFort SmithUniversity of Arkansas
uafs.edu
(479) 788-7715
SebastianFort SmithSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(479) 424-0053
SebastianFort SmithPRN Medical Services
www.prnmedstaff.net
(479) 785-9222
SharpAsh FlatAsh Flat Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
www.ashflathc.com
(870) 994-2341
SharpAsh FlatOzarka College
www.ozarka.edu
(870) 368-2079
St. FrancisForrest CityCrowley's Ridge Technical Institute
www.crti.tec.ar.us
(870) 633-5411
St. FrancisForrest CityGolden Years Training Program(870) 633-4260
St. FrancisSt. Cross Health Care Education LLC(870) 588-5772
StoneMountain ViewOzarka Tech College
www.ozarka.edu
(870) 368-2079
StoneParagouldRSB NATP - North Central(870) 926-9496
UnionEl DoradoSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(870) 639-1744
Van BurenClintonOZARK CNA(501) 745-5322
Van BurenCentral Arkansas NA Training(501) 940-1914
WashingtonSpringdalePetra Allied Health
petraalliedhealth.com
(479) 750-9876
WashingtonSpringdaleSchmieding
uamscaregiving.org
(479) 751-3043
WashingtonSpringdaleNWACC Early College Experience
www.nwacc.edu
(479) 725-4680
WashingtonSpringdaleNorthwest Technical Institute CNAP
www.nwti.edu
(479) 751-8824
WashingtonSpringdalePRN Medical Services
www.prnmedstaff.net
(479) 785-9222
WashingtonPHCTA(501) 304-1909
WhiteSearcyArkansas State University
www.asub.edu
(501) 278-3189
WoodruffMcCroryAANA(479) 365-7228

Program Length

The CNA training programs are not identical, so it is important to consider factors like the length of the program and the required schedule. For example, the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas CNA program is a 90-hour training program and new classes start every month. The CNA training program at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith is quite different. It is a one year program for high school seniors who also earn 16 college credit hours. Ozarka College in Ash Flat offers a 4-month, 7-credit CNA program.

The programs which award college credits are a good choice for students who are considering becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) or other Allied Health professional in the future. The CNA program credits may be transferrable to a different degree program.

Step 2: Evaluate the Costs of Program Attendance

The costs of training can vary significantly from program to program. For example, at Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute the total program cost is approximately $673 which includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, insurance, TB skin test and the state certification examination fees. The cost at Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff for a 7-credit CNA program is approximately $1,130 for tuition, books and supplies, Malpractice Insurance, uniforms, shoes, socks, hose, state examination fees, criminal background check, drug screen and immunization tracking.

Program costs can change from year to year, and many of the programs do not have their fees posted online. Students seeking admission can call the program to get current rates. It is also important to check with the school’s financial aid office because there may be financial aid available in the form of grants, loans and/or scholarships.

Possible Free Training

There are two potential avenues for getting free training. One is to train in a Medicare/Medicaid funded facility while also performing allowed tasks. The employer pays the tuition and fees. Employers also cover the tuition and fees for CNAs who are employed in Medicare/Medicaid facilities within 12 months of passing the CNA certification exam. A second way to get free training is for eligible applicants to apply for funding through the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board (WIA).

Step 3: Determine the CNA Program’s Prerequisites

The minimum Arkansas CNA program prerequisites include the following:

  • Earn minimum scores on assessment test for reading and math, as set by the CNA program
  • Submit a copy of a high school transcript or GED scores
  • Pass a drug screening test
  • Pass a health screening test
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Show proof CPR training was completed if it is not part of the CNA training program

High School Student

Some of the CNA programs allow concurrent enrollment for high school students. A senior in high school can enroll in a CNA program at a college, university or technical center while still working towards a high school degree.

Step 4: Attend a State-approved CNA Training Program

As a minimum, the CNA program must consist of 30 hours of classroom and laboratory training, 45 hours of clinical training and 15 hours of Alzheimer and dementia training, for a total of 90 training hours. Some programs in Arkansas may require more than 90 hours, especially the ones offering college credit.

The training teaches the knowledge and skills a CNA needs to master in order to provide high quality patient care. A typical program includes training in the following areas:

  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Resident care, including meal service, caring for the resident’s environment and bed making
  • Promoting independence and respecting patient rights
  • Delivering personal care skills like bathing, grooming, feeding, skin care and body positioning in the bed
  • Basic nursing skills like taking vital signs, and recognizing and reporting changes in the patient’s condition
  • Working with people who have different cognitive, behavioral and/or social issues
  • Basic restorative services
  • Alzheimer and dementia training

Students get the information and learn the skills they need to master in order to pass the Arkansas CNA certification exam and to perform well once employed as a CNA in the state.

Step 5: Take and Pass the CNA Certification Exam

To become a new Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas, the applicant must have completed a state-approved nursing assistant training program within the prior 12 months. A new CNA is someone who has never been certified as a CNA in Arkansas. OLTC contracted with Prometric to develop and administer the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam.

The state requires applicants to pass the exam within one year of completing CNA training and within three attempts. Failing to meet this requirement means the applicant will have to go through the CNA training program again and retake the test.

Other Routes

Besides going through training and passing the competency exam, there are other pathways to certification that apply in certain cases.

Nursing Students

Nursing students in a LPN or RN program, who have completed a course in Basic Nursing, may not have to complete CNA training. However, it is necessary to take the certification exam within 12 months of getting approval from the OLTC to use this pathway and to pass both sections within three attempts.

From Other States

Out of state CNAs can request the OLTC to add their names to the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Registry. It is up to the OLTC in Arkansas to determine whether the applicant will need to take and pass the certification exam.

If someone was trained as a geriatric nursing assistant in another state, but did not take and pass a competency exam and was not listed in the state’s CNA registry, the OLTC must review the training completed before the applicant can apply for testing in Arkansas.

Other Applicants

In addition, there is an “other” pathway which enables applicants such as those who obtained medical or nursing training in the military to apply to the OLTC for certification.

In summary, CNA certification in Arkansas requires applicants who are Arkansas trained new nursing assistant to provide a copy of the training completion document from the state approved training program with the application. Someone previously certified in the State of Arkansas must provide the previous certificate number. Applicants who are RN or LPN students, or trained or certified in another state, must obtain an OLTC approval letter.

CNA Certification Exams

The Arkansas Nursing Assistant Competency Exam has two parts: the Written Test and the Clinical Skills Test. The Written Test has 60 multiple-choice questions that test the knowledge gained during the CNA training. The Clinical Skills Test scores five skills which are also learned during CNA training. The Clinical Skills Test consists of three randomly selected skills, one Handwashing skill and one Indirect Care skill. Exam results are released to the candidate if testing at a regional test site or are emailed if testing at a facility. Prometric offers a nurse aide certification sample written test on its website which exam candidates are encouraged to take.

Testing Sites

There are two types of testing sites: Regional testing centers and in-facility test sites. To schedule an exam at a regional testing center, send the application to Prometric. If scheduling an exam at an in-facility test site, the application is given to the school or facility program director.

Testing Fees

The State of Arkansas will pay the testing fees if the candidate has not previously tested in the State of Arkansas and is currently employed in a state nursing home or has been offered employment from a state nursing home.

The state will not pay fees if previously certified as an Arkansas CNA and have allowed the certification to expire.

Step 6: Get Certified in Arkansas

The Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) maintains the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Registry. Exam results are sent to OLTC and to the sponsoring long term care facility or training program. Once the OLTC determines the applicant has met all certification requirements, his or her name is added to the CNA Registry. At that point, the applicant can use the Certified Nursing Assistant designation.

The nursing assistant registry status can be verified here.

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active After Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

A certification is valid for two years (24 months) at which time it is necessary to renew CNA certification to remain in active status in the Arkansas Nursing Assistant registry. To maintain certification, the CNA must work for pay as a CNA for at least eight hours during the 24 months preceding the certification period. Otherwise, the certification expires and the applicant must retake the CNA exam. The recertification is good for another 24 months.

If employed at the time of application, the recertification begins the day after the expiration date of the current certification period. If not employed, recertification for 24 months begins with the last day of employment.

A certificate that has been expired for more than 24 months cannot be renewed. If a certification has been expired for less than 24 months, but the applicant has not been working, the applicant must submit the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Registry Renewal form to Prometric.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Arkansas

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report the average annual CNA salary in Arkansas as of May 2016 was $22,760 or $10.94 per hour. The top 10 percent earn an average of $28,670 annually or $13.79 per hour. The entry level CNAs, or the bottom 10 percent, earned an average of $18,030 annually or $8.67 per hour. For the period 2014 to 2014, there is a projected 15.3 percent growth in the number of CNA jobs in Arkansas. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries by City and Area

AR CNA SalaryEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Arkansas1752010.942276018.6710.7313.79180302231028670
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area146010.88226304.28.4110.1714.66175002115030490
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO191010.97228202.38.7910.7713.75182902240028600
Fort Smith, AR-OK157010.75223601.88.6810.6913.08180502224027200
Hot Springs, AR52010.87226102.18.9110.7913.12185302244027290
Jonesboro, AR88010.652215038.610.5112.44178902187025880
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR446011.86246602.39.7111.4314.92202002378031030
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area251010.77224101.38.8910.7212.83184902229026690
Pine Bluff, AR72010.41216503.28.4910.312.31176602141025600
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area186010.19212001.88.3710.0712.2174102095025370
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area154010.16211301.88.369.7812.4173802034025790

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Nearby or Bordering States

  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

Comments

  1. Sherry (Barish) Rodriguez says

    December 5, 2019 at 11:55 AM

    Being a CNA has it’s rewards and it’s discipline dealing with various age groups and great co-workers working as a team is amazing I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The Hands on is heartfelt and a gift to those who need you most I have done this kind of work for 19 loving years and my mother many years before me.

    Reply

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