CNA Classes & Programs in Arkansas
- CNA Programs in Arkansas: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Arkansas?
- Arkansas CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Arkansas
- How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Arkansas?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Arkansas?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Arkansas
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options
- Arkansas CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Arkansas
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Arkansas
- 2026 Updated List of Arkansas Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are vital members of Arkansas’s healthcare workforce, supporting nurses and caregivers by assisting with daily patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. With Arkansas’s aging population and demand for quality care across urban and rural regions, CNAs continue to be in steady need throughout the state.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Arkansas’s official CNA training requirements and certification steps
- What CNA classes and clinical training include
- How long it typically takes to become a CNA in Arkansas
- Whether online or hybrid CNA training options are available
- Tips for choosing the right Arkansas CNA program
CNA Programs in Arkansas: At-a-Glance
| Category | Arkansas CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 90 combined hours (classroom + clinical); state training minimum for exam eligibility |
| Clinical requirement | Hands-on clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam (knowledge + skills) |
| State registry | Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Roughly 4–12 weeks (varies by school and format) |
| Typical total cost | Varies by program, often $800–$2,500+ in tuition and fees |
| Average CNA salary in Arkansas | Approx. $32,000–$38,000 annually (varies by region and employer) |
Why Become a CNA in Arkansas?
Arkansas faces healthcare staffing challenges in both rural and urban settings, making CNAs essential contributors to patient care teams. The state's long-term care facilities, assisted-living communities, and hospitals rely heavily on trained CNAs (also referred to as “nurse aides”) to support nurses and help ensure resident comfort and safety.
There are nearly 18,000 CNA jobs in Arkansas, and employment opportunities remain strong due to ongoing needs in elder care and medical support services. The profession provides a quick, affordable pathway into healthcare, and experience as a CNA often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced nursing roles.
Arkansas CNA Training & Certification
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas, you must graduate from a state-approved CNA training program, pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam, and be placed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.
Training Requirements
Arkansas requires CNA training courses to include at least 90 hours of instruction, combining classroom and clinical experience. Many programs are structured with around 74 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 16 hours of clinical training at an approved facility.
Certification Exam
After completing training, candidates must pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes:
- A written (or oral) knowledge test
- A skills demonstration where selected nursing tasks are performed under observation
Both parts must be passed to earn CNA certification and be listed on the state registry, which legalizes employment across Arkansas.
Registry & Renewal
Once certified, CNAs are added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry, which employers use to verify credentials. To remain active on the registry, CNAs must document at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work within each 24-month period.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Arkansas
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction and team communication |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice in real settings |
In Arkansas, clinical training usually takes place at long-term care facilities, skilled nursing units, or rehabilitation centers where students apply classroom learning under supervision. This hands-on experience is a required part of the state's minimum training hours and prepares students for the competency exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas CNA programs are designed to be completed in about 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time and how clinical rotations are scheduled. Programs that run year-round or have flexible scheduling may help students finish more quickly.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not approve fully online CNA programs for certification eligibility. All CNA training must include in-person clinical hours at an approved site. However, some schools offer hybrid programs that combine online classroom instruction with required in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students must complete both portions to qualify for the state competency exam.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Arkansas
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville |
|
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| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas |
|
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| East Arkansas Community College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gadsden State Community College |
|
|
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College |
|
|
| Bevill State Community College |
|
|
Arkansas CNA Employment and Wages
CNA wages in Arkansas are competitive with national trends for allied health assistants. Earnings can vary by region, employer type, shifts worked, and experience level. Get more CNA salary information.
CNA Salary in Arkansas
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Arkansas | 17,620 | $31,990 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Arkansas
When evaluating CNA programs in Arkansas, look for:
- State approval — Programs must be approved for certification eligibility
- Clear clinical placement opportunities — Direct access to hands-on training
- Flexible schedules — Options for evenings, weekends, or accelerated paths
- Transparent costs — Know tuition, materials, uniform, and exam fees upfront
- Strong employer relationships — Connections that can help with job placement
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Arkansas
As you explore a career in healthcare, it helps to see how CNA training compares with other entry-level roles:
| Role | Education & Training | Scope of Practice | Common Arkansas Settings |
| CNA | ~90 hours of state-approved training | Basic hands-on patient care | Nursing homes, hospitals, clinics |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | Certificate program (~9–12 months) | Clinical + administrative support | Clinics, physician offices |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 12-month practical nursing program | Practical nursing care | Long-term care, hospitals |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Associate/Bachelor's degree (2–4 yrs) | Full nursing care and oversight | Hospitals, community health, schools |
CNA certification offers one of the shortest roadmaps into healthcare, while LPN and RN pathways provide broader clinical responsibilities and higher earning potential. Check out CNA to RN programs, or explore nursing schools in Arkansas to plan your next step.
2026 Updated List of Arkansas Schools Offering CNA Classes
Batesville, AR
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program type.
- Health professions focus.
- In-person campus location.
- Fast track options available.
- High school pathways included.
- Secondary career center access.
- Work ready preparation.
- Clinical skills development.
Bentonville, AR
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - CNA/PCA+
Campus Based - Website
- CNA program available.
- State certification exam eligible.
- PCA+ course for acute care.
- Arkansas State Office approved.
- Campus-based program.
- Contact Center for Health Professions.
- Teaches safety and infection control.
- Focus on geriatric care.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant +
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- State certification exam eligible.
- Approved by Arkansas Office.
- Geriatric care focus.
- Includes PCA+ course.
- Safety and infection control training.
- Vital signs instruction.
- Acute care setting skills.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant Plus
Campus Based - Website
- State-approved certification program
- Develop healthcare competencies
- Prepare for certification exam
- Skills in safety, infection control
- Focus on geriatric patient care
Blytheville, AR
Arkansas Northeastern College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Includes Medical Terminology course.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Approved by Arkansas Department of Health.
- Certificate of Proficiency awarded.
- Provides direct patient care training.
- Foundation for LPN or RN pathways.
- Quick entry into healthcare field.
Camden, AR
Southern Arkansas University Tech
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Certificate of Proficiency
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Proficiency program.
- Prepares for CNA certification.
- Classroom and clinical training.
- Meets Arkansas state requirements.
- Clinical experience in nursing homes.
- Limited to 12 students per class.
- Scheduled as needed basis.
- Minimum age 16 required.
Forrest City, AR
East Arkansas Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Two-month program length
- Campus-based training
- Approximate cost $842
- 7 credits required
- Certificate of Proficiency credential
- Prepares for state exam
- Teaches patient care skills
- Covers medical terminology
Fort Smith, AR
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program duration.
- Campus-based learning.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Prepares for CNA exam.
- Morning and afternoon sessions.
- Located at Peak Innovation Center.
- Includes real healthcare settings.
- Teaches patient care fundamentals.
Harrison, AR
North Arkansas College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Proficiency program.
- One semester duration.
- Campus-based instruction only.
- Multiple program formats available.
- Prepares for Arkansas CNA certification.
- Includes state testing preparation.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Medical terminology instruction.
Helena, AR
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 10-hour Certificate of Proficiency.
- Prepares for CNA certification exam.
- In-person campus program.
- Offered at multiple Arkansas campuses.
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years.
- Requires high school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement.
- Test scores needed for admission.
Hope, AR
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate of Proficiency in Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for CNA licensure exam.
- Follows Arkansas training curriculum.
- Requires CPR certification.
- Health card needed for clinicals.
- Weekend clinical hours required.
- Background checks for admissions.
- Leads to Technical Certificate option.
Hot Springs, AR
National Park College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Free CNA training program
- 17 days classroom instruction
- Two days clinical training
- Certification assistance available
- Healthcare career pathway
- Located in Hot Springs, AR
- Meets state requirements
- Clinical opportunities provided
Melbourne, AR
Ozarka College
- Certificate/Diploma - CP Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 4-month program length
- 7 credits required
- Campus-based instruction
- State certification preparation
- Arkansas curriculum compliance
- Certificate of completion
- Basic health skills training
- Nursing process instruction
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 4-month program length
- 7 total credit hours
- State certification preparation
- Supervised by licensed nurses
- Patient-focused healthcare training
Mena, AR
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Follows Arkansas training curriculum.
- Prepares for healthcare team roles.
- Teaches basic nurse assistant skills.
- Focuses on elderly client care.
- Develops professional communication skills.
- Emphasizes safe care practices.
- Includes activities of daily living.
Monticello, AR
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 7 credit program.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Certificate of Proficiency.
- Part of College of Technology.
- Located in Crossett, AR.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Entry-level healthcare focus.
- Quick workforce preparation.
Mountain Home, AR
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 7 credit hour program
- One semester duration
- $115 per credit hour
- Campus-based instruction
- Certificate of Proficiency awarded
- Eligible for Arkansas CNA test
- Prepares for healthcare careers
- Work in long-term care settings
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 7 credit hour program.
- One semester duration.
- Campus-based instruction.
- $115 per credit hour.
- Certificate of Proficiency awarded.
- Eligible for Arkansas skills test.
- Prepares for CNA certification.
- Work in various healthcare settings.
Newport, AR
Arkansas State University-Newport
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Proficiency program.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- 8-week program length.
- Available at Newport and Jonesboro.
- Offered fall, spring, and summer.
- Classroom and clinical training.
- Covers basic nursing skills.
- Focus on patient care procedures.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 8-week program length.
- Certificate of Proficiency offered.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Available at Newport campus.
- Available at Jonesboro campus.
- Fall term availability.
- Spring term availability.
- Summer term availability.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Proficiency program.
- Eight-week program length.
- Available in Newport and Jonesboro.
- Offered in fall, spring, summer.
- Classroom and clinical training.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Covers basic nursing skills.
- Includes patient care procedures.
Pine Bluff, AR
Southeast Arkansas College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- 7 credit hours total.
- In-state tuition $120 per hour.
- Total cost about $1,649.50.
- Includes background check fee.
- Requires health documentation.
- Leads to two certificates.
- Focuses on clinical skills.
Pocahontas, AR
Black River Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- 5- and 8-week sessions.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Entrance exam required.
- Health requirements needed.
- Arkansas State exam eligible.
- On-site testing available.
- Class size limited to 24.
Russellville, AR
Arkansas Tech University
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Covers fundamental nursing principles.
- Teaches patient care skills.
- Includes disease prevention techniques.
- Focuses on documenting observations.
- Adapts procedures to situations.
- Course code CNA 1114.
- Ozark campus fees apply.
West Memphis, AR
Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Proficiency program
- 7-8 credit hours
- Campus-based instruction
- Classroom and lab training
- Clinical experience included
- Prepares for state exam
- Focus on patient care skills
- Infection control training
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