Arkansas requires 90 hours of state-approved training, yet many CNA programs compress that requirement into as little as four weeks. The real tradeoff is cost versus control: free employer-sponsored classes eliminate tuition but often carry a service commitment, while community college courses in Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Pine Bluff stay affordable and preserve job mobility.
Statewide, nursing assistants earn a median of $34,430 per year. That is below the national median, but long-term care and home health employers hire steadily. A faster, cheaper path into the field is usually available. What varies is how much early career flexibility you give up to take it.
Top CNA Programs in Arkansas, Ranked by Affordability and Outcomes
Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies across Arkansas need qualified nursing assistants, and the programs below are strong places to start. The list spans community colleges and technical schools that keep tuition low while connecting students to state-approved training and certification. Graduation rates are institution-wide, so use them as a general measure of student support rather than a CNA-specific statistic.
How we ranked these
- Net price and workforce funding
- Institution-wide graduation and retention
- State approval and exam preparation
- Program length and scheduling flexibility
- Post-completion earnings outcomes
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
#1Mena, AR · ~$5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Rural students seeking flexible workforce funding
This rural community college runs a nursing assistant program approved under the Arkansas Long Term Care Facility curriculum. It awards a Certificate of Proficiency and 7 technical credit hours, with 112 clock hours of combined classroom and clinical work. The program is WIOA-approved, so eligible Arkansas workers can put workforce funding toward tuition, books, and the state exam fee.
- Certificate of Proficiency tied to Arkansas Long Term Care curriculum
- 112 clock hours across classroom and clinical work
- WIOA-approved, covering tuition and related training costs
- Awards 7 technical credit hours toward health career pathways
Arkansas State University Mid-South
#2West Memphis, AR · $3,000 – $5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: High school students earning early healthcare credentials
This college is a regional allied health hub in the Arkansas State University system, with a nursing assistant certificate approved by the State of Arkansas. Classroom and clinical instruction feed directly into broader health career paths, and a Secondary Technical Center option lets high school students begin CNA coursework early. Advanced training tools in the allied health labs add a level of resources not typical for an entry-level nursing program.
- Classroom and clinical instruction approved by the State of Arkansas
- Certificate of Proficiency awarded on completion
- Secondary Technical Center pathway for high school students
- Allied health labs include advanced training tools
- Articulates into broader allied health career pathways
Ozarka College
#3Melbourne, AR · under $5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Fast-track learners with employer sponsorship options
Ozarka College offers a CNA pathway approved by the Arkansas Office of Long-Term Care and aligned with the state's nursing assistant curriculum. Students can take a 4-month, 7-credit college course or, at select locations, a 3-week fast-track course designed for quick certification. Employer sponsorships and workforce scholarships help lower out-of-pocket costs, and the state certification exam can be completed at the college.
- Approved by the Arkansas Office of Long-Term Care
- 4-month, 7-credit college course
- 3-week fast-track option at select locations
- Employer sponsorships and workforce scholarships available
- State certification exam offered at the college
Black River Technical College
#4Pocahontas, AR · $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.)
Black River Technical College keeps CNA training flexible with 5-week and 8-week course sections and weekend clinical rotations. The program is approved by the Arkansas Office of Long-Term Care, and graduates can take the state certification exam on site. Students can also combine this certificate with phlebotomy through the Patient Care Technician track, earning two credentials that stand out to employers.
- 5-week and 8-week scheduling options
- Weekend clinical rotations
- State exam testing available on site
- Patient Care Technician track adds a phlebotomy certificate
- High school and career center pathways available
Southern Arkansas University Tech
#5Camden, AR · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
SAU Tech delivers CNA training through its Adult Education division, making the certificate a good fit for working adults and students who want workforce-ready skills. The program includes 7 credit hours, clinical experience in nursing home settings, and state-specific requirements like an Arkansas Health Card. Integrated Education and Training supports pair CNA coursework with employability certifications, and day and evening cohorts broaden access.
- 7 credit hours with nursing home clinical experience
- Integrated Education and Training model
- Day and evening cohort options
- WIOA-approved for eligible adult learners
- Requires Arkansas Health Card and criminal background check
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
#6Hope, AR · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana structures its CNA certificate around the Arkansas Long Term Care Facility curriculum, with 90 classroom hours plus 24 clinical hours. Admission is tiered, giving priority to students who have already completed college composition or met reading benchmarks. State workforce grants and local scholarship programs can bring the cost down significantly for qualifying students.
- Follows Arkansas Long Term Care Facility curriculum
- 90 classroom hours plus 24 clinical hours
- Tiered admissions for college-ready students
- Eligible for Arkansas Future Grant funding
- Serves as a step toward the Practical Nursing certificate
East Arkansas Community College
#7Forrest City, AR · $7,000/yr (est. net price)
East Arkansas Community College offers an ACEN-accredited CNA certificate in a compact format designed for quick workforce entry. The standard path is an 8-week, 7-credit Certificate of Proficiency, and a separate 60-hour short-term training option is also available. In-county tuition is advertised around $842, and WIOA funding can cover costs for eligible students.
- ACEN-accredited Certificate of Proficiency
- 8-week, 7-credit program
- 60-hour short-term training option
- In-county tuition around $842
- WIOA-approved for eligible students
Arkansas State University-Newport
#8Newport, AR · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
ASU-Newport delivers an 8-week CNA Certificate of Proficiency with classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training in long-term care settings. The program starts in fall, spring, and summer and prepares graduates for the Arkansas state certification exam. Institutional and private scholarships offer financial support for eligible students.
- 8-week program offered fall, spring, and summer
- Covers vital signs, safety protocols, and daily living support
- Institutional and private scholarship options
- Prepares for Arkansas state certification exam
- Classroom and clinical components included
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
#9Helena, AR · $3,000 – $5,000/yr (est.)
Phillips Community College offers an ACEN-accredited nursing assistant certificate with hands-on training for home health and long-term care positions. Admission is first-come, first-served, and students complete criminal background checks and drug screening before clinical work. The program is offered in person at multiple locations, making it easier for students across the region to attend.
- ACEN-accredited Certificate of Proficiency
- Hands-on training for home health and long-term care
- First-come, first-served admissions
- Criminal background check and drug screening required
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
#10Batesville, AR · $8,000/yr (est. net price)
UACCB offers an ACEN-accredited nursing assistant certificate that blends medical terminology, clinical skills, and professional standards like patient confidentiality. Fast-track options and high school career center pathways make the program accessible to adults and students still in school. Graduates leave ready for immediate healthcare employment.
- ACEN-accredited certificate
- Fast-track and high school pathway options
- Covers medical terminology and clinical skills
- Emphasizes confidentiality and professional standards
- Prepares for immediate healthcare employment
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
#11Mountain Home, AR · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home offers a one-semester, 7-credit CNA certificate at $115 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable entry points in the state. Graduates are prepared for the Arkansas skills test and employment in long-term, acute, and home-health settings. The training also functions as a foundation for students moving into advanced healthcare degrees.
- $115 per credit hour for the 7-credit certificate
- One-semester program length
- Prepares for the Arkansas CNA skills test
- Includes clinical experience in healthcare facilities
- Pathway to advanced healthcare degrees
Arkansas Northeastern College
#12Blytheville, AR · $5,000/yr (est. net price)
Arkansas Northeastern College offers a CNA program approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and accredited by ACEN. The curriculum pairs direct patient care training with a Medical Terminology course, giving graduates a stronger clinical foundation. It is designed for quick entry into the healthcare field and also creates a pathway toward LPN and RN education.
- ACEN-accredited and Arkansas Department of Health approved
- Includes Medical Terminology coursework
- Certificate of Proficiency in Certified Nursing Assistant
- Foundation for LPN and RN pathways
- Hands-on direct patient care training
What It Costs: CNA Tuition Comparison Across Arkansas Schools
The table below compares published in-state tuition alongside the institution-wide average net price after financial aid for each school. Keep in mind that the net price figure reflects an average across all programs at the institution, not a CNA-specific quote, so your actual out-of-pocket cost for a short certificate program may differ. Still, the gap between sticker tuition and net price shows just how much aid can reduce your bill. Always file the FAFSA and ask about institutional scholarships before assuming you will pay the full listed rate. All figures are drawn from federal data reported by the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard, 2024).
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozarka College | Melbourne | $3,820 | $4,543 | $723 |
| UA Community College Rich Mountain | Mena | $3,696 | $4,842 | $1,146 |
| Phillips Community College of the UA | Helena | $3,380 | $4,848 | $1,468 |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas | $4,776 | $5,095 | $319 |
| Arkansas Northeastern College | Blytheville | $2,570 | $5,375 | $2,805 |
| ASU Mid-South | West Memphis | $3,216 | $5,427 | $2,211 |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College | Bentonville | $3,342 | $7,196 | $3,854 |
| East Arkansas Community College | Forrest City | $3,300 | $7,220 | $3,920 |
| UA Community College, Batesville | Batesville | $3,630 | $8,044 | $4,414 |
| ASU Newport | Newport | $3,312 | $8,444 | $5,132 |
| ASU Mountain Home | Mountain Home | $3,312 | $8,847 | $5,535 |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech | Camden | $5,040 | $9,018 | $3,978 |
| UA Hope-Texarkana | Hope | $3,880 | $9,270 | $5,390 |
| North Arkansas College | Harrison | $3,504 | $10,180 | $6,676 |
| UA Fort Smith | Fort Smith | $7,334 | $10,574 | $3,240 |
| National Park College | Hot Springs | $5,600 | $12,720 | $7,120 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville | $8,674 | $12,970 | $4,296 |
| UA at Monticello | Monticello | $9,292 | $14,287 | $4,995 |
| Southeast Arkansas College | Pine Bluff | $5,200 | $19,038 | $13,838 |
Free and Employer-Sponsored CNA Training in Arkansas
Paying nothing out of pocket for CNA training is a realistic goal in Arkansas if you know where to look and apply early.
State Workforce Funding
The Arkansas Workforce Challenge scholarship covers up to $3,000 for health care training programs, including CNA classes. Funding comes through the state's lottery and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligibility and award amounts may vary by program length, so confirm details with your school's financial aid office before enrolling.
Facility-Sponsored Training
Several Arkansas employers offer no-cost CNA programs in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Arkansas Human Development Centers in Arkadelphia, Booneville, Conway, Jonesboro, and Warren provide no-cost training, but you must accept a direct care position and work while completing your certification. Many long-term care facilities across the state have similar arrangements. Some pay a salary during training, while others cover tuition only. The typical structure requires you to work at the sponsoring facility for six months to a year after certification. Leaving early often means repaying some or all of the training costs.
To find these opportunities, contact nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities directly. Not all employers advertise sponsorships publicly, and arrangements vary by location.
Free Adult Education Programs
National Park College Adult Education in Hot Springs offers free CNA training to Arkansas residents age 18 and older. The program runs about 19 days and includes assistance with testing fees and scrubs. No work commitment is required, making this a strong option if you want flexibility in where you work after certification.
Fee Waivers for Low-Income Students
Arkansas Department of Human Services waives certain licensing and certification fees for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, TANF, Lifeline, or those who have been unemployed within the past 12 months. Household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level also qualifies. Note that exam fees and background checks may not be included.
Tips for Securing Free Training
Free programs often have limited seats and waitlists, especially at popular adult education sites. Apply several months in advance and have backup options ready. When pursuing employer sponsorships, request a written agreement outlining tuition coverage, work commitment length, and repayment terms before you begin.
Arkansas by City
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Your Path to a CNA License in Arkansas: Step by Step
Arkansas requires completion of a state-approved 90-hour training program before you can sit for the certification exam. All training must be conducted in person, as online instruction hours are not accepted. Here is the process from start to finish.
Arkansas CNA Certification Exam: Vendor, Format, Fees, and Pass Rates
Arkansas changed its CNA testing vendor, and older guides still naming Prometric are out of date. As of the 2025-2026 cycle, the competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP, operating as Headmaster. Candidates book everything through the D&S-Headmaster TestMaster Universe portal, also called TMU, rather than through Prometric or another third-party site.
How the Exam Is Structured
The exam has two required parts. The knowledge portion is a 75-question multiple-choice test with a 60-minute time limit. You need at least 76% to pass. If you prefer to hear the questions rather than read them, an audio version of the knowledge exam is available for a higher fee. The clinical skills evaluation asks you to perform three or four assigned tasks from state-approved CNA training, which may include hand hygiene, positioning, oral care, or measuring vital signs. Both parts must be passed to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Fees, Scheduling, and Retakes
- Knowledge exam or retake: $30
- Skills exam or retake: $95
- Total first attempt: $125
- Audio knowledge exam: $40
Pay the fees first, then schedule through TMU. You can reschedule online for free up to one business day before your test. Staff-assisted rescheduling costs $35, and no-shows may trigger additional charges. If you fail one component, you retake only that component, but the candidate handbook does not specify an unlimited number of attempts, so prepare carefully. The Arkansas Department of Human Services may pay fees for people employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility, though this waiver is not automatic for every nursing facility employee.
After You Pass
When both components are passed, your information is sent to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. There is no published processing-time guarantee, but registry placement is the step that allows you to work as a CNA in Arkansas. The state does not publish school-by-school pass rates, so no public comparison exists for program-level exam performance.
Commonly Asked Questions About CNA Training in Arkansas
Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective nursing assistants ask about training, testing, and credential transfers in Arkansas. Each answer reflects current state requirements.
Can you complete CNA classes entirely online in Arkansas?
Are there accelerated 2-week or 4-week CNA programs in Arkansas?
How do I transfer a CNA certification from another state to Arkansas?
CNA Salary in Arkansas: What the Numbers Say
Arkansas employs roughly 17,260 nursing assistants statewide, and wages here run below the national median of $42,260 per year. The statewide median for CNAs in Arkansas is $34,430, according to May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While base pay is modest, factors such as years of experience, overnight or weekend shift differentials, and facility type (hospitals typically pay more than nursing homes) can push individual earnings toward the higher percentiles.
| Wage Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,200 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $34,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,070 |
| 90th Percentile | $39,020 |
| Statewide Mean | $33,970 |
Choosing the Best CNA Program for Your Situation
Not every state-approved CNA program delivers the same level of preparation, and that distinction matters more than most applicants realize when they begin comparing options. A structured decision framework can help you sort through the choices without getting sidetracked by flashy marketing or rock-bottom prices.
Start With State Approval
Before comparing anything else, confirm that the program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and listed on the Nurse Aide Registry's roster of recognized training providers. Enrolling in a program that lacks approval means you will not be eligible to sit for the certification exam, regardless of how many hours you complete.
Compare Schedules, Location, and Cost
Once approval is confirmed, weigh practical factors against your daily life:
- Schedule: Day, evening, and weekend cohorts vary by school. Choose one that fits your current work or family obligations.
- Location: A program close to home or your workplace reduces transportation costs and missed class time.
- Tuition: Compare total out-of-pocket cost, including textbook fees, scrubs, background checks, and exam fees.
Look at Pass Rates and Clinical Quality
If a program publishes its first-attempt pass rate on the Arkansas CNA competency exam, pay attention. Consistently high pass rates suggest strong instruction and thorough skills practice. When that data is not available, ask the program coordinator directly.
The cheapest option is not automatically the best. A program that places students at a well-staffed, high-acuity clinical site gives you hands-on experience with real patient scenarios, which translates directly into job readiness and employer confidence on day one.
More CNA Programs in Arkansas Worth Exploring
Beyond the programs highlighted in the ranking above, Arkansas has several other CNA training options worth considering. This directory lists additional schools by region so you can find a program close to home. Each entry includes the campus format and a direct link to the program page.
North Central Arkansas
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Northwest Arkansas
- Certified Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant Plus
- Certified Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant +
- CNA/PCA+
Arkansas River Valley
- Nursing Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
Central Arkansas
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Southeast Arkansas
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Home Health Aide
- Certified Nursing Assistant