Online CNA Classes in Arkansas: View Schools, Program Info & More
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate who wants to help others or someone looking for a fulfilling career change, the decision to pursue certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes could be the first step toward a rewarding new profession. Becoming a CNA may be the right educational path for people in Arkansas who want to make a difference in the diverse lives of their patients. In this guide, we provide a better look at what CNA classes look like, plus the best programs in the state.
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Understanding Online CNA Classes in Arkansas
Since becoming a CNA is an ideal entry-level position in healthcare, many online CNA classes in Arkansas make it quick and easy to complete a certification, often at a fraction of the cost of other healthcare degrees. The three universities below offer strong options for anyone pursuing the CNA path in Arkansas.
When exploring these three options (or any others in the state), it’s important to pay attention to what can be completed online and what must be done in-person; most CNA programs in Arkansas include in-person clinical hours. Also pay attention to graduation timelines, noting that 2 week CNA programs or 4 week CNA programs are rare.
CNA Course — Arkansas State University – Mountain Home
Arkansas State University – Mountain Home (ASUMH) offers an online CNA Course that only take seven credit hours to complete. You’ll need to earn a “C” or better to pass the course. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Certificate of Proficiency, which qualifies you to take the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. This course is meant to help students build on their healthcare knowledge and pursue further degrees in the healthcare industry. Arkansas State University recommends other degrees to go along with the CNA course, including phlebotomy, professional medical coding, and pre-nursing. There is also a special course option for current high school students.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $109 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of immunizations and TB test
- Pass a background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
- CNA 1007: Nursing Assistant (7 credit hours)
- CNA 1003: Nursing Assistant I (3 credit hours) – available to high school students only
- CNA 1004: Nursing Assistant II (4 credit hours) – available to high school students only
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program — Black River Technical College
This tech college offers multiple enrollment periods for Nursing Assistant CNA program. After passing an entrance exam, students can sign up for five- or eight-week courses depending on the date they’re enrolling. Summer and spring registrations include five-week classes, while fall courses are eight weeks. Most classes are held on campus, though there are a few fully online courses throughout the year. Students who graduate earn a Certificate of Proficiency in phlebotomy as well as a nursing assistant degree, meaning students can work in a variety of healthcare areas. Plus, Arkansas graduates will be eligible to apply for the state CNA exam, which students must complete within 12 months after they graduate.
Duration: Five or eight weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $113 per credit in-state | $226 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Pass an entrance exam
- Provide proof of immunizations and TB test
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- Complete the Child Maltreatment Reporter Training
Curriculum:
- 7-credit CNA course
CNA Program — Philander Smith University
Philander Smith University offers a CNA program that is approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Care. The program costs $495 per credit hour, which is more expensive than others in Arkansas but also is affordable compared with tuition at many universities. The coursework portion of the training is about 74 hours, equal to 19 class days. The necessary clinical work takes 16 hours. Graduates who complete the necessary coursework and clinical hours receive a certificate of completion, qualifying them to take the state exam to become a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $495 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Provide proof of immunizations and TB test
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- Have a high school diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- 7-credit CNA course
FAQs for CNA Students in Arkansas
Although becoming a CNA is fairly straightforward, each university is a bit different in courses offerings and the financial aid or scholarships. If you have any lingering questions about taking online CNA classes in Arkansas, here are some answers regarding the cost, requirements, and length of these programs.
How do I become a CNA in Arkansas?
Getting your CNA license in Arkansas involves completing the necessary coursework from one of the programs above or others throughout the state. Once you’ve completed one of these programs, you’ll receive a certificate that qualifies you to take the state’s licensing exam, which you often must finish within a year after graduating. Arkansas uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP). The exam includes both written and oral sections, plus a skills demonstration portion. If you pass, your name is added to the Arkansas nurse aide registry, and you can start practicing as a CNA.
Are there free CNA classes in Arkansas?
Human Development Centers in Arkansas work with people who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, including providing them with free CNA classes. If you qualify for its programs, you can take CNA classes for free in Arkansas at all five of the state’s Human Development Centers, located in Arkadelphia, Booneville, Conway, Jonesboro, and Warren. To qualify for free training, you’ll need to be a new hire in a direct care position at one of these facilities. This includes helping patients with personal care, daily activities, and recreational activities. Even if you don’t qualify for free CNA classes, there are other ways to bring down the cost, such as applying for financial aid, choosing a more affordable CNA program, or opting for an online program, which lets you save on transportation costs.
How long is CNA school in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the length of CNA education depends on the training program you attend. Some programs are just a few hours while others are much longer and have an in-person training component. By Arkansas law, your training is required to last at least 75 hours. While it is possible to find programs as short as two weeks, those programs are quite intense and difficult if balancing work and personal responsibilities. Slightly longer programs are easier to find and can still be completed quickly, usually within four to 12 weeks. If the timeline is important to you, ask an admission’s counselor how long a program is before applying.
Do I have to renew my CNA license in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, your CNA license is good for 24 months before you must renew. Renewing your license is vital, because you aren’t eligible to keep your job as a CNA without an active license. Your employer relies on you to regularly renew your license. Many students also opt to take continuing education courses to build their resume and may even enter a nursing bridge program to further advance their career. Other than renewing your license annually, where you take your CNA license and healthcare career is entirely up to you.
How much do CNA classes cost in Arkansas?
There’s no exact cost for all CNA programs in Arkansas. That said, most programs are between $500 to $1,500. Students may be responsible for additional fees, such as the price to pass a background check, the cost for scrubs, and the price for course textbooks. If the cost is a burden, students can apply for financial aid, including scholarships specifically for CNA programs. The Arkansas Department of Human Services also offers tuition waivers for veterans and individuals who meet certain requirements, such as being on Medicaid or being unemployed for twelve months.
Salary & Career Overview for Arkansas CNAs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Arkansas | $28,330 | $31,990 | $39,430 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $29,990 | $35,620 | $41,260 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $24,120 | $31,250 | $36,060 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $28,680 | $29,560 | $36,730 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $26,310 | $33,270 | $39,430 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $27,460 | $35,630 | $43,200 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Arkansas | 16,800 | 17,520 | 720 | 4.30% | 2,500 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Arkansas
Black River Technical College
Pocahontas, ARProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,890 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Black River Technical College
- Black River Technical College’s Nursing Assistant program offers flexible class sessions of 5- and 8-weeks on both Pocahontas and Paragould campuses, allowing students to complete training efficiently according to their schedules.
- The program provides hands-on clinical experiences crucial for certification and employment, supported by partnerships with local healthcare facilities including hospitals and long-term care centers, enhancing practical learning and job placement opportunities.
- BRTC’s Nursing Assistant program maintains full approval from the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care, ensuring a high standard of education that meets state certification requirements and supports graduates in becoming competitive candidates in a growing healthcare field.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,890 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
Mountain Home, ARProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- The Nursing Assistant program at ASUMH offers scholarship opportunities funded by grants that reduce financial barriers for students.
- The program includes practical clinical experience, enhancing hands-on learning and increasing students' job readiness.
- ASUMH’s Nursing Assistant program benefits from strong grant support, which helps provide resources such as medical supplies and instructional cost coverage.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,601 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
- The Nursing Assistant program at UAHT offers the Arkansas Future Grant, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students, making it more affordable for those pursuing CNA certification in a high-demand health field.
- The program provides strong employer partnerships and clinical placement opportunities that help students gain practical experience and improve job readiness in healthcare settings.
- UAHT supports students through additional financial aid options including scholarships like the Hempstead Guarantee, which offers a free first year, enhancing affordability and access for local residents pursuing the CNA pathway.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,601 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,001 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southeast Arkansas College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Southeast Arkansas College offers flexible scheduling with weekday, evening, and Saturday classes available multiple semesters per year, accommodating diverse student needs.
- Qualified students have access to scholarships, grants, loans, and Veteran’s benefits, providing significant financial aid support to reduce educational costs.
- Faculty advisors are readily available to assist students with course selection and career planning, ensuring personalized guidance throughout the program.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,001 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, ARProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,298 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program includes a Patient Care Assistant+ (PCA+) Certificate, offering advanced patient care skills with hands-on clinical training at area hospitals for higher employability.
- Admissions require a criminal background check, urine drug screen, and immunization verification, ensuring a rigorous selection process that enhances program quality and safety.
- The program prepares students to sit for the Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant Exam and provides specialized training in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, expanding practical skills for diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,298 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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