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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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Author: Angela Myers, BA
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Angela Myers, BA Arrow up right
Staff Writer
Angela Myers is a healthcare and higher education writer with over five years of editorial experience. She specializes in healthcare topics and has contributed to outlets such as Forbes, AARP, Well+Good, and NextAvenue. Angela has authored dozens of articles focused specifically on nursing and allied health education. Prior to her writing career, she conducted award-winning research on improving sexual violence prevention programs at higher education institutions. She holds a degree in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from Elon University, which supports her ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Angela’s work for EduMed centers on empowering healthcare students to take control of their education and professional future.
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Mark Earnest, based in Reno, Nevada, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from New Mexico State University. He has built a career in writing that began in sports, arts, and business journalism and later expanded into paid advertising and corporate communications. Mark has extensive experience crafting written content for executives, including resumes, social media, and thought leadership materials. Additionally, he is active as a guitarist and singer in several local rock bands. His areas of expertise include Business, Health, Arts, Careers, Marketing, Communications, and Technology.
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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

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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.

Angela Myers, BA AUTHOR

Angela Myers is a healthcare and higher education writer with over five years of editorial experience. She specializes in healthcare topics and has contributed to outlets such as Forbes, AARP, Well+Good, and NextAvenue. Angela has authored dozens of articles focused specifically on nursing and allied health education. Prior to her writing career, she conducted award-winning research on improving sexual violence prevention programs at higher education institutions. She holds a degree in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from Elon University, which supports her ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Angela’s work for EduMed centers on empowering healthcare students to take control of their education and professional future.

Read More About Angela Myers

Mark Earnest, BA EDITOR

Mark Earnest, based in Reno, Nevada, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from New Mexico State University. He has built a career in writing that began in sports, arts, and business journalism and later expanded into paid advertising and corporate communications. Mark has extensive experience crafting written content for executives, including resumes, social media, and thought leadership materials. Additionally, he is active as a guitarist and singer in several local rock bands. His areas of expertise include Business, Health, Arts, Careers, Marketing, Communications, and Technology.

Read More About Mark Earnest
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