Online CNA Classes in Arkansas: View Schools, Program Info & More
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone exploring a meaningful career change, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be a fast, affordable pathway into healthcare. This guide breaks down how online CNA classes work in Arkansas and highlights top programs across the state.
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Understanding Online CNA Classes in Arkansas
CNA training is one of the most approachable entry points into healthcare. Many online CNA programs in Arkansas are designed to be low-cost, flexible, and quick to complete, making them ideal for new students and working adults.
When comparing programs, pay close attention to:
- What elements are offered online vs. in-person, as all Arkansas CNA programs require hands-on clinical hours
- Program length, which can be as short as 2 weeks or 4 weeks
- Costs and fees, which can vary drastically by program
- State exam eligibility, since you must complete an approved program before testing
Below are three strong CNA options in Arkansas worth considering:
Arkansas State University – Mountain Home
Arkansas State University – Mountain Home (ASUMH) offers a 7-credit online CNA course that leads to a Certificate of Proficiency and qualifies you for the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Students must earn a “C” or higher to pass.
ASUMH also recommends pairing the CNA certificate with related programs such as phlebotomy, medical coding, or pre-nursing. High school students may enroll through a special course track.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $109/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of immunizations and TB test
- 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:
Black River Technical College
Black River Technical College offers CNA classes several enrollment periods each year, with five- or eight-week course options depending on the semester.
Most coursework is on campus, with occasional fully online offerings. Graduates earn a Certificate of Proficiency in phlebotomy in addition to the CNA credential — expanding their job opportunities — and may apply for the Arkansas CNA exam within 12 months of graduation.
Duration: 5 or 8 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $113/credit (in-state) | $226/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Entrance exam
- Proof of immunizations and TB test
- Background check and drug screening
- Child Maltreatment Reporter Training
Curriculum:
- 7-credit CNA course
Philander Smith University
Philander Smith University offers a CNA program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Care. While tuition is higher than some community programs, the cost remains competitive for a university setting.
The program includes 74 hours of coursework (approx. 19 class days) and 16 clinical hours. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and can sit for the Arkansas CNA exam.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $495/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of immunizations and TB test
- Background check and drug screening
- High school diploma or GED
FAQs for CNA Students in Arkansas
Below are answers to common questions about CNA programs, costs, requirements, and state regulations.
How do I become a CNA in Arkansas?
You become a CNA in Arkansas by completing a state-approved training program and passing the NNAAP certification exam.
After finishing your coursework, you’ll receive a certificate that qualifies you for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written/oral section and a skills demonstration. Once you pass, you’ll be added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry and can begin working as a CNA.
Are there free CNA classes in Arkansas?
Yes. Free CNA classes are available through Arkansas’s Human Development Centers (HDCs) for new direct-care hires.
These centers, located in Arkadelphia, Booneville, Conway, Jonesboro, and Warren, train new employees who provide personal and daily-care support for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. If you don’t qualify through an HDC, you may still lower costs through financial aid, scholarships, lower-cost programs, or online options that reduce transportation expenses.
How long is CNA school in Arkansas?
CNA programs in Arkansas last at least 75 hours and typically take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete.
Shorter, accelerated two-week programs do exist but are intense and harder to manage if you’re balancing work or personal commitments. Since program length varies by school, it’s best to confirm with an admissions counselor before applying.
Expert Insight
It’s also important to ask yourself how you learn best. Do you thrive under the pressure of short deadlines? Or do you prefer extra time to go over material and feel more confident and prepared? I found that a six-week course gave me a good balance: time to absorb the information without feeling like the program was overly long.
Do I have to renew my CNA license in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas requires CNAs to renew their license every 24 months.
An expired license means you cannot legally work as a CNA, so keeping your credential active is essential. Many CNAs also take continuing education courses or pursue bridge programs to expand their career options, but renewal itself is mandatory every two years.
How much do CNA classes cost in Arkansas?
Most CNA programs in Arkansas cost between $500 and $1,500.
Additional expenses may include background checks, scrubs, textbooks, and exam fees. Financial aid, scholarships, and state-based assistance (including tuition waivers for qualifying individuals such as veterans, Medicaid recipients, or those unemployed for 12 months) can help reduce the total cost.
Expert Insight
Budget is a major factor when choosing a CNA program, and it’s hard when money’s tight. But I can say from experience, the value of having skills and a license that guarantees you a job anywhere is priceless.
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.
