How to Become a CNA in Arkansas
Want to become a CNA in Arkansas?
Career Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 4% by 2033, and there are nearly 18,000 CNA jobs in the state of Arkansas.
Job Opportunity:
Arkansas has the 4th highest concentration of CNA jobs in the country and Hot Springs, AR has the 6th highest concentration of any city.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from a CNA program, and pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Arkansas? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Arkansas.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
A Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), also known a Certified Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. CNAs play a crucial role in assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, and moving. CNAs measure vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse and work in a variety of healthcare settings. Their work is essential to providing patient comfort and supporting the healthcare team.
CNA Requirements in Arkansas
Graduate from a Certified Nurse Aide School in Arkansas
Pass the Arkansas CNA Examination
Register on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry
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How to Become a CNA in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Human Services oversees the licensing of Certified Nurse Assistants in Arkansas. Nurse Aide programs in Arkansas consist of 90 hours of total training, which includes 74 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical (hands-on) training. The clinical site must be a long-term care facility, skilled nursing unit or rehabilitation unit located in an acute care facility or inpatient hospice unit.
There are many flexible options to complete your CNA training. You can enroll in a fast-track CNA program, a local CNA school near you, online Nursing Assistant courses, or even a hybrid Nurse Aide program. There are even options for accelerated programs with 4-week CNA classes. You can find some of these fast CNA programs at the top of this page in our Free CNA School Search. Just enter your zip code to find CNA schools near you. You can also take a Free CNA Course on our website to practice and see if nursing is the right career path for you.
A Closer Look at CNA Training in Arkansas
A typical CNA program in Arkansas will teach you how to become a CNA with a combination of textbook classroom education and hands-on learning in a clinical environment. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Aging Process and Restorative Care
Basic Nursing Skills
Mental Health
Communication
Disease Process
The CNA Test in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Human Services administers the Arkansas CNA Exam in partnership with a private company called D&S Diversified Technologies - Headmaster LLP. Once you have successfully graduated from your Nursing Assistant Program in Arkansas, you can sign up on their website to register for the CNA exam. Once you receive confirmation, you can schedule your test date. You’ll need to take the test within 1 year of your graduation date from your CNA program.
The Arkansas state CNA test consists of 2 sections. The first section is the Knowledge Exam and is a multiple-choice test with 75 questions. An audio (oral) version of the knowledge exam is also available. The Knowledge/Audio Exam is also available in a Spanish version. You can take CNA classes en Español as well. You must have a 76% score or better to pass the Knowledge Exam.
The second section of the CNA state test is the Manual Skills section. A registered nurse will evaluate how you perform hands-on skills. Each of your randomly selected 3 or 4 tasks will have scenarios associated with them. You must correctly perform all of the key steps and 80% of all steps on each task assigned. Hand washing with soap and water will be included in each task. Examples of some possible skills to be tested are a partial bed bath, helping a patient use a walker, or taking care of oral hygiene for a patient.
You have 3 attempts to pass the test. Once you pass both sections of the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Test you’ll be able to earn your Arkansas CNA License and be added to the Arkansas CNA Registry.
Congratulations! You are now eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$30 - Written (or Oral) Evaluation
$95 - Clinical Skills Evaluation
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
Government-issued photo identification card such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes
Full clinical attire (scrubs)
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CNA Jobs in Arkansas
There are nearly 18,000 CNA jobs in Arkansas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following areas have the highest employment of CNAs:
5,360 CNA Jobs - Little Rock, AR
2,680 CNA Jobs - Fayetteville, AR
2,130 CNA Jobs - North Arkansas non metro area
1,360 CNA Jobs - South Arkansas non metro area
1,330 CNA Jobs - Fort Smith, AR
1,270 CNA Jobs - West Arkansas non metro area
1,120 CNA Jobs - East Arkansas non metro area
940 CNA Jobs - Jonesboro, AR
800 CNA Jobs - Hot Springs, AR
470 CNA Jobs - Pine Bluff, AR
Arkansas has the 4th highest concentration of CNA jobs in the country. For every 1,000 people employed in the state there are 14 CNAs. Hot Springs, AR has the 6th highest concentration of CNA jobs in the country’s cities; for every 1,000 people employed there are 21 CNAs.
The top 10% of the nation’s Nurse Aides earn $50,000. The top 10% of CNAs in Arkansas earn $37,000/year.
CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, medical offices, and skilled nursing facilities. There are more than 220 nursing homes and about 130 senior living communities in Arkansas, according to the U.S. News. You can search these possible employers by location, facility size, and reviews. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that CNA jobs are expected to grow 4% by 2033 nationwide with more than 2,000 CNA job openings each year.
CNA Job Advancement
Becoming a Nursing Assistant in Arkansas is considered an entry-level nursing position, which is great if you’re new to the medical field. You can become licensed quickly at a low cost and start working as a CNA fast. It’s a rewarding career caring for patients and the additional perks are flexible work shift hours and medical insurance. If you would like to advance your nursing career, you can promote to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) with additional schooling. There are nearly 11,000 LPN jobs in Arkansas and 30,000 RN jobs in Arkansas.
It’s also a great idea to network with other medical professionals for jobs and school opportunities. You can join the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) centered on CNAs. Or you can join local associations such as the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) or the Arkansas Nursing Student’s Association.
And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.
Renewal of a CNA License in Arkansas
You must renew your CNA license in Arkansas every 2 years to maintain your active status as a Nursing Assistant. You must have an active license in order to legally work as a CNA.
For submitting forms or if you have questions about the Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) or CNA-related activities, please contact:
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 7220
Phone: 501-682-1001
Email: natpcertification@dhs.arkansas.gov
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On-Site CNA Testing Locations in Arkansas
Angel Wings Testing Center LLC (TS)
2700 Bryan Road Suite B
Van Buren, AR 72956
Arkadelphia Human Development Center (TS)
1 Prator Dr
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Arkansas Career Training of the Ozarks - Hot Springs (TS)
2228 Albert Pike Rd (Westlake plaza) Suite C
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Arkansas Career Training of the Ozarks - Lonoke (TS)
1497 Lincoln Street
Lonoke, AR 72086
Arkansas Career Training of the Ozarks - Rogers (TS)
3169 West Walnut Suite B
Rogers, AR 72756
Arkansas Career Training of the Ozarks - Russellville (TS)
400 N Vancouver
Russellville, AR 72801
Arkansas State Hospital NATP - Benton (TS)
6701 Hwy 67
Benton, AR 72015
Arkansas State University - Newport (TS)
7648 Victory Blvd
Newport, AR 72112
ASH-Conway Human Development Center (TS)
150 E. Siebenmorgen Road
Conway, AR 72032
ATU-Ozark (TS)
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, AR 72949
Black River Technical College (TS)
1410 Hwy 304
Pocahontas, AR 72455
CNA Academy & Testing Center, LLC (TS)
224 Highway 425 South
Monticello, AR 71655
Extended Grace CNA Training Academy LLC (TS)
1105 East Kiehl Ave
Sherwood, AR 72120
Fayetteville Health and Rehab Center (TS)
3100 Old Missouri Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Jonesboro Human Development Center (TS)
4701 Colony Drive
Jonesboro, AR 72404
Northark NATP (TS)
1320 North Spring Road
Harrison, AR 72601
NPC Adult ED CNA Program (TS)
525 Hammond Dr
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Nu Leif Logistics LLC (TS)
1300 West Park Dr Suite 5
Little Rock, AR 72204
Oaklawn Center on Aging (TS)
307F Carpenter Dam Road
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Pulaski County Adult Ed CNA Program (TS)
2A Crestview Plaza
Jacksonville, AR 72076
R&L Healthcare CNA Training School, LLC (TS)
6520 Baseline Road Suite A
Little Rock, AR 72209
South Arkansas College Adult Education (TS) El Dorado
3696 East Main
El Dorado, AR 71730
Vydainc (Beyond Career Training) (TS)
633 Oakland Ave
Helena, AR 72342