CNA Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas CNA Training

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Every day, people are searching for new career opportunities that will allow them to provide their families with financial stability and security. Many are discovering that they have a rare opportunity to pursue a different career path that is more suited to their talents and interests. For individuals who have always wanted to pursue a career that allows them to interact with and help people in their communities, it might be time to consider Arkansas CNA classes.

Many people think that the medical profession is reserved for those that have a medical education or are already working as doctors or nurses. However, with increased pressure on the health care system to deal with a growing number of patients, these health care professionals depend on the certified nursing assistant to help them treat more people.

Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

In Arkansas, a long-term care facility is permitted to employ an individual as a nursing assistant for no more than 4 months without having passed the state CNA training program and evaluation. After 4 months, the employ must complete a state-approved CNA training program pass the CNA competency examination if he or she wants to continue working as CNA in Arkansas.

A CNA training program approved by the state of Arkansas must consist of at least 90 hours of training that is divided between theory instruction (with a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction) and skills training (which consists of the remaining 76 hours). The skills portion consists of both demonstrating skills in a classroom lab and performing skills in a long-term care facility, skilled nursing unit, or rehabilitation unit.

After CNA Training

When a student completes the training program, he or she will be issued a certificate of completion. Each certificate must be renewed every two years or else it expires. An individual can renew his or her CNA license by submitting proof that he or she worked as a nursing assistant for at least 8 paid hours during the past 2 years.

The individual wishing to work as a CNA must pass the competency evaluation within 12 months of completing his or her CNA training program. Applicants are given 3 attempts to pass the evaluation. If the individual does not pass the exam after 3 attempts, he or she will be requirement to retake (and pass) a state-approved CNA training course.

Licensure through Reciprocity

If an individual is already certified as a CNA in another state, he or she may qualify for reciprocity. This means that he or she may be qualified to work as a CNA in Arkansas without any further training or testing.

Additional Resources:

On-Campus & Online CNA Schools

Arkansas CNA Resources on NurseGroups.com

Arkansas Department of Health

Arkansas CNA Certification

Arkansas CNA Certification Requirements

To get your CNA certificate in Arkansas, you first need to complete the required course work and/ or training program. You will need to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. Applicants must then submit fingerprint cards. Licenses/certificates and will not be issued without the results of a state and federal background check coming back in good standing. As prescribed by federal law, the typical Arkansas CNA certificate program lasts approximately 8 to 13 weeks to gain 75 accredited hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin training. After passing the Certified Nurse Assistant exam, you must be placed on the Arkansas Nurse Aid Registry.

Required Hours for Arkansas CNA Certification

In Arkansas, you are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation before challenging the state CNA licensing exam. The nurse aide classes typically last 2-6 months. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin the training program.

Arkansas CNA Certification Prerequisites

In Arkansas, CNA prerequisites include a current background check, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). A negative TB test within the past 6 months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high school diploma or GED.