Arkansas expects to add an additional 1,623 Nursing Assistants to the workforce between 2020-2030. The average CNA salary in Arkansas is currently $32,004 per year. It is also ranked as one of the top growth occupations. The need for well trained, qualified nurse aides will only increase as the number of people in the 60-90 age range increases. Current CNAs entering retirement will create additional job openings for CNAs for the foreseeable future. Our CNA course list includes several approved CNA training programs and online CNA courses. Many nursing homes offer qualified CNA programs for individuals seeking employment at that particular nursing facility. We try to keep our listings as updated as possible, but we recommend that students verify current program offerings and course catalogs with each school directly before enrolling.
Required Training for CNA in Arkansas
A CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant is the first person most people see when they go to the hospital. As a CNA you will assist patients in many ways. Taking the patient’s pulse and heart rate to monitor changes is only a start. Assisting the patient in and out of bed, helping them with personal hygiene, administering tests, and reporting changes in the patient’s health are part of the daily duties. You may also be called upon to make beds, clean the rooms, help them walk as needed, and aid doctors with procedures. To become a CNA is simple. First you will need to be at least 16 years old and have a diploma or GED. A clean criminal record is required,especially in the area of abuse or neglect. Additionally a negative Tuberculosis test is a requirement. Minimal learning skills such as simple math calculations, reading, writing, and speaking English are a must.
The perspective nurse will then need to take 75 classroom hours of different types of study that will teach things like infection protection for the patient and the nurses. Protecting the dignity of the patients is taught along with memory care and how to respond to health emergencies. In addition, clinical hours with hands on procedures like administering CPR, taking a pulse, getting the heart rate, and other vital activities are part of the program. Although this sounds like it will take quite a bit of time to complete the training, most curriculums are taught in 8 to 13 weeks depending on the school. Most Community Colleges and Technical Colleges offer the courses and may also provide help applying for financial aid.
How to Become a CNA in Arkansas
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas you must complete the necessary steps to obtain certification from the Arkansas state board of nursing. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) requires all CNA programs to include a minimum of 75 hours of instruction. Individual states might require additional training beyond the national minimum. Most programs take about 6-12 weeks to finish. The average cost of a CNA training course is between $800 – $1,500. The second step is to take the Arkansas CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Can I Transfer My CNA License to Arkansas?
If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Arkansas you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Arkansas for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. The CNA license reciprocity fee is $25 in Arkansas. You would not need to take the Arkansas exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.
Taking the CNA Certification Exam
All of the training will prepare the student for the exam given by the The Office of Long Term Care of the State of Arkansas. The test is a combination of written questions and clinical skills assessment. Once passed the newly registered CNA has many options for employment. Hospitals are a major source of jobs for CNA’s but there are other opportunities such as retirement homes, long term care facilities, assisted living homes, private home care, and Hospice type organizations.
