Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
CNA training provides students with essential skills to assist patients with their fundamental care requirements while being supervised by licensed nurses. As an essential part of Arizona’s healthcare system the Certified Nursing Assistant provides daily assistance for bathing and dressing patients along with helping patients move. Patients achieve better comfort when CNAs assist them which enables nurses and doctors to concentrate on delivering advanced care.
Holbrook, AZ - Public 2-Year - npc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northland Pioneer College's Nursing Assistant program provides an exceptional pathway into healthcare careers through its meticulously designed NAT 101 course. Spanning five credits, the program delivers comprehensive training that meets rigorous Arizona State Board of Nursing standards. Students gain hands-on skills in patient care, including critical techniques like vital sign monitoring, personal hygiene assistance, and mobility support. With an impressive 80% state exam pass rate and projected 4% job growth, the program equips aspiring healthcare professionals with practical knowledge. Students must complete healthcare provider CPR certification and pass a mandatory criminal background check, ensuring preparedness for professional nursing assistant roles in hospitals and long-term care settings.
Thatcher, AZ - Public 2-Year - eac.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Arizona College's Nursing Assistant Certificate delivers hands-on healthcare training strategically located in Thatcher, Arizona. Students dive into comprehensive skill development designed to prepare them for professional CNA certification. The program's two-semester curriculum emphasizes practical nursing techniques, enabling learners to perform essential patient care tasks under registered nurse supervision. By focusing on real-world clinical competencies, the certificate offers an accelerated pathway into entry-level healthcare positions. Graduates gain foundational knowledge in patient interaction, medical documentation, and basic healthcare procedures, positioning themselves for immediate employment opportunities across diverse medical settings.
Phoenix, AZ - Public 4-Year - paradisevalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Paradise Valley Community College's Nurse Assisting Certificate delivers comprehensive healthcare training through an accelerated two-semester program. Students receive dynamic instruction blending classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences, enabling them to develop critical patient care competencies. The curriculum meticulously prepares students to meet Arizona State Board of Nursing certification requirements, positioning graduates for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings. Emphasizing practical skills and professional standards, the program offers an efficient pathway for individuals seeking to launch their nursing assistant careers with robust foundational knowledge and real-world expertise.
Avondale, AZ - Public 2-Year - estrellamountain.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Estrella Mountain Community College's Nursing Assistant Course (NUR158) offers an intensive training program designed to equip aspiring healthcare professionals with essential patient care skills. Students engage in comprehensive instruction covering therapeutic communication, clinical procedures, and holistic healthcare approaches. The curriculum prepares learners for state certification exams through rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. Designed for individuals seeking rapid entry into healthcare, the program requires specific reading and math proficiency, ensuring students possess foundational skills necessary for patient care. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers in acute care facilities, long-term care centers, and diverse healthcare environments.
Coolidge, AZ - Public 2-Year - centralaz.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Arizona College's Nursing Assistant Program stands out as a premier pathway for healthcare career aspirants. The program delivers comprehensive training through innovative educational approaches, featuring state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical opportunities. With an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98.08% and a robust job placement rate of 83.3%, students receive high-quality preparation for nursing roles. The curriculum offers flexibility through traditional RN and LPN to RN bridge tracks, emphasizing evidence-based practice and hands-on learning. Prospective students must meet competitive admission requirements, including a 2.75 GPA and specific prerequisite courses, ensuring a rigorous and focused educational experience in the nursing field.
The state of Arizona does not authorize complete online CNA programs yet students can enroll in hybrid programs. Students typically study their lectures through online platforms but must participate in skills labs and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities in person. The adaptable nature of training enables students to pursue their education between work and family responsibilities. The state requires CNA candidates to complete their clinical hours at healthcare facilities although these hours must be conducted in person.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Arizona College |
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| Chandler-Gilbert Community College |
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| Paradise Valley Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Must be at least 16, hold a high school diploma or GED, provide proof of U.S. legal presence, pass a criminal-history and drug screening, and demonstrate English proficiency |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Arizona State Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a Board-approved CNA course of at least 75 hours, combining classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state application or registry fee, competency exam fees set by the Board’s testing vendor and vary by provider |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the Board-approved skills evaluation and the written or oral competency test administered by the vendor |
| Registry Activation Time | Vendor transmits results electronically by 6 pm MST on scoring day, and once your application is submitted, your name is added to the registry promptly |
| Renewal Requirements | Certificates expire every two years in your birth month, renew by completing at least eight hours of paid nursing-related work within the preceding 24 months License by Endorsement: Out-of-state CNAs apply online for endorsement with a $50 fee and are exempt from retesting when holding an active, unencumbered certification |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Arizona typically earn between $18 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries averaging around $37,000 to $40,000. The compensation levels for CNAs depend on their experience level and job location together with their employment setting. Hospital facilities and specialized care institutions pay their staff members better than assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities. Health insurance together with paid time off and overtime possibilities are standard benefits that many nursing assistants receive as part of their employment.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Arizona | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $34,220 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.45 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$40,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $34,220 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,500 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,750 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Western Maricopa Education Center |
| - |
| Central Arizona College |
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| Estrella Mountain Community College |
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The healthcare field provides an excellent foundation for career advancement through the role of CNA. The experience of CNAs in Arizona enables them to advance their careers by obtaining LPN or RN certifications. The specific programs at community colleges welcome Certified Nursing Assistants who wish to become nurses by providing educational pathways. The programs offer existing training and work experience credits to help students finish LPN or RN programs more efficiently. Multiple organizations provide their staff members with educational support through tuition aid, flexible work hours, and scholarship programs. Certified Medication Assistants represent a specialized credential which allows nurses to supervise medication administration for CNAs. CNA certification leads to supervisory positions and administrative roles when combined with professional development. The career pathways available to CNAs establish CNA certification as both a fulfilling job and a professional path that leads to extended growth in Arizona’s healthcare industry.
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