Free CNA Training in Arizona

In the state of Arizona, free training to become a certified nursing assistant is often made available through Job Corps. Overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, Fred G. Acosta Job Corps in Tucson, Arizona, offers a CNA training program through which low-income students between the ages of 16 and 24 years can receive free education. Participants may also receive a living wage, free room and board, and assistance finding a job after graduation. Both the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Medical Center and Tucson Medical Center in Tucson offer programs that are open to the public. Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa and Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Tucson offer state-approved training courses exclusively for individuals hired as employees of their facilities which may provide a low-cost alternative to those where economics is a concern.

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WIA Approved Training Centers for Free CNA Training in Arizona:

Central Arizona College – 8470 N Overfield Rd | Coolidge, AZ 85228 | Pinal County |Dr. Janice Vermiglio-Smith 480-677-7787

LAM & Associates School of Nursing Assistants, LLC – 8900 N. Central | 4th Floor, Suites#406-408 | Phoenix, AZ 85020 | Maricopa County | (602) 290-3162

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CNA Training FAQs.

How much does CNA training cost in Arizona?

The average tuition cost for Certified Nursing Assistant training in Arizona ranges from $500 to $2000.

Can I become a CNA online?

Yes, you can complete the theory portion online, however, the practical or hands-on portion of the course has to be completed at an in-person clinic such as a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare settings.

How much does a CNA make in an hour?

A Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona earns approximately $18 to $20 per hour depending on their years of experience in the field.

How do I get my CNA license back?

You must take the certification exam again if you have not worked as a CNA in the past two years. You must get a renewal application from the Nursing Aide Registry office. Carefully fill out the first section ensuring you have answered all questions. The second section has to be filled out by your most recent employer.

How much does the job pay?

The national median salary for a CNA is a little over $24,000.

How long do CNA classes take?

CNA programs take between 4 to 12 weeks. State-approved programs offer a minimum of 75 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training.

CNA Certification Guidelines:

The Arizona Department of Health requires a minimum of 75 training hours for certified nursing assistants in addition to a minimum 16 supervised clinical hours.

Within 2 years after completing the nursing assistant training program, to complete the process you must provide the following:

A copy of the “certificate of completion” of a nursing assistant program that Arizona State Board of Nursing has approved or proof of completing a 120 hour nursing assistant program approved by another state OR
Proof of completing a 75 hour nursing assistant program approved by another state AND proof of working as a nursing assistant for an additional 45 hours OR
Proof of graduation from an approved RN or LPN program or holds a valid RN/LPN license or meets educational requirements for RN/LPN licensure inArizona(takes written test only).

Applicants who have not taken the CNA exam within 2 years of their training and can show proof that they worked as a nursing assistant for 160 hours every 2 years since they completed a state approved nursing assistant program may take the CNA test.

After providing acceptable proof of training and experience, candidates must complete an application for Certified Nursing Assistant by Exam/Endorsement and mail to Arizona State Board of Nursing. Complete an application for Certified Nursing Assistant Examination and mail application and fee to D&S Diversified Technology Testing Company. Then you must pass the written and manual tests and complete a fingerprint card which will be sent to you. If the results of your fingerprint check show a positive criminal history, an investigation will be started and certification will not be given to you until the investigation is done. This may take 4 to 6 months.

CNA Training Programs in Arizona:

Individuals can become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Arizona upon successful completion of state approved course work and certification exam at an approved testing site. Training programs will adequately prepare students to sit for this exam. All programs are 120 hours and range from one week to one semester in length. The cost of these programs is between $400 and $1500, though some long-term care facilities offer free training programs. Flexible payment plans are also available in some colleges and technical schools. In some locations that offer free CNA training, students may receive payment during the clinical portion of the program with an established commitment to that facility. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Arizona:

Arizona Medical Training Institute – 1530 North Country Club Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

The Arizona Medical Training Institute’s CNA program is a 120-hour program comprised of 80 classroom/laboratory hours, and 40 clinical hours. The cost of the program is $990.00 and includes all textbook/lab materials, and other supplies. State Board Exam is additionally at approximately $108.00. Choose from the three (3) weekday program, five (5) week evening program and/or 2 weekends, or the weekend program for six (6) weekends. For more details about this program, call 480-835-7679.

Glendale Community College – 1500 North Verdugo Road,Glendale,CA91205623-845-3264

The Glendale Community College CNA program requires 36 hours of lecture and a minimum of 44 hours of lab, and approximately 40 hours of long-term (and/or acute) clinical practice.. The cost of the program is $847 including program-related fees. An additional fee of $85 (subject to change) is required for the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam. For more details on the CNA program, contact the program director at 623-845-3264.

Coconino Community College – 2800 South Lone Tree Rd., Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

The Coconino Community College Nurse Aide Training Program requires the successful completion (B or better) of a 4 credit course and 40 hours of clinical practice. The cost of the program is $684 including textbooks. Other fees of approximately $115 are required for vaccinations and criminal background check as part of the licensing application process as required by the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam. For more details on the CNA program, contact the administrative assistant at 928-562-7640

GateWay Community College – 1245 East Buckeye Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85034

The GateWay Community College CNA training is a 6 credit program that combines classroom instruction with clinical laboratory, skilled care and acute care experiences. The cost of the program is $1136 including program related fees and is available at 10 locations acrossArizona. Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Additional fee of $85 (subject to change) is required for the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam. For more details on the CNA program and other locations, call 602-286-8178.

Gila Community College – 8274 Six Shooter Canyon Rd.,Globe,AZ85502

The Gila Community College Nursing Assistant certificate program is an 18 credit program that provides instruction at 3 convenient locations: Gila Pueblo, Payson, andSan Carlos. The program is a combination of classroom instruction with clinical laboratoryinstruction. The cost of tuition is $800 with additional program related fees. Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Additional fee of $85 (subject to change) is required for the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam. For more details on the CNA program and other locations, call 928-425-8481.

Central Arizona College – 80440East Aravaipa Rd.,Winkelman,Arizona85292

The Skills Center Nurses Assistant Program is taught in a simulated workplace environment that includes practical hands-on training, classroom/lab instruction, and community clinicals. This program is scheduled on a fast-track system and lasts approximately 16 to 18 weeks, Monday – Friday with hours from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend classes will also be offered. The first 60 hours is the classroom portion and will be held at the Central Arizona College/Casa Grande Center. The remaining 90 hours is the clinical portion and will be held in a nursing home or hospital in a contractual relationship withCentralArizonaCollege. Total cost for the program is approximately $2310 with an additional $185 for vaccinations and licensing fees. For more details, call 520-494-6053.

Arizona Pioneer’s Home – 7340 | Prescott | 928-445-2181

Caring House, The – 3288 | Sacaton | 520-562-7400

Gardens Rehab. & Care – The 5034 | Kingman | 928-718-0718

Good Samaritan Society – Prescott Village 5158 | Prescott | 928-778-2450

Coconino Community College/Page – 7106 Page | 928-645-3987

College America Phoenix – 9205 Phoenix | 602-589-9860

College America Flagstaff – 0104 Flagstaff | 928-213-6060

Tucson Medical Center Healthcare CNA Program for Adults – 7343 Tucson | 520-324-5980

COLLEGE REVIEWS:

Glendale Community College:

Cool staff, helpful teachers, they offer a wide range of programs related to nursing education.

Central Arizona College:

A great college, they help you with the goals you want to achieve in the future. Reasonable costs and great education!

LICENSE TRANSFER.

If you are a certified nursing assistant in other state, you can apply for reciprocity through the Nursing Aide Registry in Arizona. You will need to provide verification that you have an active nursing assistant certification in the other state.

You must have at least completed a state approved certification program and pass the certification test within the past two years. It will not be necessary to retake the certification exam if your application for reciprocity is accepted.

The process to transfer your CNA license to Arizona requires:

Complete an application for CNA by endorsement form.
Complete a “Proof of Nurse Aide Registration” and send it to your CURRENT state CNA Registry.
Complete a fingerprint card which will be mailed to you after you send the application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Attach $50 non-refundable for your application for endorsement.
Attach proof of completing a 120-hour CNA training program in your state. If you completed a training program of less than 120 hours, you will have to attach proof of working as a CNA for at least 160 hours in the last two years.
Once you have completed the form, send it to the address below: Nurse Aide Registration Program – 1651 E. Morten Ave., Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85020

LICENSE TRANSFER FROM ARIZONA TO ANOTHER STATE.

Complete an application for a new CNA license for the state you are moving to.
Submit a current and active official copy of your CNA license from your current state.
Provide proof of continuous employment as a CNA from your employer in your current state.
Submit a form for a criminal background check.