Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

Steps to CNA Training in Arkansas

In order to become certified as a CNA or nurse aide in Arkansas you will first need to find and enroll in a training program that is 100% fully accredited by the State.  Additional requirements to become licensed are to pass the state issued certification exam and be added to the Arkansas Nursing Assistant Registry. The state of Arkansas currently has a relatively high need for certified nursing assistants in the state, and people with CNA certification in Arkansas can expect to have strong job security, as growth is expected to continue rising in the nation as well as through out the state for these professionals.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Arkansas

Step 1:

The first step is to do your homework and find a CNA Training facility that meets your needs:

Find a CNA Training Program

CNA classes in Arkansas will teach you the essential skills of a nurse aide.  These  include interpersonal communication skills, restorative procedures, providing residential care, controlling the spread of infectious illnesses, practicing safety, recognizing a patient’s emotional needs, and basic medical terminology. Furthermore, you will be required to learn how to perform CPR which will be a part of your training as well.

Step 2:

Approved courses require  students to attend a program for a  minimum of 90 class hours over a period of several weeks. A portion of time that will be attended in a care facility or other medical establishment to gain hands on learning of the nursing aide skills and requirements. Students should be prepared to submit to a health and criminal screening upon the being enrolled. Some schools may require a high school degree or something equivalent to one, in order to be enrolled for CNA training within their facility.

In Arkansas, the CNA student is expected to have a minimum of 120 hours of clinical and classroom time in his or her cna program. Much of this time will be clinical rotations in which you will really be getting essential hands-on experience.

Step 3:

After completing your coursework, you will be ready to take the state licensing exam to obtain your certification. Finding work should be no problem, as you will qualify for work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, hospice facilities, and many other medical settings.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Arkansas

Step 1:

Once you have passed the CNA training classes, you are then permitted to attempt the Arkansas Department of Human Service nurse aide certification examination. The test is contracted through Pro-metric and will include a written and oral examination as well as an actively participated skills test. During the written exam you will be provided with 2 hours to complete 60 multiple choice questions. The clinical skills exam is based on your performance of five skills tested over thirty Five minutes. You can find a list of these skills on the Pro-metric site. The fee to take the exam is $89, and testing sites can be found listed on the Pro-metric website as well.

Feel free to utilize our CNA Practice Tests to prepare yourself for the state exam.

Step 2:

Upon passing, you will be sent a wallet card as well as a certificate and your name will be placed on the Arkansas Nurse Assistant Registry.  To check your certification status please visit here.

Your license will need to be renewed every 2 years, along with any CE’s and CPR certifications that are required.

Step 3:

Once you have Your certification you can now become employed as a CNA in Arkansas.  Be sure to fill out a job profile in our resume database to make it easy to connect to employers in your area.

Step 4:

Do not do what many CNAs do and stop their education once they are certified.  Make sure to continue learning and growing in the filed of healthcare.  Look into Registered Nursing and LPN programs offered in your area.

For additional information regarding CNA Certification In Arkansas visit:

Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 8059, Slot S405
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: (501) 682-1807

http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs/homepage.html