CNA Training in Arizona

The need for registered nurses and CNAs is expected to grow across that nation, and in particular in the southern United States. Arizona is one of the states that has a projected increase in the number of job openings for certified health care professionals. The average pay for nurses in major Arizona cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff is slightly above the national average, making Arizona an excellent state to pursue training through CNA Programs. CNA programs in Arizona are typically offered through colleges and technical schools, and are affordable and easy to enroll in.

To meet the CNA requirements in the state of Arizona students must successfully complete a CNA training course. The courses are required to include at least 120 hours and to meet the curriculum and content standards of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Courses may vary in the precise number of hours that they require, but state-approved training programs will all include a classroom and a clinical portion. The classroom portion covers basic medical terminology and definitions, general healthcare information, and CPR and First Aid skills. The clinical aspect gives students more the practical experience of working in various health care facilities and working with patients. All of the clinical instruction that students receive as part of the course is supervised by registered health care professionals.

Once a student completes the required number of hours for a CNA course, they are then eligible to take the Arizona state-approved CNA examination. The exam has both a written section and a skills section and individuals must pass both sections to work as a CNA. Applicants must also have state and federal background checks done before they receive their license. After completing the course, passing the test, and having background checks done, individuals are placed on the Arizona State Nurse Aide Registry. Being on the registry means being allowed to work at any health care facility in the state.

Information about some of the state-approved CNA training programs in Arizona are listed below:

Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona offers a one semester CNA course taught by registered nurses. The course takes place two days a week, with one day each week for classroom instruction and another for the supervised clinical experience.

Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona offers a five credit CNA course that prepares students for the certification exam. The clinical placements and experiences take place periodically throughout the course. Students must have a background check which includes fingerprinting before enrolling in this course.

The GateWay Community College site in Phoenix, Arizona offers a CNA course that is made up of six credits. The goals of the program focus on basic nursing assistant care procedures, applying skills to meet both basic and holistic needs of patients, and communicating effectively with all members of a health care team. Once done with the program students will be ready to take the certification exam.

Mohave Community College in Bullhead, Arizona offers a six credit CNA course that is available at various sites. The program also has a variety of tracks for nursing programs that CNA candidates can consider upon completing the six credit program.