The state of Arizona has many jobs for Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs. Because of this, there are many options to become trained in this career. These programs all meet the requirements set by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. These requirements are monitored by The Arizona State Board of Nursing.
If you want a CNA job in Arizona, you have to pass a training course approved by the state. Then, you need to sit for and pass the CNA State Exam. This exam consists of 2 sections. The first one is written and made up of multiple choice questions. The second section is the demonstration of CNA skills. Once you’ve made it this far, you need to be fingerprinted and agree to state and federal background investigations. The salary of a CNA in Arizona starts at $12.07 per hour with a rate increase per hour as you gain experience. Your annual salary ranges from $17,000 to $30,600.
The training course requirements for a CNA in Arizona include passing a 120 hour state approved class. These hours are separated into clinical training and classroom instruction. Once you successfully pass the course, you’ll need to pass the state exam.
Renewing your CNA license is also possible in Arizona. You’ll receive a form 2 to 3 months before your license expires in the mail. In order to renew your license, you must have worked at least 160 hours working as a CNA during the past 2 years.
Some approved Arizona CNA training courses are available at the following schools:
- The CNA course at Arizona Western College located in Yuma, Arizona costs $1,500 for residents, $1,650 for non-residents, and Western Undergraduate Exchange costs $2,250.
- The Casa Grande Center located in Casa Grande, Arizona charges $849 for 16 to 18 weeks of the course and includes state certification exam fee.
- Sierra Vista, Arizona has Cochise College that offers a CNA course for $540. This fee includes your registration, tuition, textbooks, liability insurance, technology and laboratory fees, state certification fees, and drug screening.
- Flagstaff, Arizona offers CNA classes at Coconino Community College. The cost is $815 that covers the course, tuition, technology fees, textbook, workbook, scrubs, pens, notebook, watch, fingerprinting and the fee for state exam.
If you have trouble finding what you need, try contacting the Arizona State Board of Nursing or the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.