CNA Classes in Arkansas | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Arkansas OLTC Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Arkansas

Begin your healthcare career in the Natural State with affordable, state-approved certification programs. Arkansas offers one of the most accessible paths to CNA certification.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Training Hours Required

$109

State Exam Fee

$31,450

Average Annual Salary

3-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Arkansas

Affordable Training, Growing Opportunities

Arkansas offers one of the most accessible and affordable paths to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in the nation. The Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) oversees CNA certification, requiring completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Prometric.

With a low cost of living and steady demand for healthcare workers across the state, Arkansas provides excellent opportunities for CNAs in cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Jonesboro. The state's aging population and rural healthcare needs create consistent employment opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities throughout Arkansas.

One of the lowest training hour requirements (90 hours)

Affordable programs at community colleges statewide

Many facilities offer free training with work commitment

Low cost of living maximizes your earnings

Arkansas CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 90 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 75 hours

Clinical Hours 16 hours

Exam Format 60 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $109 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Arkansas OLTC

Registry AR Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Arkansas

Browse Arkansas OLTC-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available throughout the state at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities.

Browse CNA Schools in Arkansas

Explore our directory of OLTC-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

View All Schools

Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Arkansas

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Arkansas.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care. Arkansas requires a minimum of 90 total training hours—75 hours of classroom instruction covering theory and laboratory skills, plus at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Training is available through Arkansas community colleges including NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Pulaski Technical College, Arkansas State University-Beebe, and South Arkansas Community College, as well as numerous vocational schools and nursing facilities that offer state-approved programs.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is $109. Testing is available at Prometric sites throughout Arkansas, including Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Pine Bluff. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Arkansas law for all healthcare workers. Your training program will typically coordinate the background check process. Once you pass both portions of the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Office of Long Term Care. Employers must verify your active registry status before hiring. Unlike some states, Arkansas does issue a physical certificate card to certified nursing assistants. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Arkansas.

Arkansas has one of the shorter training requirements in the nation at just 90 hours, which means you can complete your certification relatively quickly—typically in 3-6 weeks depending on program format. Full-time accelerated programs at community colleges or vocational schools can often be completed in 2-3 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 4-8 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. After completing your OLTC-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Prometric. Both the written and skills portions can usually be completed on the same day, and results are typically available within 24-48 hours. Once you pass both portions, your name is added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry, usually within a few business days. From enrollment to certification, motivated students can become fully certified CNAs in Arkansas in as little as 4-6 weeks. Many nursing homes in Arkansas offer on-the-job training programs that allow you to work while completing your certification, which can be an excellent way to gain experience and earn income simultaneously.

CNA training costs in Arkansas are among the most affordable in the country, typically ranging from $400 to $1,500 depending on the institution. Arkansas community college programs generally cost $400-$800 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like NorthWest Arkansas Community College, South Arkansas Community College, and Arkansas State University system schools offer some of the lowest-cost programs in the region. Private vocational schools may charge $800-$1,500 but often offer more flexible scheduling or accelerated completion times. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $109 for the state competency exam (combined written and skills), plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), a gait belt, watch, and any required immunizations or TB testing. One significant advantage in Arkansas is that many nursing homes and long-term care facilities offer completely free CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility for a specified period—typically 6-12 months. This is particularly common in rural areas experiencing staffing shortages. Workforce development funding through Arkansas Workforce Centers may also be available for qualifying students who meet income guidelines.

Arkansas permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, and communication skills—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Arkansas Office of Long Term Care regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 16 hours) be completed in person at an approved long-term care facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills like vital signs measurement, assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting), patient positioning, transfers, ambulation, and proper infection control procedures. When searching for programs, look for OLTC-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates of non-approved programs would not be eligible to take the Arkansas competency exam or be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry.

Arkansas uses Prometric as its testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day. The written knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, communication and interpersonal skills, basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant legal and ethical issues. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a list that includes hand hygiene, vital signs measurement, positioning and turning, transfers, range of motion exercises, catheter care, and various personal care tasks. A nurse evaluator observes as you perform each skill on a mannequin or standardized patient. You must complete all critical steps correctly to pass. Testing sites are located throughout Arkansas in cities including Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Pine Bluff. The combined exam fee is $109.

Yes, Arkansas accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for placement on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry before working in the state. To transfer your certification, complete the Reciprocity Application available from the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care and submit it along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to submit to an Arkansas criminal background check. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $15. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you should not work as a CNA in Arkansas—employers are required to verify registry status before allowing nurse aides to perform direct care duties. If your previous state required fewer than 90 training hours, you may still be eligible for reciprocity, as Arkansas evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, your Arkansas certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the OLTC Nurse Aide Registry at (501) 682-8430.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Arkansas

Arkansas CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable work settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospice facilities, rehabilitation centers, and similar healthcare environments. The renewal application must be submitted to the Office of Long Term Care before your certification expires. Arkansas charges a minimal renewal processing fee of approximately $10. You can download the renewal form from the OLTC website and submit it by mail along with documentation of your employment. Arkansas does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal, though individual employers may require in-service training as part of their facility requirements under federal regulations. If your certification lapses because you did not meet the employment requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass both portions of the competency exam to regain active status. If your certification has been expired for more than 24 consecutive months, you may be required to complete a new training program before being allowed to retest. The OLTC recommends beginning the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date to ensure continuous certification.

Renewal Fee

~$10

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None required

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Arkansas

Affordable Living & Steady Healthcare Demand

Arkansas offers CNAs a unique combination of affordable living costs and consistent healthcare employment opportunities. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Arkansas earn a median salary of $31,450 per year, or approximately $15.12 per hour. While this is below the national average, Arkansas's significantly lower cost of living—particularly in housing, utilities, and everyday expenses—means your earnings go considerably further than in higher-cost states. Many Arkansas CNAs find they can afford comfortable housing and support their families on a CNA salary, especially in smaller cities and rural areas.

The healthcare sector is one of Arkansas's largest employers, with significant opportunities in the Little Rock metro area (home to major systems like Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and UAMS Medical Center), Northwest Arkansas (one of the fastest-growing regions in the country), Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Pine Bluff. Rural areas throughout the state also have consistent demand for CNAs in nursing homes and home health settings, often with competitive wages to attract workers to underserved communities.

With an aging population driving increased demand for long-term care services, job security for CNAs in Arkansas remains strong. Many Arkansas CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to advance their careers, pursuing LPN or RN degrees through programs at institutions like the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Baptist Health College, or the state's community college system.

Average Annual Salary

$31,450

per year

$15.12/hour • Low cost of living

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Arkansas CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Arkansas Office of Long Term Care

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

Visit Website

Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry lookup system.

Search Registry

Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

Candidate Handbook

Download the Arkansas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook for complete exam information and study resources.

Download PDF

OLTC Registry Contact

P.O. Box 8059, Slot S-401
Little Rock, AR 72203

Call: (501) 682-8430

Prometric Support

Contact Prometric for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (800) 759-9997

Ready to Start Your CNA Career in Arkansas?

Browse approved training programs and begin your affordable path to healthcare certification today.

Find Programs Now