Kenai Peninsula College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant program designed for individuals ready to begin a rewarding healthcare career. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking for an accessible entry into healthcare, a career changer seeking stability and purpose, or a working adult ready to make a difference in patients’ lives, this CNA training in Alaska prepares you for state certification and immediate employment opportunities.
The program provides essential hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare students for the Alaska state CNA certification exam. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to work as certified nursing assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout Alaska.
CNA Program Quick Facts
- Program Length: Contact the program directly for current program duration information
- Cost of Program: Total estimated cost of $2,143.30 (includes tuition of $1,446, fees of $247.80, background check costs, state application fees, and certification exam fees)
- Accreditation: Board of Nursing approved nurse aide training program
- State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about exam pass rates
- CNA Program Schedule: Available at both Kenai River Campus (Soldotna) and Kachemak Bay Campus (Homer)
CNA Training Structure
The Kenai Peninsula College CNA program combines comprehensive classroom instruction with essential hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for professional healthcare careers.
Classroom Learning
Students complete a minimum of 60 classroom hours covering medical terminology, basic anatomy, fundamental nursing skills, and healthcare team collaboration. The curriculum focuses on essential patient care skills needed to provide compassionate, professional assistance to patients in various healthcare settings.
Clinical Experience
The program includes a minimum of 48 clinical experience hours providing real-world patient care training. Students at the Kachemak Bay Campus complete clinicals at South Peninsula Hospital and area assisted care facilities, while Kenai River Campus students train at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. Additionally, students participate in 32 skill lab hours for hands-on practice.
Exam Preparation
The program is specifically designed to prepare students for the Alaska state CNA certification exam. Missing any required hours will disqualify students from taking the state certification exam.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet specific academic and documentation requirements before enrolling in the CNA program.
Academic Prerequisites
- ACCUPLACER minimum score of 235 for both reading/writing OR completion of WRTG 090
- ALEKS minimum score of 17 OR completion of MATH 055
- High school diploma or GED completion
Required Documentation
Students must provide comprehensive health and background documentation including:
- Criminal background check authorized by the student prior to course registration
- Two sets of fingerprint cards processed through VIP Monitoring Services
- Proof of immunizations including 2 MMR vaccines (or titer proving immunity), 2 Varicella Zoster vaccines (or titer), 3 Hepatitis B vaccines with titer proving immunity, and current influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
- Medical/religious exemption waivers available for some requirements (rubella immunization is mandatory)
Application Process
Students must complete the application process, meet with an admissions counselor, and mail the advisor-approved federal background check packet to the State of Alaska. Those with criminal history records will have the opportunity to complete or challenge the accuracy of information during the background check process.
CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility
The program is offered at two convenient campus locations to serve students throughout the Kenai Peninsula region.
Campus Locations
- Kenai River Campus: Located in Soldotna, Alaska
- Kachemak Bay Campus: Located in Homer, Alaska
Scheduling Options
Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options and specific start dates. Both campuses are designed to accommodate the needs of working adults and provide flexible scheduling when possible.
Tuition & Financial Aid Information
Program Costs Breakdown
The comprehensive program cost includes all necessary fees and materials:
Tuition and College Fees:
- Tuition: $1,446 (6 credits x $241 per credit for Fall 2025)
- College fees: $247.80
- ACCUPLACER placement test (if needed): $18
- Books (approximate): $70
Background Check and State Fees:
- Fingerprint processing: $26.50 (paid to VIP)
- State fingerprint processing: $75.00
- Non-refundable application fee: $100
- Certificate fee: $100
Certification Exam:
- Written evaluation: $30.00
- Skills evaluation: $30.00
Total Estimated Cost: $2,143.30
Financial Assistance Options
Financial aid resources are available to help students manage program costs:
- Federal financial aid through FAFSA applications
- UA Foundation Scholarships
- Third-party scholarship resources through FastWeb, SallieMae, and Scholarships.com
- Campus-specific assistance through local job services and vocational rehabilitation programs
- Support from local health foundation partnerships
For personalized financial aid guidance, contact the KRC Financial Aid office at 907-262-0332 or KBC Student and Enrollment Services at 907-235-7743.
How to Apply
The application process involves several important steps that must be completed in sequence:
- Meet with an advisor regarding registration approval and program requirements
- Complete placement testing for English (ACCUPLACER) and math (ALEKS)
- Submit application materials including the CNA program application form
- Obtain fingerprint cards (two sets) and provide them to the campus advisor
- Complete background check process and mail approved packet to the State of Alaska
- Register and pay tuition for the 6-credit HCA A105 Health Care Assistant course
- Provide immunization documentation prior to the deadline listed in the application packet
Students unsure about their qualification for entry should meet with an advisor early in the process to ensure all requirements can be met before classes begin.
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CNA Program Location & Contact Information
Kenai River Campus
- Institution Name: Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska Anchorage
- Address: 156 College Rd., Soldotna, Alaska 99669
- Phone Number: (907) 262-0330 (local) or 1 (877) 262-0330 (out of local area)
- Email: [email protected]
- Admissions Counselor: Richelle Frankovic-Spencer, [email protected], (907) 262-0320
Kachemak Bay Campus
- Institution Name: Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska Anchorage
- Address: 533 East Pioneer Ave., Homer, Alaska 99603
- Phone Number: 1 (907) 235-7743
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: kpc.alaska.edu
Additional Resources
Students can access several helpful resources throughout their CNA program journey:
- CNA Program Checklist: Step-by-step success guide available on the college website
- Financial Assistance Information: Comprehensive resource list including federal aid, scholarships, and local funding opportunities
- State Nursing Regulations: Complete Alaska nursing statutes, regulations, and application information available through the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
- Clinical Site Requirements: Information about drug testing policies and clinical placement requirements
Summary and Next Steps
Kenai Peninsula College’s CNA program provides a solid foundation for beginning a meaningful healthcare career in Alaska. With comprehensive classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and preparation for state certification, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings.
The program’s combination of academic rigor and practical training ensures graduates are well-prepared for the Alaska state CNA certification exam and immediate employment opportunities. Whether you choose the Kenai River Campus in Soldotna or the Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, you’ll receive quality instruction designed to support your success in the healthcare field.
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