CNA Classes in Arizona
Start your CNA career in Arizona with confidence. Explore accredited CNA classes, certification requirements, and career opportunities across the state.
Training Hours
State-approved CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours to qualify for certification.
Program Costs
CNA Training costs range from free to $1,359+, with financial aid or employer support at some schools.
CNA Salary
Certified Nursing Assistants in Arizona earn an average annual salary of $40,950, based on the latest data.
Verified Sources
This page is backed by trusted sources, including state agencies and labor data reports.
Why Become a CNA in Arizona?
Arizona presents a promising landscape for Certified Nursing Assistant careers in 2025. With the state’s 65+ population projected to reach 1 in 4 residents by 2030, the demand for qualified caregivers continues to rise. Arizona’s healthcare sector faces a critical shortage of 23,300 professionals by 2030, creating abundant job opportunities for CNAs. As a CNA in Arizona, you’ll earn competitive wages averaging $24.79 per hour, well above the national average. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey or seeking a meaningful career change, Arizona offers accessible training programs, strong advancement pathways, and the chance to make a real difference in communities facing urgent healthcare staffing challenges.
Find & Compare CNA Classes in Arizona
You’ve learned why becoming a CNA is a smart move — now explore training options near you. Use the ZIP code search or browse our regularly updated list of accredited CNA programs in Arizona to compare costs, durations, and locations. We review this directory frequently to ensure accuracy, and all programs listed are verified through official school and state sources.
| School Name | Telephone | Street | City | State | Zip Code | Cost | Duration | Details Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai Community College - Verde Valley Campus | (928) 634-7501 | 601 W Black Hills Dr | Clarkdale | AZ | 86324 | $695.00 | One Semester | View Details |
| Mohave Community College Bullhead City Campus - Main | (928) 758-3926 | 3400 Highway 95 | Bullhead City | AZ | 86442 | $1,359.00 | 8 Weeks | View Details |
| Cochise College - Sierra Vista | (520) 515-8743 | 901 North Colombo Avenue | Sierra Vista | AZ | 85635 | $576.00 | One Semester | View Details |
| Arizona Western College | (928) 344-7554 | 2020 S Ave 8 E | Yuma | AZ | 85365 | $885.00 | One Semester | View Details |
| Accord Healthcare Institute | (602) 714-3439 | 3816 N 27th Ave | Phoenix | AZ | 85017 | Contact for Detail | 6-8 Weeks | View Details |
Disclaimer: Program costs, class schedules, and durations listed are based on information publicly available from each school’s official website at the time of publication. Details may change without notice. We recommend contacting the school directly to confirm the most accurate and up-to-date information. CNAClasses.com is not affiliated with the programs listed and does not guarantee pricing, availability, or course details. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please contact us so we can make updates.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ll walk you through every step — from CNA classes to certification.
How to Become a CNA in Arizona
If you want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona, you’re looking at a rewarding healthcare career with strong job prospects. The Arizona State Board of Nursing oversees the certification process, which includes completing an approved training program, passing a competency exam, and registering with the state.
Most CNA programs in Arizona take about 4-8 weeks to complete, and the good news is that there’s no application fee for CNA certification in Arizona. By following the steps below, you’ll be on your way to starting your career as a CNA in the Grand Canyon State.
1) Eligibility Requirements for CNA Training in Arizona
Before enrolling in a CNA program in Arizona, you need to meet several requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Must complete training and testing within two years of program completion
2) CNA Training Hour Requirements in Arizona
Arizona has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:
- Total of 120 training hours required through a state-approved program
- Program must include both classroom instruction and clinical practice
- CNA training programs must be approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Most programs take between 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time
3) Complete an Accredited CNA Training Program in Arizona
Finding the right CNA training program is an important step in your certification journey:
- Training is offered through various approved providers including community colleges, hospitals, and vocational schools
- To verify a program’s approval status, check with the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Program costs vary by provider
- Financial assistance options include:
- Arizona @ Work (www.arizonaatwork.com)
- The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona
- Arizona Health Education Centers
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses
- Employer-sponsored training programs
- Community Health organizations
Note that most CNA programs don’t qualify for federal financial aid through FAFSA.
4) Pass the CNA Certification Exam in Arizona
After completing your training, you must pass the Arizona CNA examination administered by Headmaster Testing Service:
- The exam consists of two parts:
- Knowledge test: 75 multiple-choice questions (90-minute time limit) with a required passing score of 75%
- Skills evaluation: Demonstration of nursing assistant skills
- Audio/oral version of the exam is available upon request
- To apply for the exam:
- Create an account on the Arizona State Board of Nursing Nurse Portal
- Submit the CNA Initial Exam Application through the portal
- Upload Certificate of Completion from your CNA training program
- Upload proof of legal residency documentation
5) Register with the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
The final step is registering with the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry:
- After passing your exam and completing your application, your name is added to the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
- Employers can verify your certification status through the online verification system
- To maintain your certification:
- Renew every two years by the last day of your birth month in your expiration year
- Submit proof of employment (minimum 8 hours of work in the previous 2 years)
- No continuing education courses required
- Renewal is free for CNAs
- Late renewal is possible until August 1 of your expiration year with an additional $10 fee per year past expiration
Understanding CNA vs. LNA in Arizona
Arizona has two levels of nursing assistants:
- CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant): Meets minimum federal requirements with no fees for certification or renewal and no fingerprinting required
- LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant): Meets all CNA requirements plus additional Board oversight, requires application and fingerprinting fees, and is subject to broader Board jurisdiction
With approximately 15,000 CNA jobs in Arizona and an expected growth rate of 11% by 2026, becoming a CNA offers excellent career prospects. The top 10% of Arizona CNAs earn around $40,000 per year, making it one of the top-paying states for this profession.
Ready to Start CNA Training in Arizona?
Now that you know the steps, it’s time to take the first one. Use our directory to find accredited CNA programs near you and begin your training with confidence.
Key Arizona CNA Certification Contacts & Guidelines
Looking to navigate the CNA landscape in Arizona? We’ve compiled this essential resource guide specifically for Arizona’s nursing assistants. From maintaining your certification to exploring career growth opportunities, this collection of official resources will help you succeed at every stage of your CNA journey in the Grand Canyon State. Bookmark this page as your go-to reference for all things related to your Arizona CNA career.
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
The Arizona State Board of Nursing manages the CNA certification process and maintains the Certified Nursing Assistant Registry in Arizona.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-license
- Phone: (602) 771-7800
- Email: [email protected]
The registry provides services such as:
- Verifying certification status
- Processing renewal applications
- Handling license transfers
- Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides
To check your certification status, visit the AZBN Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://azbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup
Certification Renewal in Arizona
Maintaining your CNA certification in Arizona requires adherence to specific guidelines:
- Continuing education: Not required for basic renewal, but recommended for skill enhancement
- Certification validity: 24 months
- Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
- Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours in a 24-month period under RN/LPN supervision
- Renewal process:
- Complete renewal application through the AZBN website
- Submit verification of employment
- Pay renewal fee ($50)
- Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to retake the CNA exam
CNA Certification Renewal in Arizona
If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Arizona, follow these steps for reciprocity:
- Verify current certification in your original state
- Complete the Arizona CNA Endorsement Application
- Submit required documentation:
- Copy of your current CNA certification
- Proof of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
- State-issued ID or driver’s license
- Background check documentation
- Pay the application fee ($50)
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing
Note: Arizona does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications, but you must pass a background check.
By utilizing these resources and staying informed about Arizona’s CNA requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in your healthcare career. Remember to regularly check the Arizona State Board of Nursing website for the most up-to-date information and announcements regarding your CNA certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Arizona
Becoming a CNA in Arizona typically takes 4 to 12 weeks. This timeframe includes completing a state-approved training program, which requires a minimum of 120 hours of instruction (80 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical training). After completing the program, candidates must pass the state competency exam to obtain certification.
CNA courses in Arizona generally cost between $500 and $2,000. The exact price varies depending on the training provider, program length, and included materials. Some facilities offer free training in exchange for a work commitment, while community colleges often provide more affordable options compared to private institutions.
CNAs in Arizona earn an average hourly wage of $19.19. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for CNAs in Arizona is $39,920. Entry-level CNAs can expect to start around $16.71 per hour, while experienced CNAs may earn up to $23.01 per hour.
Travel CNAs in Arizona can earn between $1,000 and $1,800 per week. This translates to approximately $25 to $45 per hour, significantly higher than the average wage for staff CNAs. The exact pay depends on factors such as assignment location, duration, and the travel agency’s compensation package, which often includes housing allowances and other benefits.
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