Arkansas Northeastern College CNA Program

Getting started as a Certified Nursing Assistant can feel overwhelming, but Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, Arkansas makes the path clear and achievable. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking for a stable career or an adult learner ready for a meaningful change, this program provides the foundation you need to enter healthcare quickly and confidently.

The Arkansas Northeastern College Nursing Assistant program is designed to prepare students for the state certification exam and real-world patient care. Upon successful completion of this 8-week program, you’ll be eligible to take the Arkansas CNA certification exam and begin working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout Arkansas.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Cost of Program: $655 (Mississippi County residents), $725 (out-of-county residents)
• Total Projected Cost: $1,082 (in-county), $1,152 (out-of-county) including all fees and materials
• Accreditation: Approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services Division of Medical Services Office of Long Term Care
• Credit Hours: 7 total (6 for Nursing Assistant course + 1 for Medical Terminology)
• CNA Program Schedule: Face-to-face instruction with ZOOM technology support during inclement weather, offered in Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters

CNA Training Structure

Arkansas Northeastern College’s comprehensive CNA training combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for real patient care situations.

Classroom Learning

The program covers essential nursing fundamentals through lectures, discussions, and video presentations. Students learn the core knowledge needed for safe, compassionate patient care in healthcare settings.

Clinical Experience

Training includes supervised clinical experience in long-term care facilities where students apply their classroom knowledge in real patient care situations. The program also provides Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid training as part of the comprehensive curriculum.

Exam Preparation

The 90-hour training program meets Arkansas Department of Human Services requirements and prepares students to successfully pass the state CNA certification exam. Students must complete both the Nursing Assistant course and Medical Terminology course with a grade of “C” or better.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Arkansas Northeastern College CNA program, students must meet specific criteria and complete several steps.

Basic Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Meet minimum admission placement scores:
  • ACT: Math 11, English 11, Reading 13
  • ACCUPLACER-CL: Math 26A, English 52, Reading 36
  • ACCUPLACER-NG: Math 216A, English 224, Reading 224

Required Documentation

• Completed ANC application submitted to Admissions
• Completed ANC Nursing Assistant Application for Admission
• High school transcript or GED scores
• Official transcripts from any previously attended colleges
• Updated immunization records (2 MMRs and TB skin test or chest x-ray)
• Completed Health Statement and Statement of Responsibility forms

Additional Requirements

• Attend mandatory orientation scheduled prior to each course
• Complete funding application process (FAFSA required for financial assistance)
• Pass criminal background check (certain criminal convictions may disqualify students from clinical participation and state exam eligibility)

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements and application deadlines.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Arkansas Northeastern College CNA program offers face-to-face instruction with flexible support options. Classes utilize ZOOM technology during inclement weather or as approved by the instructor to ensure continuity of learning.

The program is offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer I semesters. Specific start dates and detailed scheduling information can be obtained by contacting the Nursing & Allied Health Advising Specialist.

Students are expected to attend all classes, be on time, and remain for the full scheduled class time. Clinical site rotations must be completed in their entirety to successfully finish the program.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition

• Mississippi County Residents: $655 total program cost
• Out-of-County Residents: $725 total program cost
• Bootheel & Tennessee Border Residents: $725 total program cost
• Out-of-State Residents: Contact program for current rates

Additional Expenses

• CNA Certification Exam and Criminal Background Check Fee: $147
• Required textbooks: $100
• Scrubs and shoes: $130
• TB skin test and flu vaccine: $50

Financial Assistance

Financial aid options are available for qualified students. A completed FAFSA is required for any financial assistance, including ANC Foundation Scholarships. Students should contact the Nursing & Allied Health Advising Specialist for information about funding resources and scholarship opportunities.

How to Apply

The application process for the Arkansas Northeastern College CNA program involves several steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with Jackson Neil, Nursing & Allied Health Advising Specialist
2. Complete the ANC application and submit to the Registrar’s Office
3. Complete the ANC Nursing Assistant Application for Admission
4. Submit all required documentation and transcripts
5. Take required placement tests (if needed)
6. Attend mandatory orientation session

Applications can be submitted by hand delivery, mail, or email to Jackson Neil at [email protected]. The selection process is competitive, with enrollment limited to 12 students per class. Additional students may be selected as alternates.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Arkansas Northeastern College
• Address: 2501 S. Division St., Blytheville, Arkansas 72315
• Main Phone Number: 870-762-1020
• Program Contacts:
  • Kimberly Baxter, RN, Associate Professor/Allied Health Lead Instructor: [email protected]
  • Jackson Neil, BA, BSN, RN, Advising Specialist: [email protected], 870-838-2984
• Website: www.anc.edu

Additional Resources

Arkansas Northeastern College provides comprehensive program information through their Nursing Assistant Information Guidelines document, which contains detailed information about admission criteria, curriculum requirements, program costs, and application procedures. This resource is available through the college’s Allied Health website and provides essential planning information for prospective students.

Summary and Next Steps

The Arkansas Northeastern College CNA program in Blytheville, Arkansas offers a direct path into healthcare through comprehensive training and state exam preparation. With affordable tuition, experienced instructors, and strong community connections, this program prepares you for immediate entry into the growing healthcare field.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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