Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant Program

Taking your first steps toward a healthcare career can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant Certificate of Proficiency program designed specifically for individuals ready to enter the healthcare field quickly and with confidence. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring career options, a working adult seeking a stable profession, or someone looking to make a meaningful career change, this certified nursing assistant training in Arkansas provides the foundation you need.

The Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Office of Long-Term Care and prepares students to work under the supervision of nurses in various healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of this 10-credit hour program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure examination for Nursing Assistants and begin their careers providing essential patient care services.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 10 credit hours total
• Cost of Program: $770 (Phillips/Arkansas County residents), $910 (out-of-district), $1,160 (non-Arkansas residents), plus additional fees
• Accreditation: Approved by the Office of Long-Term Care
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for current exam pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Offered every semester, enrollment limited to 12 students per class

CNA Training Structure

The Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for real-world patient care situations.

Classroom Learning

The program includes comprehensive theory instruction through NA 107/ISHP 10707 Nursing Assistant Theory (7 credit hours). Students learn essential nursing assistant skills, patient care fundamentals, and the knowledge base necessary for safe, effective healthcare delivery.

Clinical Experience

Hands-on clinical training is provided through NA 103/ISHP 10303 Nursing Assistant Clinical (3 credit hours). Students gain practical experience in healthcare settings, applying their theoretical knowledge while working directly with patients under professional supervision.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students to take the Written and Skills Assessment Exams required for nursing assistant certification. Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure examination upon successful program completion.

Admission Requirements

Phillips Community College maintains specific admission standards to ensure student success in the Nursing Assistant program.

Basic Prerequisites

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school graduation or official Arkansas High School Diploma/GED certificate
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in all courses taken at PCCUA
• Fulfill all college admission requirements

Testing Requirements

Students must provide test scores from SAT, ACT, or NG ACCUPLACER taken within the last four years that meet minimum skill levels in reading, math, and English. Alternatively, students may demonstrate an 8th grade reading level on the TABE test.

English as Second Language Requirements

Students who speak English as a second language must take the NG ACCUPLACER ESL exam with the following minimum scores:

• Listening: minimum score of 106
• Reading: minimum score of 116
• WritePlacer ESL: minimum score of 5

Post-Enrollment Requirements

After enrollment, students must provide extensive documentation before clinical practice, including completed health statements, proof of immunizations (Td/Tdap, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis B), TB skin test, communicable disease statement, current photo ID, drug testing compliance, professional liability insurance, criminal background check, and current flu immunization.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant program is offered every semester across multiple campus locations. The program has limited enrollment of 12 students per class, with admission processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is filled.

Classes are available at three convenient campus locations: DeWitt Campus, Helena-West Helena Campus, and Stuttgart Campus. No late enrollment is allowed, and students are expected to provide their own transportation to school and clinical sites.

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options and specific start dates for each campus location.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fees

Phillips Community College offers affordable tuition rates based on residency status:

• Phillips/Arkansas County Residents: $77.00 per semester hour
• Out-of-District Residents: $91.00 per semester hour
• Non-Arkansas Residents: $116.00 per semester hour

For the complete 10-credit hour program, total tuition costs are $770 (in-county), $910 (out-of-district), or $1,160 (non-Arkansas residents).

Additional Program Fees

Several fees apply to all students:

• Special Services Fee: $10.00 per credit hour (maximum $150.00)
• Technology Fee: $9.00 per credit hour (maximum $135.00)
• Security Fee: $10.00 per credit hour (maximum $150.00)
• Facility Fee: $6.00 per credit hour (maximum $90.00)
• Publication Fee: $10.00 for 3 or more credit hours
• Allied Health Program Fee: $50.00

Financial Assistance

Financial aid is available for eligible students. Students interested in financial assistance should contact Ronda Golden at (870) 946-3506, ext. 1602 on the DeWitt campus or Barbara Stevenson at (870) 338-6474, ext. 1160 on the Helena-West Helena campus for detailed information about available options.

How to Apply

The Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant program follows a straightforward application process designed to help qualified students begin their healthcare education quickly.

Students must first fulfill all college admission requirements and meet the specific nursing assistant program criteria. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the 12-student class limit is reached.

After meeting basic admission requirements, students must complete extensive health and background documentation before beginning clinical rotations. This includes immunization records, criminal background checks, drug screening, and professional liability insurance.

Contact the appropriate campus coordinator for detailed application instructions and current enrollment deadlines.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas offers the Nursing Assistant program at three convenient locations:

DeWitt Campus

• Contact: Jeanne McCullars, Practical Nursing Program Coordinator & Instructor
• Address: 1210 Rice Belt Avenue, DeWitt, AR 72042
• Phone: (870) 946-3506, Ext. 1612
• Email: [email protected]

Helena-West Helena Campus

• Contact: Shanna Pryor, Dean of Allied Health & Director of ADN Program
• Address: 1000 Campus Drive / P.O. Box 785, Helena-West Helena, AR 72342
• Phone: (870) 338-6474, Ext. 1371
• Email: [email protected]

Stuttgart Campus

• Contact: Carriell Brown, Behavioral Health & Psychology Instructor
• Address: 2808 US-165, Stuttgart, AR 72160
• Phone: (870) 673-4201, Ext. 1853
• Email: [email protected]
• Institution Website: www.pccua.edu

Additional Resources

Phillips Community College provides comprehensive program information through their official course catalog and program check sheets. Students can access detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions, and program planning tools through the college’s website.

The college also maintains detailed information about essential functions, disability accommodations, and professional liability insurance requirements to help students understand all aspects of program participation.

Summary and Next Steps

The Phillips Community College Nursing Assistant program provides an accessible pathway into healthcare through comprehensive training at three convenient Arkansas locations. With approval from the Office of Long-Term Care and preparation for national certification exams, this program positions 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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