Calling all aspiring CNAs in Arizona…
Do you not know where to begin?
Do you need a complete list of all the requirements and steps?
We’ve got you covered.
Here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to become a CNA in Arizona. We won’t skip anything, so you won’t be left wondering.
Plus, we’ll even answer some frequently asked questions.
Are you ready to get started?
Let’s go!
The 4 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Arizona
Here are the 4 steps to becoming a CNA in Arizona:
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- Complete a 120-hour state-approved CNA program
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- Apply for the exam
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- Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam
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- Complete your CNA application
Let’s go through the details of each step.
Step 1: Complete a 120-Hour State-Approved CNA Program
The first step to becoming a CNA in Arizona is to complete your education requirement — that is 120 hours of CNA training approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Click here for a list of approved CNA programs in the state.
What can you expect from the program?
It usually consists of 80 hours of classroom lectures and 40 hours of clinical training. This is spread over 3 to 6 weeks.
And since the program is rather short, don’t expect to cover a lot about the medical field. Instead, the curriculum only focuses on basic medical procedures, taking care of patients, record maintenance, and ethical concepts in the field of medicine.
Nonetheless, this 120-hour program will help you prepare for the state exam and your future career.
Step 2: Apply for the Exam
One thing you should keep in mind — a portion of your CNA application is done by your training school.
Your training school will register you with the D&S Headmaster Testing Service once you complete the course. This step is considered your application to take the exam.
On your part, you must print and fill out the Arizona Nursing Assistant Examination Application and attach any supporting documents. You will then need to send it to your training school and let them complete the form and send it to the HeadMaster Testing Service.
Remember, you cannot register and send the form by yourself. It has to be your training school.
Also, the testing center should receive this application and other documents 8 days before the chosen exam date (if your training school sets the schedule for you).
Step 3: Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Exam
Once your school registers you, you can schedule your exam through the D&S HeadMaster Testing Service’s online portal (unless your school already scheduled it).
Make sure to ask for the test ID and PIN given to your training school.
Now, the Arizona CNA exam consists of 2 parts – a written test and clinical skills.
The written test has 75 questions that you need to finish in 1 and a half hours.
On the other hand, the clinical skills will test you in 3-4 clinical tasks. You will be given 40 minutes to complete this part of the exam.
To pass, you need to achieve a 75% grade on the written exam and an 80% accuracy rate in clinical skills.
If you don’t pass, don’t fret — you are allowed to retake as many times within the two years from your graduation date with the CNA training school.
Step 4: Complete Your CNA Application
Once you pass the exam, the HeadMaster Testing Service will send your results and details to the Arizona Board of Nursing.
NOTE: You can check the Online Results page to see your written and skills exam results.
And from there, you can finish your CNA application through the Board’s online nurse portal. Simply create an account if you haven’t yet and follow the application instructions.
After that, you will become a certified nursing assistant in the state.
Congrats!
FAQs
As promised, we’ll go over a few of the most frequently asked questions to give you even more information.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Arizona?
It takes around 6-8 weeks to become a CNA in Arizona. This timeframe already includes the nurse aide training, which usually lasts 3-6 weeks, and the processing time of your application.
Can you take the CNA exam online in Arizona?
No, you cannot take the CNA exam online in Arizona. All exams have to be taken at a testing venue since you are required to do a skills test, too.
However, for the written test, you have the option to take an oral examination. The examiner will read you 63 out of 75 questions.
How long is CNA training in Arizona?
The required training length is 120 hours. This should include 80 hours of classroom lectures and 40 hours of skills training.
How much do CNAs get paid in Arizona?
The average CNA salary in Arizona is $34,000+. Typically, however, the salary range is from $31,000+ to $37,000+.
Either way, you can earn a big amount for fairly easy steps and requirements.
How much is the CNA exam in Arizona?
There is no fee for the CNA exam in Arizona. You don’t need to spend a single penny to take the exam.
How long does the CNA certification last in Arizona?
Your CNA certificate will expire after 2 years. To renew, you have to show proof that you worked as a CNA for at least 8 hours during the 2-year period.
Conclusion
And that is how to become a CNA in Arizona.
Yes, you only need to undergo 4 steps. And these steps aren’t as complex as in other nursing fields.
However, it still needs time and effort. So don’t rush.
Slowly go over each step, and pretty soon, you will be a certified nursing assistant in Arizona.
Hurrah!
So what are you waiting for?
Now that you know all the steps and requirements, you can get started right away!
Good luck!