How do you become a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas?
Are you required to take an exam?
If it’s your first time applying for a CNA, then you’re naturally going to have a lot of questions regarding the application and exam.
We’re here to help.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the process in length, going through the different steps in detail.
We also added a short FAQ section to further guide you.
So let’s start your complete guide on how to become a CNA in Arkansas!
The 3 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Arkansas
Yes, you only need to complete 3 steps to be a CNA in Arkansas. These are:
- Graduate from a nurse aide training program
- Take the CNA certification exam
- Wait for the Arkansas Department of Human Services to add you to the CNA Registry.
If you take out the third step, which is something you have no control over, you only have two things to do: take a nurse aide training program and pass the CNA exam.
Let’s talk about these steps in detail below.
Step 1: Graduate from a Nurse Aide Training Program
Every aspiring CNA in Arkansas must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program.
The minimum requirement for this program is:
- 30 hours of classroom lectures
- 45 hours of clinical training
- 15 hours of Alzheimer’s and dementia training
That’s a total of 90 hours.
Now, some training institutions offer more hours in their nurse aide program. This is especially true for colleges offering credits.
More hours means more courses to go through. And this is beneficial because, one, you can learn more, and, two, you can use it to your advantage if you plan on becoming an RN later on.
That said, you must make sure that the school you enroll in is approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. If not, then it won’t satisfy your education requirements.
Step 2: Take the CNA Certification Exam
After you complete the 90 hours (or more) of training, you can now take the CNA exam.
The State of Arkansas has partnered with D&S Headmaster to administer the written and skills exams. Yes, there are skill exams that will test your skill in doing certain nurse aide tasks.
NOTE: Prometric was the previous partner of the state in administering these exams. If you are told to register for your exam through their portal, you cannot since the website is no longer accepting any applicants.
Here is what you need to do:
- Go to the D&S Arkansas Calendar and look for a date and venue for your exam. Note that some testing centers only administer either the written or skills test. Make sure to consider this when choosing.
- Sign in (or create an account) to pick your date.
- Pay the exam fee of $34 (for written) and $45 (for skills).
- On your scheduled date, take the written and skill exams. Make sure to be at least 20 minutes early so there are no delays.
- Wait for the next business day to see your results in your TM Universe account. If the results aren’t there yet, wait for 3-5 business days before contacting D&S Headmaster.
Want to prepare for the CNA exam?
Well, you can study the Arkansas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook. Here, there is a step-by-step guide on how to do certain tasks that might be asked of you during the exam. The last part of the handbook also has a definition guide of the terms that might come up in the written exam.
Step 3: Wait for the Arkansas Department of Human Services to Add You to the CNA Registry
If you pass the CNA Certification Exam, the D&S Headmaster will automatically send you your results via email or through your account.
They will also send your details and application to the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
The Department will then add you to the CNA Registry.
If you know you passed the exams, you can check in with the Department of Human Services for your certification. You may also request from them a physical certificate if you need to have one.
And there you have it — you are now a certified nursing assistant in the state.
That was easy, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Still got some questions about CNAs in Arkansas? Don’t fret — we answer the most frequently asked ones below.
What are the requirements to become CNA in Arkansas?
You need to fulfill these requirements to become a CNA in Arkansas:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Study a minimum of 90 hours in a CNA state-approved training program
- Pass the CNA certification exam
And that’s it!
How much does the CNA test cost in Arkansas?
The written exam costs $34 and the skills test costs $45. Both have to be paid online through the TM Universe portal.
How do I get a copy of my CNA certificate in Arkansas?
Once you pass the CNA exam and your name is added to the CNA registry, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to request a certificate.
Keep in mind that this request will have a fee payable to the Department.
How much does a CNA make in Arkansas?
How much you earn as a CNA will depend on where you work and your experience.
According to Indeed.com, you will earn $17 per hour if you have 1 to 2 years of experience. If you have 3 to 5 years of experience, the hourly pay goes up to $18+. You can check the full list here.
Conclusion
And that was how to become a CNA in Arkansas.
The State of Arkansas has one of the easiest procedures for becoming a CNA. But despite that, you still need to put in the time and effort to go through your training and pass the exams.
If you do well, then you’ll soon be a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas.
So what are you waiting for?
Go ahead and start working toward your new career today!
Good luck!