The Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Care Aide Program focuses on safe and effective functioning when providing client care in the healthcare setting and/or the home environment. Emphasis is placed upon assisting clients with daily living and performing fundamental skills.

To learn more about jobs for Nursing Assistants, please visit the following websites:

• How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Job Outlook for Nursing Assistants

Please review the following admissions requirements to apply for the degree. 

• At least 18 years old
• High school graduate or have earned a GED
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Have a Driver's license or State ID
• Have a Social Security Card
• In good health and able to bend, twist, and lift at least 50 pounds
• Free of communicable diseases
• Can provide current immunization record
  • Influenza vaccine during current flu season
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 2 vaccine doses or positive titer
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) within the past 10 years
  • Tuberculin skin test (TST) or clear chest X-ray 
  • Varicella vaccine or positive titer or medically documented history of disease
  • Hepatitis B 3 vaccine series or positive titer 
  • Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Able to clear Background Check
  (For more information, please review the list of disqualifying criminal offenses.)
• Able to pass a Drug Screening
• Not listed as a sex offender

• What is the deadline to apply?
  The deadline to apply is 2 weeks before the start of the class.
  
  
• How many days will I be in the classroom?
  The CNA program has 19 days in the classroom focused on theory and labs plus 2 days at the clinical sites.
  
  
• What are the classroom hours?
  8:30 am - 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  
  
• How many days will I be in clinical?
  Students will be on the clinical site for 2 days
  
  
• What are the clinical hours?
  Clinical hours are 6:45 am - 3:15 pm off campus
  
  
• How many weeks does the program last?
  The program is 8 weeks.  The last week of class is clinical and practical exams.
  
  
• How much does the CNA program cost?
  The CNA program costs $495.00 per credit hour plus fees.
  
  
• Are scholarships available?
  Scholarships are available.
  
  
• What colors are the uniform scrubs and where can I buy them?
  Uniform scrubs are black in color.  Specifics will be discussed on the first day of class
  
  
• What if I have a criminal record from my past?
  Unfortunately, some criminal history will not allow you to work in the medical/health field.  Please review the list of disqualifying criminal offenses.
  
  
• Where will the classes be held?
  The classes will be held on the Philander Smith campus in the C. Joycelyn Elders School of Allied and Public Health building in room 103.
  
  
• Can I use this certificate to further my education?
  Yes.  In order to apply for the PN or RN programs (once they are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), a student must be a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for admission.
  
  
• Is the CNA a degree program?
  No.  The CNA program is a certificate of proficiency (CP).
  
  
• Do I have to be certified to work in a long-term care or hospital setting?
  Most long-term care facilities and hospitals require a certification to work.  Check with your institution where you are seeking employment.