CNA Classes Scottsdale, AZ

Certified Nurse Assistants have a vital role in direct patient care. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses to assist patients with personal hygiene and mobility. In long-term care facilities, a nurse aide’s responsibilities may extend to measuring and recording patients’ vital signs, serving meals, measuring fluid intake and output, and collaborating with nurses in the administration of restorative or preventative treatments. Nurse aides can be patients’ closest allies, especially as they are more likely to spend more time with patients than any member of the health care team.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing requires nurse assistants to complete formal training, with at least 120 hours of theory and practical work, to prepare for their role and responsibility in long-term care. The basic training will aid the development of communication, organizational, and nursing skills. Graduates will be required to complete the state competency exam, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies to be added to the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.

Gateway Community College

The Certificate of Completion offered by Gateway Community College equips students with the skills to care for residents or patients under the direction of a licensed nurse. The curriculum combines classroom lectures with hands-on training in the lab and at a skilled nursing facility to prepare students for the state exam and entry-level employment. Students will learn infection control principles, medical terminology basic nursing skills, nutrition and hydration, hospice care, patients’ rights, and much more. Graduates can apply to take the state written and skills exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Arizona. The training also provides a foundation for graduates who plan to enroll in nursing or another allied health program.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Attend a scheduled information session
  • Must have and maintain Health Care Provider CPR certification throughout the program
  • Submit a copy of the fingerprint clearance card
  • Take pass a urine drug screen
  • Complete the Health Provider Signature Form – must be signed by a licensed health care provider

The cost of the program is $1,196 for in-county residents. Expenses for textbooks, fees, and supplies are not included in the cost.

Metro Tech High School

High school juniors can enroll in the Nursing Assistant Certificate Program to prepare for employment in the health care industry. The program is especially beneficial for students who might have a strong interest in the field of nursing and want to enroll in a licensed practical or registered nursing program. The training is also valuable for students who plan to work while attending college. Theory and practical instruction will cover measuring vital signs, administering first aid, basic personal care skills, preparing patients for examinations, observing, documenting, and reporting patient care, and AZ Board of Nursing standards. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Students will complete the requirements in their senior year. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Arizona State Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Exam to work as a CNA in acute care and long-term care settings.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Meet with the instruction and secure approval from admission
  • Complete the pre-screening requirements
  • Complete Career and Technical Exploration – recommended

The one-time fee of $50 must be paid at the beginning of the program.

Paradise Valley Community College

The Nurse Assisting program at Paradise Community College is approved by the State of Arizona, so graduates will be eligible to take the nurse aide certification exam. Through classroom and clinical activities, students will gain the skills to provide personal care to patients, assist nurses with rehabilitative treatments, observe patients and report concerns to members of the health care team, and provide emotional and physical support to patients and their families. Attendance of all classroom and clinical sessions is mandatory for graduation. The program is a 6 credit course.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a nursing assistant information session to learn of any changes to the admissions requirements
  • Complete and submit the application form with any required documents
  • Take and pass a criminal background check
  • Maintain current CPR for the Healthcare Provider card throughout the program
  • Complete the immunization requirements – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, TB test, Hepatitis B, Influenza
  • Submit to a urine drug screen and obtain satisfactory results

The total estimated cost of the program is $1,344.50 including textbooks, background check, uniforms, supplies, physical exam, immunizations, registration, and fingerprinting fee.

Star Canyon School of Nursing

The nursing assistant program facilitated by Star Canyon School of Nursing develops in adults a commitment to safe and competent patient care. The curriculum includes theory as well as practical training in the standards outlined by the State Board of Nursing. Areas of study include basic nursing skills, medical terminology, body structure and function, the role and responsibility of the nurse aide, infection control, patient mobility, communication and interpersonal skills, and hospice care. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the  CNA competency exam. The school admits new nurse aide students every month. Day and evening classes are available. Day classes meet from Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm are also available.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly in English
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and perform the duties of a nurse aide
  • Provide proof of required immunizations
  • Maintain CPR and First Aid certification throughout the program
  • Submit a valid driver’s license or state ID

Tuition for the program is $1,250 and includes the cost of enrollment/registration. A flexible payment plan is open to all students.

Arizona Medical Training Institute

AMTI’s fast-track CAN program has various schedules to meet students’ needs. Through 86 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical activities, students will be prepared for state certification and entry-level employment as a nursing assistant. Areas of study include basic nursing skills, medical terminology, body structure and function, infection control, and job seeking skills. Graduation requires completion of all the required training hours followed by a passing grade of 80% in the final exam. Daytime, evening, and weekend schedules are available. The daytime class meets Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm for two weeks. The evening class meets Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for 4 weeks. The weekend class meets Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for 7 weekends.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Take and pass the admissions assessment – English proficiency, reading comprehension, and math
  • Must obtain a clear background check
  • Submit a completed AMTI Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider
  • Provide proof of citizenship or legal residency
  • Submit documentation of up-to-date immunizations – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza
  • Submit a negative TB test or chest x-ray – results must be no older than 6 months
  • Must have and maintain current CPR certification
  • Complete the Voluntary Assumption of Risk – Release of Liability Form

Tuition for the program is $1,355. It includes books, a stethoscope, and supplies. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

Valley Vocational Academy

Students who complete the theory and practical requirements of Valley Vocational Academy’s nurse aide program will receive a Certificate of Completion. The school offers expert instruction, small class sizes, clean and cheerful classroom and labs, affordable tuition, free practice sessions for the State Board exam, and free retakes for students who need a second chance. Theory and practical instruction will cover communication and interpersonal skills, safety and emergency procedures, promoting residents’ rights, infection control, respecting residents’ rights, promoting independence, basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health and social service needs, care of the cognitively impaired, basic restorative services, and end of life care. Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to become a certified nursing assistant. Daytime, evening, and weekend schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old – parental consent is required for students under 18
  • Must have a photo ID and social security number
  • Complete the admissions exam to evaluate English language, reading, and math skills
  • Pass a background check. Felony convictions will result in disqualification for entry
  • Complete a physical exam through a licensed health care provider
  • Complete flu vaccination as required by the clinical site
  • Complete a satisfactory TB test or chest x-ray

The program cost of $1,355 includes tuition, textbook, uniform, nursing kit, TB test, and discounted CPR training. The state exam fee, chest x-ray, and medical exam must be covered by the students.

Accord Institute

The 120-hour Nurse Aide Certificate program offered by the Accord Institute includes theory and practical training to prepare students for the state exam and entry-level employment in the field. Students are required to complete 80 hours of theory in the classroom that will cover basic nursing skills, body structure and function, personal hygiene, infection control, medical terminology, patients’ rights, and hospice care. They will complete at least 40 hours of direct care patient in a long-term facility to apply the patient care concepts learned in the classroom. Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Arizona Board of Nursing CNA Exam to become a Licensed Nurse Aide. The duration of the program is approximately 6 to 8 weeks depending on the schedule.

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 16 years of age – parental waiver required
  • Must pass the school’s appointed entrance exam
  • Complete a satisfactory background screen
  • Must have a valid CPR for Health Care Provider’s card
  • Submit a negative TB test or chest Xray

The program is not eligible for financial aid. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

Glendale Community College

The Certificate of Completion in Nurse Assisting offered by Glendale Community College prepares students for employment in the health care industry. The curriculum comprises of classroom lectures, clinical labs in the school’s modern facility, and patient care opportunities in long-term care and acute care setting. Students will learn how to provide nurse assisting services to diverse populations, use technology to improve patient outcomes, perform therapeutic maintenance and preventative interventions, and function in the role of the nursing assistant under the direction of a licensed nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Glendale Community College
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Assistant information session
  • Complete an interview with the NA Intake Coordinator
  • Must have completed RDG 100 or higher with a minimum grade of “C” or submit satisfactory Accuplacer or HESI A2 scores
  • Complete the health and safety requirements. Requires submission of immunization documents, background screen, current CPR card, and negative drug test

The estimated program cost is $1,690 (for 2 to 6 credit hours). Expenses for a background check, immunization, CPR uniform, drug screen, textbook, supply kit, and fees are included in the estimate.