Certified Nursing Assistant
Course Overview
Start your healthcare career with our 90-hour Certified Nursing Assistant program—the foundational training required by the State of Arkansas for CNA certification. Complete 74 hours of classroom and lab instruction plus 16 hours of hands-on clinical training in a long-term care facility.
What You’ll Learn
- Infection control and residents’ rights
- Communication skills and ethical responsibilities
- Transferring and positioning residents
- Activities of daily living (ADL) assistance
- Vital signs measurement and recording
Certified Nursing Assistants are essential caregivers in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for the Arkansas state certification exam—your first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Admission Requirements
- Complete application and agree to terms in "Class Registration Form" and Program Bulletin
- Must be at least 16 years old (parent/guardian signature required if under 18)
- Cannot have a disqualifying criminal record (more info available at the school).
Tuition, Books and Fees
- $480 – Tuition
- $40 – Textbook
Total Program Cost: $520
Certification and Registration Fees
- $125 (or $135 for oral written exam) – waived by the State if employed by a nursing home during clinicals
Payment Plans / Financial Assistance
Full Payment: Due by the third day of class
Payment Plans: Two-payment plan is available
- 50% of tuition + 2% finance fee due on first day of class
- Remaining 50% of tuition due before third week of class
Sponsorship Option: Get Sponsored! CNAs are in large demand throughout Arkansas, and because of this most nursing homes are willing to pay for the tuition of students that they hire. It’s an easy 3 step process:
- Ask your potential employer if they will sponsor your CNA training through Petra.
- If sponsored, bring your letter of intent (provided by the employer) during the first week of class ((by it, the $125 ($135 if oral exam is requested) testing fee will be waived by the State for those sponsored by a Long Term Care Facility/nursing home!)).
- Begin class and begin working. Students will be eligible to begin working after the first few days of class. NOTE: Employed students are only able to perform skills that have been satisfactorily performed under supervision of the instructor and marked as complete on the Task Performance Record.
Required Text
Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: The Basics, 6th Ed.