CNA Classes in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith CNA Training - Arkansas

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Fort Smith, Arkansas

About Fort Smith:

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a vibrant city located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. As the second-largest city in Arkansas, Fort Smith offers a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Key landmarks include the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Riverfront Park. For more information, you can visit the official Fort Smith website.

CNA Training Programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas:

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Fort Smith, there are several local schools offering CNA programs. Here are three reputable options:

1. University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS)
   • Location: Fort Smith
   • Program Description: UAFS offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to prepare students for the state certification exam. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Link: UAFS CNA Program
2. Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus
   • Location: Ozark, approximately 40 miles from Fort Smith
   • Program Description: This program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a CNA. The course includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Program Link: ATU Ozark CNA Program
3. Western Arkansas Technical Center
   • Location: Fort Smith
   • Program Description: The CNA program at Western Arkansas Technical Center offers a blend of classroom instruction and clinical practice to ensure students are well-prepared for certification.
   • Program Link: WATC CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Fort Smith:

Fort Smith has a range of healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
   • Location: Downtown Fort Smith
   • Description: Mercy Hospital is a large healthcare facility offering a wide range of services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mercy Careers
2. Sparks Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Fort Smith
   • Description: As part of the Baptist Health system, Sparks Regional Medical Center provides extensive medical services and has ongoing opportunities for nursing assistants.
   • Employment Opportunities: Baptist Health Careers
3. Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Fort Smith
   • Description: This facility offers long-term care and rehabilitation services, with regular openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Covington Court Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Arkansas:

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a program that is approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
• Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
• State Registration: Once you pass your exam, you need to be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Get Started Today:

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a rewarding decision. With numerous local programs and employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA courses and take the first step towards your new career.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Arkansas may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Fort Smith?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Fort Smith usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Fort Smith will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Fort Smith?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Arkansas, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Arkansas, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Fort Smith is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Arkansas CNA Salary info.