Top 6 CNA Programs in Phoenix

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, isn't terribly difficult. That's especially true if you choose the right program. If you live in Phoenix and aspire to be a CNA, you're in luck. The city and outlying areas are home to a wide array of CNA programs that are state-approved, which means that, upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Arizona State Board of Nursing Certification Exam. You must pass the exam to earn your CNA license, so choosing the right CNA program is of the utmost importance.

It is nice to have options when it comes to CNA programs, but it's a little confusing too. Consider the top six CNA programs in Phoenix to make things easier:

Carrington College

With its location in north Phoenix, this school is a popular option for those who reside in the city. Its Medical Assisting program will help prepare you for a lifelong career in nursing. It consists of classroom lectures and labs as well as a clinical portion that's completed at nearby healthcare facilities.

Brookline College

This Phoenix-based school offers a Nursing Assistant Program that fully prepares you to take and pass the Arizona State Board of Nursing Certification Exam, which is the final hurdle on the way to becoming a licensed CNA. The program can be completed in about seven weeks, and you'll be able to sit for the exam as soon as you graduate. Between classroom lectures, labs, and clinical, hands-on experience at local nursing homes, this program will bring you up to speed so you can pass the exam.

GateWay Community College

Another Phoenix-based school, GateWay Community College offers a very popular Nurse Assisting Program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Consisting of six credit hours of learning, the program includes a combination of labs, lectures, and clinical experience at local healthcare facilities. Upon passing the program, you will receive your certificate of completion and can sit for the exam. To enroll, you must have a high school diploma or GED and must undergo drug screening and a criminal background check.

Glendale Community College

If you live within close proximity of Glendale, AZ, which is about eight miles from downtown Phoenix, Glendale Community College may be a good place to complete your CNA program. The school's Nursing Assistant Program consists of six credit hours of learning, which includes classroom lectures, labs, and hands-on clinical practice at nearby nursing homes. The total cost of the program, including books and other supplies, approximately ranges between $1,035 and $1,690.

Paradise Valley Community College

This is another school that is located within the Phoenix city limits. Paradise Valley Community College, or PVCC, offers a Nurse Assistant Program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. You will have to complete extensive clinical practice at a local nursing home or extended care facility as a part of your learning, and lectures and labs are also required. Once you have graduated, you will be able to sit for the state certification exam.

Scottsdale Community College

Located in Scottsdale, which is about 11 miles from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale Community College, or SCC, is a convenient and affordable option for locals who would like to become Certified Nursing Assistants. The program consists of six credit hours of CNA education, and it is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. As with other programs in the region, you will attend lectures, complete labs, and undergo clinical, hands-on experience at local nursing homes and other facilities. The clinical portion of the program allows you to get a feel for what it's like to work as a CNA and prepares you for the practical skills portion of the certification exam.

Becoming a CNA in Phoenix doesn't have to feel like an uphill battle. By selecting the right CNA program, you will be well on your way to becoming a fully licensed CNA. Once your learning is finished, you can sit for the certification exam and obtain your license. After that, you'll be qualified to apply for CNA jobs not only in Phoenix but throughout the entire state of Arizona.