Nursing Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency

The Nursing Assistant Certificate of Proficiency provides the student the knowledge and skills training to successfully complete requirements to be eligible to take the Certified Nursing Assistant Examination to become a CNA in Arkansas. This program will prepare you for state certification as a Nursing Assistant in Arkansas. 

The curriculum includes assisting residents with dressing, ambulation, feeding, bathing, toileting, perineal and oral care. It also covers basic range of motion exercises and restorative care. 

The Certified Nursing Assistants work in numerous settings in the health care field, including but not limited to long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, clinic and doctor’s offices. They work under the supervision of medical staff such as physicians and registered nurses.

In the Harrison area, Certified Nursing Assistants can expect to be paid between $7.25 and $10.50 an hour depending on shift and experience levels.

Day classes are usually offered every month beginning on the first Monday of each month. These classes run for 3 1/2 weeks 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. This 120-hour class includes lecture, laboratory and clinical time as well as offering the students six college credits through North Arkansas College and CPR certification. 

Evening class runs for 5 1/2 weeks 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday for a total of 90 hours. These classes are held every other month.

2019 Class Schedule

(all classes are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise)
Jan. 7
Feb. 4
* March 4 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
April 1
May 6
June 3
July 8
August 5
Sept. 9
Oct. 7
Nov. 5
*Dec. 2 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

 Night classes are scheduled as needed. Call 870-391-3140 for more information.

Day Classes Jan. 8-31 Feb. 5-Feb. 28 Feb. 26-March 16 April 2-15 April 30-May 23 June 4-27 July 9-Aug. 1 Aug. 6-29 Sept. 4-27 Oct. 1-24 Oct. 29-Nov. 21 Nov. 26-Dec. 14

Evening Classes (not eligible for college credit) Scheduled as needed.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Promote a good understanding of ethics with emphasis on the need for confidentiality.

• Relate to and demonstrate understanding of changes which occur in the aging process and explain the causes of infections and prevention and containment.

• Demonstrate competence of nursing assistant skills.

• Demonstrate skilled attitudes and behaviors which promote the healthy functioning of residents both physically and emotionally.

• Graduates of the Nursing Assistant program will be able to used effective interpersonal communication skills and apply ethical and legal concepts to the practice related to long term care