Nursing Assistant
Start Your Healthcare Career as a certified nursing assistant
Program Options
The CNA certificate rogram at CCC prepares you for two credential pathways. Both use the same coursework. The difference comes after you complete the program, when you decide how you want to be recognized as a nursing assistant in Arizona.
You can choose:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Graduates who complete the program may apply to be listed on the Arizona nursing assistant registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This is the most common pathway and allows you to work in long-term care, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
Graduates may also choose to pursue licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing as a Licensed Nursing Assistant. The LNA credential requires additional steps beyond CNA registry listing, including submitting fingerprints directly to the Board of Nursing. Students pursuing LNA should review current Arizona State Board of Nursing requirements before applying.
Which path is right for you?
Both credentials allow you to work as a nursing assistant in Arizona. The CNA registry listing is the standard pathway for most students and has no associated licensing fee. The LNA license is issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and may be preferred by some employers. If you are unsure which pathway fits your goals, contact Nursing and Allied Health before you register.
What Can I Do As a Nursing Assistant?
Graduates of the CNA program may pursue entry-level positions in:
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Assisted living facilities
What Will I Learn?
The CNA program gives you both the knowledge and the hands-on experience you need to provide safe, compassionate care as part of a healthcare team.
- Activities of daily living and personal care
- Communication and patient interaction
- Nutrition and hydration
- Basic emergency care
- Infection prevention and control
- Medical terminology
- Resident safety and comfort
- Ethical and legal responsibilities in healthcare
- Fundamental nursing skills
- Individualized patient care
Students also complete clinical experiences that help prepare them for Arizona CNA certification examinations.
Ready to Apply?
Review program requirements, required documents, registration steps, and estimated costs.
Program at a glance
Credential: Certificate
Total Credits: 9
Program Length: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, or 16 weeks depending on format.
Schedule: Daytime; intenstive formats available
Campus: Fourth Street
Course Delivery: In-person classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience
Course Delivery: In-person classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience
Certification of Licensure: Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) through the Arizona State Board of Nursing
Financial Aid Eligible: Yes
Transfer Pathway: Workforce credential; not designed for university transfer
Schedule options
Not everyone learns on the same schedule, and CCC’s CNA program is designed with that in mind. All three formats cover the same curriculum, include the same 40 hours of supervised clinical experience, and prepare you for the same Arizona certification examinations. The difference is timing and pace.
Not sure which format is right for you?
Contact Nursing and Allied Health at 928-526-7640. We can help you figure out which option fits your schedule, your goals, and your experience.
- Sixteen-week program
The 16-week program runs on a standard semester schedule, meeting approximately six hours per week for in-person classroom instruction and skills lab. If you’re balancing work, family, or other courses, this format gives you the time and flexibility to complete the program without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Courses:
- NUR 110: Nursing Assistant I, 4 credits, in person
- NUR 111: Nursing Assistant Clinical, 1 credit, in person
- AHS 131: Medical Terminology I, 3 credits, online
Offered: Fall and Spring
- Three-week intensive program
The 3-week intensive program covers the full CNA curriculum in a compressed, full-time format. Students should expect approximately 40 hours per week of classroom and skills lab instruction. This format is a good fit if you have three weeks available and want to complete your training quickly. Because of the pace, students should plan to step away from other work or commitments during the three weeks of the program.
Offered: Select times throughout the year, including summer
- Six-week advanced placement program
The 6-week advanced placement program is designed for students who already have healthcare experience and want to build on it. To qualify, you need at least 1,500 hours of direct patient care within the past five years and approval from the CCC Director of Nursing.
You may qualify if your experience includes work as a:
- Caregiver or home health aide
- Medical assistant
- EMT or paramedic
- Respiratory, physical, or occupational therapist or assistant
- Radiology, surgical, or anesthesia technician
Prior allied health or nursing coursework that included direct patient care may also qualify. Contact Nursing and Allied Health to discuss your experience and eligibility before applying.
Career Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a CNA and an LNA?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are listed on Arizona’s nursing assistant registry. Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) are licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and must complete additional requirements, including fingerprint submission directly to the Board of Nursing.
- What types of patients will I work with?
The program focuses on caring for adult patients in both acute care and long-term care environments. Students learn skills used in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and residential care settings.
- Can I continue my education after becoming a CNA?
Many students use CNA certification to gain healthcare experience while continuing their education in nursing or other healthcare programs.
Meet Your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
