Arizona is home to 114 CNA training programs and over 420 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 49 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in Arizona.
With more than 110 state-approved CNA training programs statewide, Arizona provides accessible pathways into the healthcare field across major population centers including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Glendale. Currently, approximately 15,490 Certified Nursing Assistants are employed throughout Arizona, reflecting steady demand across long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. CNAs in Arizona earn a median annual wage of $39,920, or about $19.19 per hour.
With a population of more than 7.5 million residents and one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets in the Southwest, Arizona continues to offer strong employment opportunities for CNA graduates. From major health systems such as Banner Health, HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Dignity Health, and Northern Arizona Healthcare to hundreds of skilled nursing facilities and home health providers serving both urban and rural communities, Certified Nursing Assistants play an essential role in supporting patient care across the state. Arizona's combination of rapid population growth, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and accessible training programs makes it an attractive entry point into the nursing and allied health workforce.
Get Information from CNA Programs in Arizona
Schools in Arizona are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
Upcoming start dates & schedules
Tuition costs & financial aid options
Class locations & formats
Program details & requirements
✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only
Or browse programs by city below to explore specific locations and local options. View city directory ↓
Major Cities for CNA Careers in Arizona
Explore CNA opportunities in Arizona's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Before you start your training, it's important to understand exactly what Arizona requires to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings throughout Arizona.
Eligibility
Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to work as a CNA in Arizona.
Program enrollment: You must complete an Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program. Approved programs are offered by community colleges, career training centers, and licensed healthcare facilities.
Background check: CNA candidates must meet Arizona background screening requirements. Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property are not eligible for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry.
Good standing: Employers are required to verify Nurse Aide Registry status prior to employment in licensed facilities.
Training Hours & Clinicals
Arizona requires a minimum of 120 total hours of nursing assistant training. This includes at least 80 hours of classroom and skills laboratory instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed nursing facility.
Before providing any direct resident care, students must complete at least 16 hours of instruction in federally required OBRA topics. These include communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), and promoting resident independence and dignity.
Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed. After this period, individuals must be fully certified and listed on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.
Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)
After completing an approved training program, candidates must pass the Arizona Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered by D&SDT-Headmaster on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health Services. The exam consists of:
Knowledge test: A 75-question multiple-choice exam covering nursing assistant fundamentals such as infection control, safety, residents' rights, communication, and personal care. An oral version is available for eligible candidates.
Skills evaluation: Demonstration of 3-4 randomly selected nurse aide skills, including mandatory hand hygiene and required critical steps. All critical elements must be performed correctly to pass.
Candidates must pass both the knowledge and skills components to become certified. You have up to three attempts to pass each portion of the exam within two years of completing training. Candidates who fail the knowledge test three times must wait 45 days before retesting. Those who do not pass within the two-year timeframe must complete a new approved training program before retesting.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Once both exam components are successfully passed, your name is added to the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Arizona Department of Health Services. D&SDT-Headmaster transmits test results electronically to the state. You may then work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Arizona.
Renewal
Arizona CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must have completed at least 16 hours of paid nursing work under the supervision of a licensed nurse and received 24 hours of in-service training at your place of employment during the previous 24-month period. CNAs who do not meet the work and training requirements may be required to retest before returning to active status.
Reciprocity
Arizona offers certification by endorsement for CNAs certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing and provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA standards. Additional documentation may be required before placement on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry.
Costs
Arizona CNA exam fees are set by D&SDT-Headmaster and include separate charges for the knowledge test and skills evaluation. Fees are paid at the time of scheduling. Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse CNA training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.
Explore CNA classes in Arizona by city. We currently feature 49 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in Arizona? These 23 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other financial assistance.
Northland Pioneer College Springerville Center/Eager Center
✅ State Approved🏫 Community College✨ Free Program💵 Financial Aid Available
📍 Springerville, 940 East Maricopa Street, Arizona 85938
NPC’s five-credit NAT 101 Nursing Assistant course is delivered face-to-face with lecture, lab, and clinical training and is offered at NPC centers including Springerville/Eagar, meeting content and hours specified by the Arizona Nurse Practice Act.
NPC’s five-credit NAT 101 Nursing Assistant course is delivered face-to-face with lecture, lab, and clinical training and is offered at NPC centers including Show Low/White Mountain, meeting content and hours specified by the Arizona Nurse Practice Act.
NPC’s five-credit NAT 101 Nursing Assistant course is delivered face-to-face with lecture, lab, and clinical training and is offered at NPC centers including Whiteriver, meeting content and hours specified by the Arizona Nurse Practice Act.
The Lingenfelter Center offers free CNA training spanning 8 weeks with 180 total hours of classroom and clinical instruction, held Monday–Friday. Students can work as a Helping Hand during training and receive mentorship toward transition into a CNA role.
Haven Health offers a free 5-week CNA training at this facility with onsite instruction Monday–Friday for 5–8 hours per day. The hands-on course prepares students with core nursing assistant skills under Arizona State Board of Nursing–approved training.
Haven Health offers a free, accelerated 5-week CNA training held onsite at its facilities, combining classroom and clinical instruction. Applicants must meet requirements such as current CPR certification, background/drug screening, TB and employee health screening.
Haven Health offers a no-cost CNA program completed in about 5 weeks, delivered onsite with classroom and clinical training. Entry requires CPR certification and successful background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health screening.
Free 5-week nursing assistant training held on-site at Haven Health; classes run Monday–Friday 5–8 hours per day with hands-on labs and clinicals. Students may apply to work at Haven Health locations after completion.
The Gardens offers a free CNA training program spanning 8 weeks and 180 hours of classroom and clinical instruction. Classes run Monday through Friday for 8 hours per day, with opportunities to work as a Helping Hand during training.
Saguaro’s Health Care magnet program includes clinical rotations and prepares juniors and seniors to earn Nursing Assistant licensure, with dual enrollment and CPR certification. Block classes run through the school year.
Paid, employer-sponsored CNA training in Flagstaff with a minimum 120 hours of classroom and clinical instruction; materials and state exam fee included. Graduates are guaranteed employment with preferred partner communities.
Employer-sponsored CNA student program with free 5–6 week daytime classes held on-site and hands-on training in the facility. Designed as a pathway to employment upon completion.
Facility offers free 8-week CNA training with 180 hours of classroom and clinical instruction; classes run Monday–Friday 8 hours per day. Training includes mentorship and a pathway to employment upon certification.
Haven Health runs a free, accelerated 5-week CNA training held onsite at its Arizona facilities with both classroom and clinical learning. Requirements include current CPR plus background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health clearance.
Haven Health offers a free 5-week CNA training at this facility with onsite instruction Monday–Friday for 5–8 hours per day. The hands-on course builds core nursing assistant skills under Arizona State Board of Nursing–approved training.
Haven Health offers a free, 5-week CNA training program conducted on-site with Monday–Friday sessions 5–8 hours per day and hands-on clinical experience. Applicants complete required screenings and may apply to work at Haven Health after finishing the class.
Haven Health provides a free CNA training program completed in as little as 5 weeks with onsite classroom and clinical learning. Eligibility includes current CPR certification plus background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health clearance.
Haven Health’s free CNA training is an accelerated 5-week program conducted onsite at its facilities with both classroom and clinical components. Applicants must have current CPR and pass required background/drug screens, TB testing, and health screening.
Free 5-week, on-site CNA training offered by Haven Health with weekday classes 5–8 hours per day and hands-on labs and clinicals. Participants can apply for employment with Haven Health after completing the course.
Elevation Academy offers a 120 hour Nursing Assistant program with 80 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical. Day (4 weeks), evening (6 weeks), and weekend (8 weeks) schedules are available, with SNAP CAN funding offering free tuition for qualifying students.
These 2 programs offer CNA classes online in Arizona, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Resilient Healthcare Academy
✅ State Approved🏫 Educational Entity💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program💵 Financial Aid Available🕒 Evening & Weekend Classes Available
CNA training offered in multiple formats including day, evening, weekend and a fast-track option, with some hybrid/self‑paced cohorts. Programs include classroom, skills lab and clinical components.
CCC’s Nursing Assistant certificate combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical training to build foundational nursing skills for work in long-term and acute care settings.
Total Cost: $1,372Total Hours: 160Duration: 3 weeks
These 35 programs offer accelerated CNA training in Arizona, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in Arizona, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
Yavapai College - Verde Valley Campus
✅ State Approved🏫 Community College⚡ Accelerated Program💵 Financial Aid Available
Yavapai College offers the Nursing Assistant program on the Verde Valley Campus in an accelerated three‑week summer cohort with classroom, skills lab, and clinical experiences. Training is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Pima Community College offers the Nursing Assistant Certificate at the Santa Cruz Center with lecture, lab, and clinical training to prepare for entry-level patient care. The program is in-person and designed to be completed in five weeks.
One-semester Nursing Assistant course with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical offered on all MCC campuses. Available in traditional 16-week or accelerated 8-week formats.
One-semester Nursing Assistant course with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical offered on all MCC campuses. Available in traditional 16-week or accelerated 8-week formats.
Haven Health offers a free 5-week CNA training at this facility with onsite instruction Monday–Friday for 5–8 hours per day. The hands-on course prepares students with core nursing assistant skills under Arizona State Board of Nursing–approved training.
Haven Health offers a no-cost CNA program completed in about 5 weeks, delivered onsite with classroom and clinical training. Entry requires CPR certification and successful background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health screening.
Haven Health offers a free, accelerated 5-week CNA training held onsite at its facilities, combining classroom and clinical instruction. Applicants must meet requirements such as current CPR certification, background/drug screening, TB and employee health screening.
Free 5-week nursing assistant training held on-site at Haven Health; classes run Monday–Friday 5–8 hours per day with hands-on labs and clinicals. Students may apply to work at Haven Health locations after completion.
Yavapai College’s Nursing Assistant Certificate in Prescott Valley offers 3‑week or 16‑week options combining classroom, skills lab, and clinical training. The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and prepares students for entry-level patient care roles.
CNA/LNA classes run 5 weeks with day or evening lectures four days per week and weekend clinical rotations. Textbooks and clinical supplies are provided for use during the course, with multiple payment plans and monthly starts.
CNA training offered in multiple formats including day, evening, weekend and a fast-track option, with some hybrid/self‑paced cohorts. Programs include classroom, skills lab and clinical components.
Providence Training Institute’s Nursing Assistant program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training to build entry-level caregiving skills for work in long-term care, hospitals, and home health.
Total Cost: $1,500Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Paid, employer-sponsored CNA training in Flagstaff with a minimum 120 hours of classroom and clinical instruction; materials and state exam fee included. Graduates are guaranteed employment with preferred partner communities.
Pima Community College’s Nursing Assistant Certificate at West Campus provides hands-on lecture, lab, and clinical instruction for entry-level caregiving. The in-person program is structured to be completed in five weeks.
One-semester Nursing Assistant course with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical offered on all MCC campuses. Available in traditional 16-week or accelerated 8-week formats.
Employer-sponsored CNA student program with free 5–6 week daytime classes held on-site and hands-on training in the facility. Designed as a pathway to employment upon completion.
Health Careers Education at Moon Valley offers nurse assisting with classroom, lab, and clinical experiences and opportunities for industry certification. Clinicals are commonly scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a summer intensive option.
MCC’s Nursing Assistant is a one-semester course offered countywide with traditional 16‑week and accelerated 8‑week formats, providing classroom, practical, and clinical experience. The program participates with WAVE/CTED and AZ@Work.
Meadows NAZ offers a state-approved 120-hour CNA course with a 3-week day option and a weekend format, combining classroom, lab, and clinical training. Scholarships, WIOA/veteran aid, and potential employer sponsorships are available.
Total Cost: $1,195Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
MedStar’s CNA program includes 80 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinical with multiple schedules: 3-week full-time, 6-week day or evening, and 7-week weekend. Tuition includes a scrub set and BP cuff/stethoscope.
Total Cost: $1,730Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
State-endorsed 126-hour CNA program in Mesa combining 86 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical, offered with day, evening, and weekend schedules. 2026 total course cost is 1800 with 4-week day, 6-week evening, or 8-week weekend options.
Total Cost: $1,800Total Hours: 126Duration: 4 weeks
Haven Health runs a free, accelerated 5-week CNA training held onsite at its Arizona facilities with both classroom and clinical learning. Requirements include current CPR plus background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health clearance.
Haven Health offers a free 5-week CNA training at this facility with onsite instruction Monday–Friday for 5–8 hours per day. The hands-on course builds core nursing assistant skills under Arizona State Board of Nursing–approved training.
Haven Health offers a free, 5-week CNA training program conducted on-site with Monday–Friday sessions 5–8 hours per day and hands-on clinical experience. Applicants complete required screenings and may apply to work at Haven Health after finishing the class.
Haven Health provides a free CNA training program completed in as little as 5 weeks with onsite classroom and clinical learning. Eligibility includes current CPR certification plus background/drug screening, TB testing, and employee health clearance.
Haven Health’s free CNA training is an accelerated 5-week program conducted onsite at its facilities with both classroom and clinical components. Applicants must have current CPR and pass required background/drug screens, TB testing, and health screening.
Free 5-week, on-site CNA training offered by Haven Health with weekday classes 5–8 hours per day and hands-on labs and clinicals. Participants can apply for employment with Haven Health after completing the course.
EVNA offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab, and clinical rotations, featuring multiple schedule options (morning, evening, weekend). The program lists transparent tuition and required out-of-pocket costs.
Total Cost: $1,300Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Elevation Academy offers a 120 hour Nursing Assistant program with 80 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical. Day (4 weeks), evening (6 weeks), and weekend (8 weeks) schedules are available, with SNAP CAN funding offering free tuition for qualifying students.
CCC’s Nursing Assistant certificate combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical training to build foundational nursing skills for work in long-term and acute care settings.
Total Cost: $1,372Total Hours: 160Duration: 3 weeks
Bryan University’s Nursing Assistant Certificate is a one‑month, 120‑hour program combining tech‑enabled instruction with hands‑on labs and clinicals at the Tempe campus; tuition includes one CNA exam attempt and a micro‑credential voucher. Dedicated career services support is provided for students and graduates.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
CGTI’s CNA program is a 120‑hour, approximately five‑week course with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training; tuition includes one set of scrubs and one CNA state exam. Day and evening cohorts are offered with career coaching and job placement support.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
AZTTI’s CNA program is a 120-hour course with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training offered in day, evening, and weekend formats. The program can be completed in as few as 5–6 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,600Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
These 25 programs offer evening CNA classes in Arizona, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Cochise College Benson Center
✅ State Approved🏫 Community College💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Cochise College offers the Nursing Assistant certificate at the Benson Center in an allied health lab, combining classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Cohorts may be scheduled during the day or evening.
Cochise College delivers a Nursing Assistant certificate for high school learners in partnership with the Cochise Technology District, developing patient care skills through classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Cohorts are offered in day and evening formats.
Through the Cochise Technology District, St. David High School students participate in Cochise College’s Nursing Assistant certificate with classroom, lab, and clinical training. Recent St. David seniors have completed the Cochise College CNA program.
Tombstone High School offers a Certified Nursing Assistant pathway delivered by Cochise College through the Cochise Technology District, providing classroom, lab, and clinical training. Day and evening cohorts are available.
Cochise College’s Certified Nursing Assistant certificate prepares students with basic patient-care skills through classroom, lab, and clinical experiences approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
CNA/LNA classes run 5 weeks with day or evening lectures four days per week and weekend clinical rotations. Textbooks and clinical supplies are provided for use during the course, with multiple payment plans and monthly starts.
CNA training offered in multiple formats including day, evening, weekend and a fast-track option, with some hybrid/self‑paced cohorts. Programs include classroom, skills lab and clinical components.
Providence Training Institute’s Nursing Assistant program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training to build entry-level caregiving skills for work in long-term care, hospitals, and home health.
Total Cost: $1,500Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Evening and weekend Nursing Assistant program in Phoenix with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations. Structured as 6-week evening or 8-weekend cohorts, with optional Friday skills lab access.
MedStar’s CNA program includes 80 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinical with multiple schedules: 3-week full-time, 6-week day or evening, and 7-week weekend. Tuition includes a scrub set and BP cuff/stethoscope.
Total Cost: $1,730Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
State-endorsed 126-hour CNA program in Mesa combining 86 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical, offered with day, evening, and weekend schedules. 2026 total course cost is 1800 with 4-week day, 6-week evening, or 8-week weekend options.
Total Cost: $1,800Total Hours: 126Duration: 4 weeks
GateWay’s Nurse Assisting program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training for entry level CNA roles in hospitals and long term care. Classes are offered at the 18th Street campus with day, evening, and weekend options.
Elevation Academy offers a 120 hour Nursing Assistant program with 80 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical. Day (4 weeks), evening (6 weeks), and weekend (8 weeks) schedules are available, with SNAP CAN funding offering free tuition for qualifying students.
EVNA offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab, and clinical rotations, featuring multiple schedule options (morning, evening, weekend). The program lists transparent tuition and required out-of-pocket costs.
Total Cost: $1,300Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Cochise College’s Nursing Assistant certificate is a one‑semester, 6‑credit program (HLT 109 and HLT 111) approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, combining classroom, lab, and clinical learning. Cohorts are available in day and evening formats.
CAC’s Nursing Assistant course (CNA125) teaches entry-level patient care skills with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experiences in long-term care or hospital settings.
CAC’s Nursing Assistant course (CNA125) teaches entry-level patient care skills with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experiences in long-term care or hospital settings.
CGTI’s CNA program is a 120‑hour, approximately five‑week course with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training; tuition includes one set of scrubs and one CNA state exam. Day and evening cohorts are offered with career coaching and job placement support.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
CAC’s Nursing Assistant course (CNA125) teaches entry-level patient care skills with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experiences in long-term care or hospital settings.
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
AZTTI’s CNA program is a 120-hour course with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training offered in day, evening, and weekend formats. The program can be completed in as few as 5–6 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,600Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
These 16 programs offer weekend CNA classes in Arizona, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
Yond Institute of Learning
✅ State Approved🏫 Educational Entity💵 Financial Aid Available📅 Weekend Classes Available
Yond’s 6‑week CNA program offers day and weekend cohorts with 5 weeks of classroom/lab and 1 week of clinicals. The school lists flexible funding options and is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Total Cost: $2,323Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
CNA/LNA classes run 5 weeks with day or evening lectures four days per week and weekend clinical rotations. Textbooks and clinical supplies are provided for use during the course, with multiple payment plans and monthly starts.
CNA training offered in multiple formats including day, evening, weekend and a fast-track option, with some hybrid/self‑paced cohorts. Programs include classroom, skills lab and clinical components.
Providence Training Institute’s Nursing Assistant program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training to build entry-level caregiving skills for work in long-term care, hospitals, and home health.
Total Cost: $1,500Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Health Careers Education at Moon Valley offers nurse assisting with classroom, lab, and clinical experiences and opportunities for industry certification. Clinicals are commonly scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a summer intensive option.
Evening and weekend Nursing Assistant program in Phoenix with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations. Structured as 6-week evening or 8-weekend cohorts, with optional Friday skills lab access.
Meadows NAZ offers a state-approved 120-hour CNA course with a 3-week day option and a weekend format, combining classroom, lab, and clinical training. Scholarships, WIOA/veteran aid, and potential employer sponsorships are available.
Total Cost: $1,195Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
MedStar’s CNA program includes 80 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinical with multiple schedules: 3-week full-time, 6-week day or evening, and 7-week weekend. Tuition includes a scrub set and BP cuff/stethoscope.
Total Cost: $1,730Total Hours: 120Duration: 3 weeks
State-endorsed 126-hour CNA program in Mesa combining 86 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical, offered with day, evening, and weekend schedules. 2026 total course cost is 1800 with 4-week day, 6-week evening, or 8-week weekend options.
Total Cost: $1,800Total Hours: 126Duration: 4 weeks
GCC’s Nurse Assisting (NUR158) course provides classroom, skills lab, and clinical training to prepare for entry-level care in acute and long-term settings. Day and weekend cohorts are offered with an application-based intake.
GateWay’s Nurse Assisting program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training for entry level CNA roles in hospitals and long term care. Classes are offered at the 18th Street campus with day, evening, and weekend options.
EVNA offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab, and clinical rotations, featuring multiple schedule options (morning, evening, weekend). The program lists transparent tuition and required out-of-pocket costs.
Total Cost: $1,300Total Hours: 120Duration: 4 weeks
Elevation Academy offers a 120 hour Nursing Assistant program with 80 hours classroom/lab and 40 hours clinical. Day (4 weeks), evening (6 weeks), and weekend (8 weeks) schedules are available, with SNAP CAN funding offering free tuition for qualifying students.
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
AZTTI’s CNA program is a 120-hour course with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training offered in day, evening, and weekend formats. The program can be completed in as few as 5–6 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,600Total Hours: 120Duration: 5 weeks
Academy On-Demand offers a live, in-person CNA course with lecture, skills lab, and clinical training. The program totals 140 hours with day, evening, and weekend cohort options that can be completed in as few as 5 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,795Total Hours: 140Duration: 5 weeks
Arizona offers steady and growing opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, supported by a broad healthcare infrastructure and sustained demand for direct patient care. With more than 15,490 CNAs working statewide and approximately 422 healthcare facilities, the state provides diverse employment settings for individuals entering the CNA profession. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Arizona is home to about 141 nursing homes, 106 hospitals, and 175 home health agencies that regularly employ CNAs. While CMS facility counts may not capture every licensed provider, they highlight the scope of job opportunities available across the state.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in Arizona is approximately $47,680, or about $22.92 per hour. Certified Nursing Assistants in Arizona earn a median annual income of $39,920, which translates to roughly $19.19 per hour. While CNA wages are below the statewide median for all occupations, they provide a reliable entry point into the healthcare field, with opportunities to gain experience and advance into higher-paying roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Job Outlook
The employment outlook for CNAs in Arizona remains stable, driven by population growth, an increasing number of older adults, and continued demand for long-term and home-based care services. With 15,490 CNAs currently working across hundreds of healthcare facilities, job openings are expected to remain consistent across both urban and regional areas.
Employment opportunities are concentrated in major population centers such as the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tucson, and surrounding communities. Large healthcare systems including Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic Arizona, and Northern Arizona Healthcare employ CNAs across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient and home health services. As many CNAs use the role as a stepping stone into nursing and allied health careers, workforce turnover also contributes to regular entry-level job openings.
Becoming a CNA in Arizona offers a practical and accessible entry into the healthcare workforce. State-approved training programs can often be completed in a relatively short period, allowing students to transition quickly into paid employment. With more than 141 nursing homes, a growing hospital network, and an expanding home health sector, CNAs in Arizona can choose from a wide range of care settings. The state's community colleges and vocational training providers also make CNA certification a common first step toward advanced nursing and healthcare careers.
CNA Salaries across Arizona
CNA pay in Arizona varies by region, with higher wages typically found in larger metropolitan areas such as Phoenix and Tucson, and lower wages in more rural regions. Facility type, local demand, and cost of living all influence compensation levels. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across different areas of Arizona.
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in Arizona.
Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Arizona
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Arizona?
In Arizona, CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes 16 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Arizona?
CNA classes in Arizona generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in Arizona?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in Arizona offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in Arizona?
Several schools in Arizona offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in Arizona?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in Arizona offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in Arizona?
To become a CNA in Arizona, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Nursing Assistant (NA) Exam, and be listed on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the Arizona Board of Nursing.
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to Arizona?
Yes. Arizona allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in Arizona.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Arizona?
CNAs in Arizona must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in Arizona?
You can verify your status on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in Arizona.
How much do CNAs earn in Arizona?
The median CNA salary in Arizona is $39,920 per year, or about $19.19 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in Arizona also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in Arizona?
Certified Nursing Assistants in Arizona work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.