Certified Nursing Assistant in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$31,990

trending_down -19.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

17,620

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$150

Licensing fees

schedule

4-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arkansas, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 90 hours, which includes both classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical experience. After training, candidates must pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Headmaster LLP, which consists of a written and a skills portion. A criminal background check is required, and some training programs may have a minimum age requirement of 16 or 18. Arkansas offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states who are in good standing, with a $25 application fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,330

25th percentile $29,670

50th (median) $31,990

75th percentile $36,120

90th (experienced) $39,430

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care
State license	Required
Education	90-hour state-approved training program
Exam	Prometric CNA Exam ($125)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age for some programs is 16, others 18. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 consecutive hours in the past 24 months. Some programs may also require a high school diploma or GED, health screenings, and up-to-date immunizations.

Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (90-hour state-approved training program), pass the Prometric CNA Exam, and submit your application ($25 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas? expand_more

A state license is required in Arkansas. Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care handles certified nursing assistant licensing — the Prometric CNA Exam is part of the process.

How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, the median pay for certified nursing assistants comes to $31,990/year. — 19% under the $39,530 national average. The range spans from $28,330 at the entry level to $39,430 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($125) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Arkansas? expand_more

Most candidates in Arkansas complete the process in 4-12 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.