Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arizona
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arizona
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arizona, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing assistant program of at least 120 hours, which includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experience. After completing the program, candidates must pass the Arizona Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Headmaster, which includes both a written and a skills test. While there is no application fee for CNA certification, there is a combined exam cost of $130. A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required for employment, and applicants must be at least 16 years old. Arizona offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet the state's training and work experience requirements, though an endorsement fee applies.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Arizona
| Detail | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arizona State Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program with a minimum of 120 hours, including at least 40 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of skills lab, and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience (with a minimum of 20 hours in long-term care). |
| Exam | Headmaster CNA Exam ($130) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. A criminal background check is required, which includes fingerprinting. Renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid work as a CNA in the past 2 years. CNAs are not required to submit fingerprints for initial certification, but LNAs are. Individuals with felony convictions involving violence or financial fraud may be prohibited from obtaining certification. |
Source: Arizona State Board of Nursing
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Arizona
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Arizona is $41,980 per year, which is 6.2% above the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,460 |
| 25th | $37,680 |
| 50th (median) | $41,980 |
| 75th | $45,300 |
| 90th (experienced) | $49,890 |
Arizona employs approximately 17,350 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arizona's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.