CNA Program
Philander Smith University is approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care, to offer Nursing Assistant Training. Our program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the state certification exam.
ELEVATE your Future and Join our CNA Program!
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT /HOME HEALTH AIDE PROGRAM
Prospective students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED (proof required).
- Be in good health, able to bend, twist, lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and free from communicable disease.
- Submit a completed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) application through Philander Smith University.
- Receive approval from a nursing faculty advisor or the primary instructor.
- Complete all the general university admission procedures. (Refer to the Philander Smith University Catalog and Student Handbook for more information)
• Not be listed on the Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) Employment Clearance Registry with a disqualification status due to a substantiated administrative finding of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of resident property, or a disqualifying criminal record in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 20-38-101.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Philander Smith University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in any of its programs or activities.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) STATEMENT:
Philander Smith University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students.
Qualified, self-identified students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure full participation in academic programs. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the accommodation process by contacting the appropriate office and providing current documentation of their disability.
Accommodations are provided at no cost and are designed to support the student’s access to all aspects of the program while maintaining academic integrity.
ENROLLMENT PREREQUISITES
ENROLLMENT PREREQUISITES
Students will not be permitted to enroll in the Certified Nursing Assistant program until all of the following requirements have been satisfied:
- Completion of all general admission requirements for Philander Smith University
- Submission of the Certified Nursing Assistant Program Application
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Valid government-issued photo identification (current driver’s license or state ID)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Immunization Record to include:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine during current flu season
- Tuberculosis (TB) skin test or current Chest X-Ray
- Rubeola (measles), Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – 2 vaccine doses or positive titer Tetanus, Diphtheria Pertussis (Tdap) within 10 years
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or positive titer or medically documented history Hepatitis B (3 vaccine series) or positive titer
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Immunization records, including: Current influenza (flu)vaccination, Complete immunization record, Hepatitis B vaccination series or signed declination form
TUITION AND FEES
Itemized Fees List
- Tuition $800.00
- Books $70.00
- Uniforms $75.00
- CPR $65.00
- Tuberculous (TB) Test $35.00
- Certification Exam $125.00
- Criminal Background Check & Drug Screen $120.00
- Supplies (stethoscope & watch) $60.00
Total Charges $1350.00
There is a $100.00 non-refundable application fee
PROGRAM COMPLETION, GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, AND CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY
Students must meet all program requirements within the designated training period. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program consists of a total of 104.5 hours including:
- 88.5 classroom (theory/skills/lab) hours (21 class days) in length
- 16 clinical hours and final exam (2 clinical days and 1 day for the final exam)
To be eligible for graduation, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 88.5 classroom (theory/skills/lab) hours and 16 clinical hours.
Students who successfully complete 48 contact hours of the classroom portion will be awarded a Home Care Aide Certificate of Completion.
Students who complete both the classroom and clinical components of the program and have fulfilled all financial obligations to the University will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate qualifies students to sit for the Arkansas State Certification Exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
CNA STUDENT HANDBOOK
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT PROGRAM CURRICULUM
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program provides comprehensive classroom and clinical instruction in the following areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Infections control
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Promoting residents’ independence
- Respecting resident rights
- Personal care skills
- Basic nursing skills
- Mental health and social service needs
- Care of cognitively impaired residents
- Basic restorative services
- Barbara Broyles Alzheimer and Dementia Training
The curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates of the CNA program may find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Home health
- Hospice care
- Long-term care facilities
- Physician offices
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Assisted living facilities
Contact:
Deveta Crouther, CNA Director
Phone: (501) 370- 5333
Email: dcrouther@philander.edu
Sheila Brown, CNA Instructor
Email: shbrown@philander.edu
Ready to Apply?
Discover what a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate can do for your future.
Submit the form, and one of our student support representatives will contact you to answer any questions and guide you through the process, from start to finish.
Form coming soon.
