Arizona CNA Classes Online: Compare Schools & Get Program Info
Becoming a CNA is a great entry point to nursing. CNA classes in Arizona — whether online or in person — can give you basic nursing knowledge and skills to ensure patients get the care they need. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of top CNA programs in Arizona with online components. Learn how they work, what they entail, how much they cost, and decide if the CNA path is right for you.
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Arizona CNA Programs: A Comparison
Online or partially online CNA classes in Arizona give you the flexibility to learn essential skills while accommodating your busy schedule. By contrast, on-campus learning allows you to interact more with classmates and instructors. Many programs in Arizona blend the two.
Regardless of your learning format, graduating from an Arizona CNA program can prepare you to join an in-demand career path that can serve as a starting point for more advanced healthcare positions. To give you a better idea of what these programs look like (and how often you may have to go to campus), check out three of the best online CNA programs in Arizona. Each stood out in terms of academics, affordability, and potential career paths.
Nursing Program — Eastern Arizona College
The Nursing Program at Eastern Arizona College gives students the necessary instruction and experience to assist patients with their routine healthcare needs.
The required coursework provides training in universal precautions in the professional field, accurate data collection in clinical settings, and guidelines for conforming to HIPAA confidentiality standards.
Students can complete the program in as little as one semester, with lecture-style classes offered online.
The course also includes 40 hours in a clinical setting, which must be completed in-person. By the end of the course, students are well prepared to take the state board of nursing assistant exam.
EAC’s average nursing assistant examination pass rates are 89% on the written exam and 85% on the skills exam.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $882 per credit in-state /$1,176 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Pass a background test
- Current CPR certification
- Pass a reading exam
- Unofficial transcripts for all other academic institutions
Curriculum:
- NUR100 (one semester)
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Nurse Assisting Program — Mesa Community College
With Mesa Community College’s Nurse Assisting Program, students can become CNAs after just six weeks of study.
This program stands out for its scheduling flexibility and ability to accommodate students who are balancing the demands of their current employment and personal obligations.
Students can choose from morning and evening weekday or weekend courses during the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
For students with previous direct patient care experience, there’s also a fast-track advanced placement study option.
MCC students gain expertise in the safe performance of nurse assistant skills, effective patient communication, and managing information confidentially and ethically before taking the Arizona CNA exam. MCC has an 87% pass rate on the written exam and an 88% pass rate on the skills exam.
Duration: Six weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $97 per credit hour in-state / $372 per credit hour out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Pass a background test
- Current CPR certification
- Unofficial transcripts for all other academic institutions
Curriculum:
- Students choose between the four-credit NUR158 or two-credit NCE150AP
Nursing Assistant Training Program — Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College’s Nursing Assistant Training Program prepares graduates for careers in nursing and residential care facilities or hospitals as CNAs.
To give students the maximum opportunity for flexible study, mandatory lecture portions of the program are offered in online or in-person formats. Plus, students can fulfill their hands-on lab training hours on the Show Low, Snowflake/Taylor, or Winslow campuses or at the Whiteriver or Springerville centers.
The NPC Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. On average, graduates of NPC receive first-time pass rates of 85% on the written and 82% on the skills portions of the nursing assistant examination.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $73 per credit hour in-county | $91 per credit hour in-state | $410 per credit hour out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Pass a background test
- Current CPR certification
- Possess certain reading and math test scores
- Pass a TB skin test and provide proof of immunizations
Curriculum:
- NAT 101 Nursing Assistant (5 credits)
Student Questions about Arizona CNA Programs
While the spotlights above provide a comprehensive picture of individual programs, they probably don’t answer all your questions about becoming a CNA. The information below addresses the most pressing questions about how much CNA classes cost, ways to pay for these courses in Arizona, and Arizona’s official process to become a CNA.
How much do CNA classes cost in Arizona?
Students can expect the typical costs of becoming a CNA to be about $1,500. That estimate includes course tuition, required textbooks, and necessary supplies such as nursing scrubs.
Some programs may also have additional fees for the application process, such as paying for a background check. To make enrollment even more approachable for prospective students, many schools provide the option to pay tuition in multiple installments. There’s also financial aid available, including scholarships specifically for CNA courses.
If cost is a concern, keep in mind that the most affordable programs are often online. Plus, online programs cut down on student fees and transportation costs.
How long do CNA classes in Arizona take to finish?
CNA courses typically take four to eight weeks in Arizona. Nursing assistant curriculums cover a range of skills to prepare students for success in diverse medical settings. CNAs must learn clinical care competencies, such as patient care and changing bed sheets, clerical skills, and patient intake procedures.
The time it takes to accomplish adequate training varies. For example, Sumner College nursing assistant education is completed in one month, while Cochise College’s CNA program takes one semester. If time is of the essence, talk with an admissions counselor about a program’s timeline before applying.
Do CNA classes accept financial aid?
When it comes to paying for CNA programs in Arizona, you have several options. Because many accelerated CNA programs are classified as vocational training and not secondary education, they are not eligible for federal financial aid funds. However, students enrolled in nursing assistant programs can usually receive private or school-based grants, student loans, scholarships, and some federal and state grants.
To increase your chances of receiving aid, choose a program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. This approval ensures that your chosen course fulfills the core educational obligations and minimum required hours of instruction to become a nursing assistant.
How else can I pay for CNA classes in Arizona?
Even though CNA assistant programs are quite affordable and can be completed quickly, the tuition and related expenses might present an obstacle for some students. If you need assistance to pay for CNA programs in Arizona, there are funding sources available.
Several Arizona-based scholarship programs welcome CNA students. The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona offers a one-time grant to individuals pursuing training toward a vocational certification. The Association for Career Technical Education of Arizona awards scholarships to students enrolled in career and technical education programs. Additionally, specific schools may provide individual needs-based scholarships.
Arizona also invests in nursing professionals and caregiver training. The state set aside funds for recruiting, training, and employing CNAs in the state’s skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers. Consult the AHCA Works site for details.
How do I become a CNA in Arizona?
To become a CNA in Arizona, you must transfer your license from another state or undergo training for new nursing assistants. If you’ve never worked as a CNA before, you’ll need to complete a CNA program approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing before successfully passing the Arizona nursing assistant exam offered by D&S Diversified Technologies. To register for the test, you must provide D&S with a physical exam application, proof of completion at an approved nurse assistant training program, and evidence of legal residence in the United States. Test fees of $130 to $140 also apply.
Arizona’s CNA Job & Pay Outlook
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Arizona | $36,460 | $41,980 | $49,890 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,540 | $41,440 | $46,950 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $33,510 | $39,680 | $46,920 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $36,580 | $42,690 | $50,670 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $36,850 | $42,070 | $52,600 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $32,960 | $37,220 | $42,490 |
| Tucson, AZ | $34,850 | $39,310 | $47,610 |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,150 | $35,830 | $42,800 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Arizona | 17,830 | 22,020 | 4,190 | 23.50% | 3,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Arizona
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,283 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eastern Arizona College
- Eastern Arizona College's Nursing Assistant program offers high clinical placement rates by preparing students with extensive hands-on skills lab and clinical experiences, ensuring readiness for real-world healthcare settings.
- The program features flexible scheduling options, including daytime and evening classes, to accommodate diverse student availability and accelerate completion within 17 weeks.
- Students become eligible immediately to take the Arizona State Board of Nursing CNA exam upon course completion, enabling quick entry into certified nursing assistant employment.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,283 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Coconino Community College
- Coconino Community College’s CNA program includes hands-on clinical experiences in both long-term and acute care settings, ensuring high practical readiness for students.
- The curriculum prepares students specifically for the Arizona State Board of Nursing licensure exams, streamlining their path to certification and employment.
- Support services like tutoring and advising are provided to enhance student success, improving overall completion and job placement outcomes.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,535 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 24/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arizona Western College
- Arizona Western College’s Nursing Assistant program features local practicing nurses with MSN and BSN degrees as part-time clinical faculty, ensuring expert instruction and real-world insights.
- The program offers flexible course schedules including 8-week and 16-week sessions across Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, accommodating various student timetables and accelerated completion.
- Students have access to financial aid options including eligibility for the AZ Quest Grant for displaced workers, helping reduce costs and improve affordability.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,176 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected GateWay Community College
- The Maricopa Nurse Assisting program offers the unique benefit of combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical laboratory practice in both long-term and acute care settings, enhancing practical experience.
- It is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, ensuring the program meets rigorous state standards and prepares students to sit for the nurse assistant certification exam.
- The program provides clear guidance on licensure and certification requirements, empowering students with transparent information about their path to professional credentials independently of program completion.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,176 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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