Nursing Assistant


Program Description


Check the program announcement(s) above for any deadlines, information sessions, updates, etc.

The Nursing Assistant program prepares the student to take the state examination to become a certified or licensed nursing assistant (CNA, LNA), whose main role is to work under the supervision of nurses to provide high-quality care to patients. The skills learned as a Nursing Assistant can prepare the student for a long-term career in the nursing field.

The faculty and staff include the Director of Allied Health, an RN Program Supervisor, Clinical Facilitators, a Lab Coordinator, and a full-time Administrative Assistant. The program employs local practicing nurses educated at the MSN and BSN levels as part-time clinical faculty. Students completing our program are eligible for licensing through the Arizona State Board of Nursing as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The opportunities available in the field of nursing practice have reached an unprecedented level of excitement and diversity. Graduates can look forward to a wide array of career paths and professional options that cater to their individual interests and aspirations. Furthermore, our program actively cultivates academic partnerships that enhance these prospects, enabling graduates to explore numerous avenues for advancing their education and pursuing advanced degrees in Nursing.

Graduates of the Nursing Assistant program will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge in the role of the nursing assistant.
  • Demonstrate safe patient care.
  • Demonstrate ability to meet state certification standards.

Approval and Accreditation

The Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-771-7800
www.azbn.gov

Due Date(s)

Nursing Assistant Program
Application Cycles

Spring 2025
Currently Closed
Summer 2025 (apply below)
Opens on 1/20/2025 at 12:01 am
Closes on 3/6/2025 at 4:30 pm
Fall 2025
Currently closed until April

Information Session(s)

View Important Nursing Assistant Announcement(s) above learn more.

Contact

nursing.assistant@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7552
LR 224 (map)

Application Instructions Nursing Assistant Program Application

(must be admitted to AWC prior to applying)

Program Documents

If you're looking for Information Sessions, please click on Important Nursing Assistant Announcement(s) at the top of this page to view all available sessions.

File Name Downloads
Nursing Assistant Application Instruction Sheet Download
Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card Directions Download
Nursing Assistant Student Guide Download
Nursing Assistant Curriculum Download
Nursing Assistant Program Cost Download
Health Evaluation/Drun Screen Consent and Release Form Download
Tuberculosis (TB) Form Download
Varicella Susceptibility Awareness Form Download
COVID Declination Form Download
Hepatitis B Declination Form Download
Influenza Declination Form Download
Student Information Release Form Download

Check the above for any necessary program documents.

Program Costs Estimate

Course Length: Fall/Spring – 8 & 16 weeks, Summer– 8 weeks
Application Requirements: Please click the link for the Nursing Assistant application instructions.

  • Tuition: $485.00 (Resident status - $97/credit)
  • Lab Fee: $400.00 (Including the state certification test fee)
  • Uniform: $40 Wine-colored scrubs + $8.50 program patch to be purchased at the Mother & Daughters Embroidery
  • Name tag: Allied Health Name Tag $10
  • Closed-toed, non-slip shoes: $50
  • Text Book & Work Book: $51
  • Health & Safety Requirements:
    • CPR Card: $75
    • Fingerprint Clearance Card: $73
    • Tuberculosis Screening: $15 - $30
    • Drug Test: $40
    • MMR Vaccine or Positive Titer: $79
    • Varicella Vaccine or Positive Titer: $137
    • Hepatitis B Vaccine or Positive Titer:$56
  • Equipment:
    • Gait Belt: $8 - $20
    • Watch-indicating seconds: $20
    • Blood Pressure Cuff & Stethoscope: $25 - $50

The costs provided are estimates and are subject to change.

* Please note: Admission requirements for all programs include a criminal background check and drug test.

Check the above to view program costs estimate. All fees are subject to change.

Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Nursing Assistant - CERT Occupational Certificate -

Career Outlook


The program prepares the student to take the state examination to become a certified or licensed nursing assistant (CNA, LNA), whose main role is to work under the supervision of nurses to provide high-quality care to patients. The skills learned as a Nursing Assistant can prepare the student for a long-term career in the nursing field.

Being a nursing assistant offers many rewards, challenges, and opportunities. Nursing assistants work in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, hospices, correctional institutions, clinics, and other settings.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts increasing demand for nursing assistants secondary to the growth rate of the elderly population over the next decade. The average annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $25,000 to $37,000, with the median being that of $33,500.

Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Classroom/Lab Tour


Here’s our state-of-the-art nursing assistant classroom and lab equipped with all the components to prepare you for a long-term career in the nursing field. Our connecting classroom/skills lab allows students to practice taking vital signs, transferring patients, and changing bedding/linens to meet patient needs better. Classroom and lab space used by Certified Nursing Assistant Program and the Nursing Program