Arizona Nurse Aide Registry

Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
Arizona State Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registration Program
4747 North 7th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85014
Phone: (602) 771-7800

Did you know that graduates of nurse aide programs who have not taken the Nurse Aide state examination two years after graduating can still qualify to sit for the CNA exam? In order to take the CNA exam these applicants need to show proof of employment as a nursing assistant for 160 hours every year. Every nursing assistant who applies for their first CNA license is also required to submit a full set of fingerprints. As stated by federal and state law, nurse aide graduates must show proof of citizenship or nationality prior to becoming licensed in the state of Arizona. According to the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry, there are over 22,000 active, certified nursing aides working in Arizona.

CNA Registries in the United States

Select an area from the map below to find addresses and phone numbers for Nurse Aide Registries in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia as well as links to online nursing assistant registries if available.

It is the responsibility of the Arizona Board of Nursing to regulate and oversee the training of nursing assistants throughout the state. Nurse aide training programs must be approved by the board of nursing every two years. The following are important items that determine if a nurse aide program is approved: length of courses; number of clinical and classroom instruction hours; program curriculum; and instructor's qualifications. An individual who completes a nurse aide training program in Arizona has two years from the graduation date to register and take the certification exam. Eligibility to take the exam is lost if one does not sit for the exam within two years of completing the training. One exception to this rule is when the individual can show proof of work as a nursing assistant for one-hundred and sixty hours every two years since completing the training course. The work hours need to be verified in writing by the employer.

An individual may not receive a nursing assistant certification in Arizona if he or she has any felony convictions and has not been granted an absolute discharge for all the convictions. Furthermore, the discharge from the convictions must be obtained five years before the person seeks certification as a nurse aide in this state. The Arizona Board of Nursing verifies everyone seeking certification by requiring fingerprinting and background checks. According to the Arizona Board of Nursing, both federal and state laws state that a nursing assistant must have proof of citizenship or nationality. Only individuals who have documents showing they are a United States citizen, national, or a person described in specific categories, may obtain licensure in Arizona. The Arizona Board of Nursing has identified a number of minimum competencies or basic skills that each nursing assistant program graduate should be able to perform upon entry into practice. The curriculum of a nursing assistant training course needs to adhere to and teach students the minimum program competencies.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Tracey W. on July 31, 2014 at 04:10 AM
I currently work in Illinois as a CNA, but I am looking to move to Arizona. I saw from someone else's question the form I should fill out, but I still want to be active in Illinois until I get the job in Arizona. They only hire if you have current state certification. How do I keep my CNA certification in Illinois, yet get it transferred to Arizona for the job searches? Is it possible to have a valid CNA certification in two states at the same time?

Admin on July 31, 2014 at 08:22 PM
As far as I know, a certified nursing assistant in one state may apply for certification by endorsement in a new state and if the application is accepted and all the endorsement criteria are met then you may hold a CNA certificate in more than one state. Of course, you can always call the Nurse Aide Registries of both states and make sure this is the case before you apply but I don't see a reason why they would have an objection to this.

I moved to Arizona from Minnesota and I am looking to go back to school in the health care field. Could you tell me how long the CNA program is, how much does it cost, and if you do job placements?

Is it possible to enroll in a CNA class without a high school diploma or GED?

How long do CNA classes take and what exactly do you have to do?

After becoming a CNA how much more experience, training or school has to be done to become a registered nurse?

I am in the military and I do not have too much time to actually attend a regular CNA program. Who offers online CNA classes?

CNA Resources

Being a Successful C.N.A

Besides knowledge and proficiency there are many qualities which define a competent CNA. Our list includes the answers of residents, families, and those of experienced nurse aides who have been in the health care field for an extended period of time. Most of the qualities listed below represent the reasons and motivational factors driving new individuals to become certified nurse aides.

A competent CNA shows support for others, as well as patience, compassion and empathy. To become a good nursing assistant one needs to understand the meaning of being a team player. An effective nursing assistant learns to become a good listener who cares about and understands the needs of the residents, has a helping nature and a positive attitude. Both patients and co-workers appreciate a smile, an upbeat personality, as well as someone who takes pride in their work. A nurse aide job requires good organizational skills, patience, good judgment, and effective communication.

Nurse Aide Registries