Looking for a career in the medical field? A Certificed Nursing Assistant (CNA) career offers many opportunities! The CNA role is a great stepping stone to other healthcare professions.
All BRTC degree-seeking students should demonstrate competency in the general education learning outcomes.
What is a CNA?
CNAs are often with a patient more than other nurses and doctors, so they often understand patient behaviors and health statuses. Because CNAs are often the first to notice a patient's physical or emotional changes, their work is vital to patient wellbeing and the collaboration between other healthcare professionals. They are often referred to as the eyse and ears of healthcare. CNAs also perform a variety of tasks that help patients with their daily living activities. Without CNAs, nurses and doctors could no do their jobs.
CNA Program Information
- CNA classes are held on both campuses and are offered in BRTC's Career and Technical Centers to high school students.
- CNA classes at BRTC campuses are held in 5- and 8-week sessions.
- Upon acceptance into the program, you will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check* and a Child and Adult Maltreatment Check.
- Allied Health program students will take a drug screen while in the program. A positive result will result in a dismissal from the program.
*A positive criminal background check may prevent you from being able to attend clinical and, therefore, prevent you from being able to meet the program requirements.
Pocahontas Schedules
Fall 2025 Schedule
5-Week Class: August 25 to September 26
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clinical Days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
8-Week Class: October 13 to December 11 (Limited seats available)
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Clinical Days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Spring 2026 Schedule
8-Week Class: January 12 to March 5
Lecture
Monday-Friday
12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Clinical days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
5-Week Class: March 30 to April 29
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clinical days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Paragould Campus
Fall 2025 Schedule
5-Week Class: August 18 to September 19--Canceled
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clinical Days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
8-Week Class: October 13 to December 11 (Limited seats available)
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Clinical Days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Spring 2026 Schedule
8-Week Class: January 12 to March 5
Lecture
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Clinical days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
5-Week Class: April 6 to May 6
Lecture
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clinical Days
Saturday-Sunday
6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Resources
Why Be a CNA?
Successful completion of the program positions graduates for employment in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, or other medical facility. CNAs take care of patients of all ages, not just geriatrics. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for the Arkansas State CNA exam, which must be completed within 12 months of graduation. BRTC Pocahontas is an approved Headmaster testing site so students do not have to travel to take their state exams.
CNA Program Admission Information
Prospective students will be required to do the following:
- Pass an entrance exam with a 70% or higher.
- Contact the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to schedule an exam.
Upon acceptance, students will be required to do the following:
- Apply to Black River Technical College and complete all entrance requirements, including college placement test.
- Provide proof of Tetanus and flu vaccine and negative Tuberculosis test or chest x-ray.
- Provide state driver's license or photo ID, Social Security Number, and home address.
- Complete the Child Maltreatment Reporter Training (www.ar.mandatedreporter.org).
- Pass drug screen(s).
- Attend the scheduled orientation.
Class size is limited to 24 students.
Acceptance letters are handed out when the student successfully takes entrance exam. Applicants accepted into the program may be eligible to apply for sponsorship or other funding to help cover the cost of the course. However, this course is not covered under FASFA (PELL) as a stand-alone program.
Under Arkansas law, long-term care facilities shall not knowingly employ or hire a person who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of, any of the offenses listed in Arkansas Code Ann. §20-38-105.
CNA Tuition, Fees, and Supply List
CNA Degree Plans
CNA Program Locations
- CNA program courses are held in both Pocahontas and Paragould.
- High school students are also able to take CNA classes through BRTC's Career and Technical Center.
Military Service Obligations
Any student whose plan of study is interrupted due to military service obligations while enrolled in an allied health program will be guaranteed readmission upon return. The student will be required to meet the readmission standards set by the program.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
As of July 1, 2020, The Secretary of the Department of Education amends the regulations on institutional eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and the Student Assistance General Provisions to rescind the Department’s gainful employment regulations. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13703/p-3
In accordance with these regulations, on the Consumer and Mandated Information page you will find links to the disclosures for each of the certificate programs at Black River Technical College which are covered by these regulations.
Certificate in Proficiency for Patient Care Technician
Students that complete the Certificate of Proficiency in both Phlebotomy and Nursing Assistant also qualify for a Certificate in Proficiency for Patient Care Tech.
Patient Care Technician Degree Plans
Gainful Employment Disclosure Information
As of July 1, 2020, The Secretary of the Department of Education amends the regulations on institutional eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and the Student Assistance General Provisions to rescind the Department’s gainful employment regulations. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13703/p-3
In accordance with these regulations, on the Consumer and Mandated Information page you will find links to the disclosures for each of the certificate programs at Black River Technical College which are covered by these regulations.
