Certified Nursing Assistant
Start Your Healthcare Career
CCC's Certified Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and prepares students to sit for the Arizona CNA competency examination and apply for Nursing Assistant (LNA) licensure. Completing the program is also a required step for students who plan to continue into CCC's Nursing AAS program.
Program Options
Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate
The CNA certificate provides foundational training in patient care skills, healthcare communication, safety practices, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. Students complete both classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours at local healthcare facilities before sitting for the Arizona CNA competency examination.
- Program Approval: Approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Prepares students for the Arizona CNA competency examination and LNA licensure
- Includes supervised clinical hours at local healthcare facilities
What Can I Do with this
CNA certification and LNA licensure can open doors to entry-level healthcare careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals and acute care facilities
- Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
- Home health and hospice care
- Assisted living facilities
- Pediatric and specialty clinics
- Tribal health programs and community health organizations
- Rehabilitation centers
CNAs are consistently in demand across Coconino County. Many CNA graduates continue their education while working, using their LNA experience to qualify for admission to CCC’s Nursing AAS program.
What Will I Learn?
CNA coursework covers the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide safe, compassionate patient care. You may develop skills in:
- Basic nursing concepts and patient care principles
- Medical terminology and healthcare communication
- Patient rights, ethics, and legal responsibilities in healthcare
- Infection control and environmental safety
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Assisting with personal care and grooming
- Safe patient transfers, positioning, and mobility assistance
- Nutrition and basic dietary support
- Emergency care and response procedures
- Care for cognitively impaired patients
- Documentation and reporting procedures
Program at a glance
- Length of Program
- Associate of Science (AS) Transfer Degree
- AGEC-S Certificate
- Individual AGEC courses
- Course Delivery:
- In-person and Online Classes
- Course Schedule:
- Day and Evening Classes Available
- Transferrability:
- All Courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and U of A as AGEC credit.
- Financial Aid Eligible
- Military/Veteran Benefits Available
- Location:
- Lone Tree Cmapus
- Page Campus
- Online
Your pathway to nursing
The CNA program is often the first step for students who want to become registered nurses. Completing the CNA program and earning your LNA license satisfies one of the key admission requirements for CCC’s Nursing AAS program.
Many students follow this pathway:
- Complete the CNA program and earn LNA licensure
- Work as a nursing assistant while completing Nursing AAS prerequisites
- Apply to the Nursing AAS program
- Complete four semesters of nursing core coursework
- Sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and begin your RN career
An academic advisor can help you plan a course sequence that efficiently moves you toward your nursing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the CNA program a requirement for the Nursing AAS?
Yes. Earning your LNA license is a prerequisite for admission to CCC’s Nursing AAS program. Many students complete the CNA program, begin working as nursing assistants, and then complete their nursing prerequisites while gaining real patient care experience at the same time.
- What is the difference between a CNA and an LNA?
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) refers to the national certification earned by passing the competency exam. LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) refers to the Arizona state license issued by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. In Arizona, the terms are often used interchangeably. CCC’s program prepares students for both the certification exam and licensure.
- Is a CPR certification required?
Yes. A current American Heart Association BLS Provider certification is required before you may participate in clinical rotations. You will need to obtain this certification prior to your first clinical experience.
- What health and documentation do I need before starting clinical rotations?
Before participating in clinical experiences, you must provide current health documentation required by CCC and clinical partner facilities. This includes immunization records, a 10 or 12 panel urine drug screen, and a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. A full and current list of requirements is available from the Nursing Department.
- Where do clinical rotations take place?
Yes. Clinical experiences are arranged at local healthcare facilities in the Flagstaff area and across Coconino County. Specific sites vary by semester. Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical locations.
- Does completing the CNA program guarantee admission to the Nursing AAS?
No. The CNA certificate and LNA licensure are required for Nursing AAS admission, but meeting that requirement does not guarantee acceptance. The Nursing program is competitive, and students must also meet GPA, TEAS exam, and other requirements. An advisor can help you plan your full pre-nursing pathway.
Meet Your Faculty:
Career Outlook
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
