As a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mesa, Arizona, your primary role is to provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). This can include assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding, as well as taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and helping with transfers and ambulation.
To work as a CNA in Mesa, you must first complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass a competency evaluation exam. Once you have obtained your certification, you can apply for CNA jobs in Mesa through various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.
When looking for a CNA job in Mesa, it is important to research potential employers and make sure they align with your personal and professional goals. Consider factors such as work schedule, pay rate, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. It is also important to have good communication and interpersonal skills, as CNAs often work closely with patients and their families. Being compassionate, patient, and detail-oriented are also important qualities to have as a CNA.
Overall, working as a CNA in Mesa, Arizona can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, with many opportunities for growth and advancement within the healthcare industry. This page will provide you with more information on how to become a CNA in Mesa and also help you find CNA classes near Mesa to help you earn your certification and begin working in the healthcare field.
Mesa CNA Highlights
- There are an estimated 11,140 Certified Nurse Assistants employed in the Mesa-Phoenix area. There are 5 larger in Mesa, such as Banner Desert Medical Center, Mountain Vista Medical Center, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, as well as several long term care facilities and nursing homes.
- CNAs in Mesa make on average $35,200 pe year, and can make as much as $38,620 on the higher end, depending on experience and where they work.
- The Mesa area has several CNA training courses for CNA candidates to research and choose from so they can find a program that meets their cost and time needs.
- Several CNA programs in the Mesa area have 3 week and online CNA classes available so that CNAs can take a fast track to find employment in the healthcare industry.
CNA Requirements in Mesa
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arizona, you must meet certain requirements:
- Education and Training: You must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program that includes a minimum of 120 hours of instruction which breaks down into 40 hours of classroom training and 80 hours of clinical instruction.
- Competency Evaluation: You must pass a competency evaluation exam that consists of a written or oral test and a skills demonstration.
- Background Check: You must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- English Proficiency: You must be proficient in English, as you will need to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a CNA program.
- Physical Fitness: You must be physically fit and able to perform the duties of a CNA, which can include lifting and moving patients.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for certification through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. After obtaining your certification, you must renew it every two years by completing a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education and providing proof of employment as a CNA for at least eight hours within the previous two years.
CNA Classes Near Mesa, Arizona
We’ve compiled a list of the top ten CNA classes near Mesa, Arizona. Get information on costs and locations below to help with your education and career search.
| Rank | Organization | Phone# |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sumner College | 480.776.0070 |
| 2 | Arizona Medical Training Institute | 480.835.7679 |
| 3 | Mesa Community College | 480.654.7200 |
| 4 | Valley Vocational Academy | 480.247.9388 |
| 5 | East Valley Institute of Technology | 480.461.4000 |
| 6 | Maricopa Community College | 480.731.8000 |
| 7 | Pima Medical Institute | 800.477.7462 |
| 8 | Western Arizona College | 602.771.7800 |
| 9 | Gateway Community College | 602.286.8000 |
| 10 | Haven Health | 602.254.5921 |
Sumner College
Sumner College offers a Nursing Assistant Program that emphasizes on providing aspiring individuals with a safe educational environment to kickstart their career with practical experience. The college is dedicated to ensuring that their students succeed in their chosen field by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The program is designed to be completed within four weeks and covers essential topics such as patient safety and rights, diet and nutrition, ambulatory transfers, and CPR. Sumner College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Postsecondary Education and is also approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing to offer the Nursing Assistant Training Program.
The program is divided into three weeks of class and lab work and one week of clinicals, giving students a total of four weeks to acquire the skills needed for a successful career as a nursing assistant. Enrolling in Sumner College’s Nursing Assistant Program is an excellent investment for those who want to embark on a career in the healthcare industry.
Price: $2,350
Address: 205 E Southern Ave.
Mesa AZ 85210
Phone: 480.776.0070
URL: https://www.sumnercollege.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Private scholarships available to qualified applicants.
Arizona Medical Training Institute
Arizona Medical Training Institute (AMTI) offers a comprehensive CNA program that is designed to fit into students’ busy schedules. The program tuition fee of $1,200 includes the use of a textbook, stethoscope and uniform top, and class supplies. Payment plans are also available to help students manage their finances.
AMTI’s CNA program offers flexible scheduling options, with daytime, evening, and weekend classes available in Mesa and Tempe. The daytime class is completed within four weeks, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The evening class is completed within six weeks, Monday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The weekend class is completed over eight weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Students can register for the program and choose a payment plan that suits their needs. AMTI has the highest first-time pass rates of the AZ State Board of Nursing exams, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to kickstart their career as a CNA.
To register for the program, students must meet certain prerequisites. They should not have any active felony or unprofessional conduct in the past three years (ARS 32-1606 & ARS 32-1601), complete the CNA/LNA Admissions Test, and provide a negative TB test result no older than six months from testing. They must also have a current CPR certificate, pass a background check and drug screen, and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency status.
AMTI’s CNA program is an excellent investment for individuals who want to start their career in the healthcare industry. Students who register for the program will receive high-quality training and gain valuable skills that will help them succeed in their chosen profession.
Price: $1,200 – includes textbook, stethoscope, uniform top, class supplies
Address: 1530 N Country Club Dr #11
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480.835.7679
URL: https://arizonamedicaltraininginstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day, evening, and weekend classes available.
Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers two CNA courses that prepare students for the Arizona State Board of Nursing exam to become a CNA or Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA). The NUR158 course is a 6-week, 4.5 credit course that includes lecture, lab, and clinical experience. However, an application for registration is required and students must meet health and safety requirements in advance.
For students with previous healthcare experience, MCC also offers an advanced placement course, NCE150AP, which is a 2-credit fast track option to complete the NA requirement. Students are required to submit a resume and a reference as proof of their previous experience.
Price: Program is 4.5 credits, fees based on residency status. Check out tuition rates on their website here.
Address: 7110 East McKellips Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85207
Phone: 480.654.7200
URL: https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/nursing/nurse-assisting
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 6-week course.
Valley Vocational Academy
Valley Vocational Academy offers flexible course options that suit a variety of schedules. Day, evening, and weekend courses are available at their Tempe and Mesa campuses, where students receive top-notch training from experienced RN instructors.
The Nursing Assistant course at Valley Vocational Academy costs $1,700, which includes a textbook, optional workbook, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, gait belt, uniform top, and a TB test by serum. Students who pay in full before the first day of class can save $200 on tuition, bringing the total program cost to $1,500. Additionally, students receive an exclusive discount rate for CPR training through Heartsavers.
The course covers essential topics such as communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, promoting residents’ independence, respecting resident rights, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, and awareness of developmental tasks associated with the aging process.
Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to test through Headmaster/D&S Diversified at the school. After passing their boards, graduates can apply to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) in the state of Arizona.
Price: $1,700 – does not include uniform, watch, medical exam, drug test, TB test, or state exam fee.
Address: 1845 E. Broadway Road Suite 114
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: 480.247.9388
URL: https://www.valleyvocational.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day, evening, and weekend classes available in Mesa and Tempe. Accelerated daytime program can be completed in 3 weeks.
East Valley Institute of Technology
The East Valley Institute of Technology offers a Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for a career as a certified nursing assistant. The curriculum covers various subjects such as infection control, communication and interpersonal skills, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, and basic nursing skills. The program provides direct patient care training and instruction in the classroom, lab, and clinical settings.
Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to take the Arizona Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Examination. This certification is a prerequisite for the EVIT Practical Nurse program.
The Nursing Assistant program at EVIT is a hands-on, live learning lab that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the healthcare field. Interested individuals can request more information or schedule a program tour by contacting an enrollment advisor at 480-461-4156. For specific start and end dates, please visit the program information page.
Price: Contact the program for current fees.
Address: 1601 W. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480.461.4000
URL: https://www.evit.com/adult_career_training_programs/nursing_assistant
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Available to both adults and high school students.
Maricopa Community College
Maricopa Community College’s Nurse Assisting program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment as a nurse assistant. The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, clinical laboratory practice, and experiences in long-term care and/or acute care settings. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the written and practical certification examination as required for employment as a nurse assistant.
The program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets the state’s standards for nurse assisting. Through the program, students will learn to safely perform nurse assisting skills, provide holistic care, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. The program also emphasizes the importance of integrating technology and managing information confidentially and ethically.
Whether you’re just starting your healthcare career or looking to advance your skills, Maricopa Community College’s Nurse Assisting program can help you gain the expertise needed to function effectively in the role and within the scope of a nurse assistant.
Price: The program is 2-4.5 credits, fees based on residency status. Check current credit hour costs here.
Address: 2411 W 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: 480.731.8000
URL: https://www.maricopa.edu/degrees-certificates/health-sciences/nurse-assisting-5963n-ccl
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: The program is either 2 or 4.5 credits depending on which course you choose – Nurse Assisting or AP Nurse Assisting.
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute’s Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide certificate program provides students with the necessary training to work as an entry-level nursing assistant or nurse aide. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including clinical topics such as infection control, emergency procedures, and basic nursing skills, as well as professional abilities like communication and interpersonal skills.
Students will learn clinical skills needed to document patient care services, report observations to nursing staff, and assist doctors and nurses with diagnostic procedures and therapeutic treatments. Soft skills like communication, interpersonal connection, compassion, and respect for patients are also emphasized.
With experienced instructors and hands-on training from the first semester, graduates of the program feel confident and prepared for their first day on the job.
Price: $1,700
Address: 957 S Dobson Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 800.477.7462
URL: https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/certificate/nursing-assistant-nurse-aide/
Job Placement: Career services available to students.
Additional Features: CNAs can also pursue a Patient Care Technician (PCT) certification for increased job and pay possibilities. Scholarships and financial aid possibilities for qualifying students.
Western Arizona College
Western Arizona College’s Nursing Assistant program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified or licensed nursing assistants (CNA, LNA). The program prepares students to take the state examination and work under the supervision of nurses to provide high-quality care to patients. The skills learned as a Nursing Assistant can lead to a long-term career in the nursing field.
The program is taught by experienced faculty and staff, including the Director of Allied Health, an RN Program Supervisor, Clinical Facilitators, a Lab Coordinator, and a full-time Administrative Assistant. Part-time clinical faculty are local practicing nurses educated at the MSN and BSN levels. Graduates of the program are eligible for licensing through the Arizona State Board of Nursing as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
The program opens doors to a variety of career and professional options, and academic partnerships provide graduates with a range of degree options in nursing.
Price: $1,250
Address: 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.771.7800
URL: https://www.azwestern.edu/degrees-and-certificates/nursing-assistant
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Limited seats, acceptances based on the order of received application.
Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College’s Nurse Assisting program offers students the opportunity to learn routine patient care tasks in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and skilled care facilities. Under the supervision of practical and registered nurses, Nursing Assistants provide vital support in delivering high-quality nursing care.
Completing the Nurse Assisting program is an essential first step for students aspiring to build a career in the healthcare field. Nursing Assistants perform various duties, including bathing and dressing patients, assisting with personal hygiene, taking vital signs, answering call lights, and transporting patients. Graduates of the program are eligible to work in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and patient homes.
To enroll in the program, students are required to attend an Information/Advising Session and create an application and student ID. The session provides detailed information on enrollment, and students who attend it can meet one-on-one with a Nursing program advisor.
Price: $1,132
Address: 555 N. 18th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602.286.8000
URL: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/nurse-assisting
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 4.5 credit class for those with no experience, 2 credit course available for those with one year of full time employment experience or two years of part-time direct patient care experience.
Haven Health
Haven Health offers a 4-week CNA program that is free of charge for those interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant. The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and provides students with the skills and knowledge required to pass the Arizona State CNA exam.
As students attend classes, they can work as caregivers in Haven Health facilities. Upon completion of the course, students can start working at Haven Health as fully licensed CNAs. The program is available at seven locations in the Phoenix area.
Price: $0
Address: 518 S 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
Phone: 602.254.5921
URL: https://edu.havenhealthaz.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Negative TB test is required for students.
More CNA Classes in Mesa
Our search tool below will help you find even more options for CNA classes near Mesa. No program is a one size fits, and we know that. Whether you’re looking for an accelerated four-week CNA program, online classes, a hybrid learning approach, or traditional in-person CNA classes, we’ll do our best to help you find the right fit for you.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Mesa?
The average salary for CNAs in Mesa is $35,350 per year or $18.44 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This is higher than the Arizona state average of $37,620 and higher than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually.
| CNAs Employed | Avg. Annual Pay | Avg. Hourly Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa/Phoenix Metro | 11,200 | $38,350 | $18.44 |
| Arizona | 16,690 | $37,620 | $18.09 |
| United States | 1,310,090 | $36,220 | $17.41 |
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Mesa?
The cost of CNA courses in Mesa, Arizona can differ based on the institution providing the program. On average, the cost of CNA training in Mesa falls within the range of $1,000 to about $1,800, but additional charges may apply for materials like textbooks, uniforms, and other supplies. It’s important to keep in mind that aspiring CNAs may have access to financial aid options to help cover the cost of tuition. For instance, some schools may offer scholarships, grants, or payment plans, while some employers may also be willing to cover the expense of CNA training for their staff.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Mesa
As of the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, they are approximately 11,140 CNAs working in the Mesa area. As the many people retire in Arizona and the population ages, healthcare demands and needs at nursing homes and long term care facilities will continue. This should set up a very strong job market for CNAs in the Mesa area. View the types of places of employment nurse assistants in the Mesa area are most likely to be working in:
| Industry Type | Mesa Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 3,992 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 3,275 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,193 |
| Home Health Care Services | 708 |
| Employment Services | 330 |
| Individual and Family Services | 307 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 221 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 219 |
| Offices of Physicians | 148 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 136 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 120 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 101 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 100 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 77 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 56 |
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