Frequently Asked Questions

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION 

A Nursing Assistant (NA) is an important member of a healthcare team, who performs routine tasks within hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Their role in performing basic patient care assists the licensed staff, including registered and practical nurses, in providing quality nursing to the patient. Typical patient-care duties include, but are not limited to, bathing and dressing patients, helping with personal hygiene, taking vital signs, answering call lights, transporting patients, servicing and collecting food trays and feeding patients. Working as an NA can possibly be the first step that leads to other opportunities in the healthcare field. 

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

PVCC offers a comprehensive NA Program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the student is eligible to take the AZBN certifying exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Upon successfully passing the exam, the individual will be a CNA and may choose to go directly to work or continue to pursue education opportunities in other healthcare careers.

Information on the AZBN application process is available at https://www.azbn.gov. The certifying exam is administered by state certified evaluators and students may take the exam scheduled at specified testing centers. The fee for this exam is payable to the state evaluators. For additional information visit: http://hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/arizona/AZ_CNA_Home.htm

AZBN has 2 levels of nursing assistant:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Upon passing the required exams and providing proof of legal residence, all qualified persons testing after July 1, 2016 will be listed on the CNA Registry without an additional application to AZBN and can use the initials “CNA.”
•  Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA): In addition to the requirements to be on the CNA Registry, an LNA applicant must submit a separate application to the AZBN with fingerprints and pay a $100 fee ($50 for the application and $50 for a one-time fingerprint background check). If the applicant meets Board requirements, the Board will license the applicant as an LNA and the applicant can use the initials “LNA.” Applications for LNA are available on the Board’s website: www.azbn.gov.

Like many programs, there are costs a student is expected to pay upfront and should be kept in mind. A list of items can be found on Books and Supplies; however, an overall estimated breakdown is as follows:

Estimated Cost for the Nursing Assistant Program *

* Costs subject to change. Credit cost subject to change by the Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit /students/tuition-and-fees for further details.

Please visit the Nurse Assisting page for all required steps to apply

To review all of the items that must be submitted to apply for the NA, please review the Nursing Assistant Handbook. It outlines the required Health and Safety Requirements, as well as Test Scores, Essential Functions, and Drug Screening.

The NA Program is in high demand and seats fill up fast. Find a Class is not immediately updated and can show seats available even if the last one just got filled. It is always best to follow up with the NA Program Advisor or PVCC’s Enrollment Services. However, if it is past the deadline and you have not submitted your application, enrollment will not be permitted.

Talk to an Academic Advisor to ensure that you are on the right path when it comes to courses for the Nursing Program.

Not sure NA is the way to go? Discuss your educational plans with a PVCC Career Counselor to ensure this program meets your employment and career goals.

To receive a printout confirmation of immunizations:

• You can contact your medical provider.
• You can also request your records from the State of Arizona Department of Health Services. Note: if you received your Immunizations in another state, you will have to contact that state’s Department of Health Services.
• Lastly, you can also meet the Health and Safety Requirements by completing the immunizations again.

No. Clinical rotations are decided based on facility availability offered by our clinical partners. These can change each semester. Students are placed randomly.

Once you have completed the NUR158 Nurse Assistant Program, you can apply for your Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nurse Assisting at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). For steps on how to receive your CCL, please visit PVCC’s Admissions and Records Office for instructions.