Why Be a CNA?
Nursing Assistant classes are the perfect way to obtain the basic medical knowledge and gain a jump-start on a health-related career. CNAs care for individuals in all stages of life. Successful completion of the program positions graduates for employment in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, or other medical facility. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for the Arkansas State CNA exam. BRTC is a Headmaster testing site so students do not have to travel to take their state exams.
2024 CNA Class Schedules
Please contact Dana Clay to set up your entrance exam, passing exam will be mandatory. There is no fee for exam.
New students or those that have not attended BRTC within the last 12 months must also apply to BRTC. Click here to do so.
Pocahontas Campus
Fall 2024 Class Schedule
- 5-Week Class: Class will run August 26, 2024 to September 25th, 2024, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Thursday, 2-clinical days will run 6:45 am to 3:15 pm on Sat/Sun.
- 8-Week Class: Class will run October 14, 2024 to December 16th, 2024, 12:30 am to 3:15 pm Monday-Friday, 2-clinical days will run 6:45 am to 3:15 pm on Sat/Sun.
Paragould Campus
Summer 2024 Class Schedule
- 5-Week Class: Class will run July 1, 2024 to July 31st, 2024, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Thursday, clinical days will run 6:45 am to 3:15 pm.
Fall 2024 Class Schedule
- 5-Week Class: Class will run August 19, 2024 to September 18th, 2024, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Thursday, 2-clinical days will run 6:45 am to 3:15 pm on Sat/Sun.
- 8-Week Class: Class will run October 14, 2024 to December 16th, 2024, 8:00 am to 10:45 am Monday-Friday, 2-clinical days will run 6:45 am to 3:15 pm on Sat/Sun.
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. https://www.
Prospective students will be required to:
- Pass an entrance exam with a 70% or higher. Contact Dana Clay to schedule.
Upon acceptance, students will be required to:
- Register for Black River Technical College and complete all entrance requirements, including college placement test.
- Provide proof of Tetanus vaccine, current flu vaccine and negative Tuberculosis test or chest x-ray.
- Provide state drivers license or photo ID, Social Security Number and home address.
- Complete the Child Maltreatment Reporter Training (www.ar.mandatedreporter.org).
- Pass drug screen(s).
Class size is limited to 24 students.
Students are required to attend the scheduled orientation. Acceptance letters are handed out when 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.
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.
For more information about the nursing assistant program, contact the following:
Haley Simmons, RN, Director of Program and Pocahontas CNA Instructor
haley.simmons@blackrivertech.edu
870-248-4000, Ext. 4115
Andrea Ellis, RN, Paragould CNA Instructor
Andrea.ellis@blackrivertech.edu
870-239-0969, Ext. 5045
Dana Clay, Allied Health Academic Advisor
danac@blackrivertech.edu
870-248-4000, Ext. 4150
Students that complete the Certificate of Proficiency in both Phlebotomy and Nursing Assistant also qualify for a Certificate in Proficiency for Patient Care Tech.
Updated 06.04.2024 DC