Arizona CNA Regulation Changes

March 22, 2016 by Nursing Student Services

The Arizona State Board of Nursing Regulatory Model for CNAs Is Changing.

What is the difference between a CNA and a LNA?

Beginning July 1, 2016 a new law created two levels of Nursing Assistants in the state of Arizona. This table will explain the difference between a certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
Successfully complete approved CNA nursing program	Successfully complete approved CNA nursing program
Successfully pass both written & manual examinations	Successfully pass both written & manual examinations
Does not submit fingerprints for criminal background check	Submits fingerprints for criminal background check.
Renews every 2 years in birth month	Renews every 2 years in birth month
Applies for CNA on Registry; No fee	Applies for LNA; Initial application $50; Fingerprint check $50; Each renewal $50
Registry of Nursing Assistant Status: CNA & any substantiated complaints	Registry of Nursing Assistant Status: LNA & any substantiated complaints/disciplinary actions taken
Is not a LNA	Is not a CNA
Limited Jurisdiction; investigated by Board of Nursing only for: Abuse Neglect Misappropriation of property	Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction. Investigated by the Board of Nursing for unprofessional conduct, e.g. impairment, substance use/abuse, boundary issues, exploitation, etc.

Dahn, Janeen. “Fingerprinting: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) vs. Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)”. Arizona State Board of Nursing Regulatory Journal.”12.1(2016):10-12.

ABOUT VALLEY VOCATIONAL ACADEMY

Valley Vocational Academy offers high quality and personalized Medical related Training in Arizona. Located at 1845 E. Broadway, Suite 114, Tempe, AZ our school’s location is easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation and located near many exciting lodging and entertainment options for out of town students. Learn about our Nursing Assistant classes and other services like CPR training at www.valleyvocational.com , call us at 480-247-9388 or stop by and take a tour at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does your Nursing Assistant Program cost?

The Nursing Assistant program is $1275. You can save your spot in class for just $250. There are 2 payment options. Option 1. Full tuition of $1275.00 ($1200 with the payment in full discount) which includes the $250 enrollment fee. Option 2- sign up for 3 month interest fee payment plan.

Do I have to take an admissions exam?

Yes, all Nursing Assistant programs are required to administer an admissions exam to each student.

How do I get to your school?

Valley Vocational Academy is located on the southeast corner of McClintock and Broadway in Tempe, Arizona. Our address is 1845 E Broadway Road Suite 114 Tempe, AZ 85282

How long do I have to complete the course?

You can complete the course in as little as 4 weeks. 3 weeks in the classroom and 1 week at a clinical site.

What kind of jobs can I have as a CNA?

As a CNA you can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, skilled nursing facilities and hospice.

How should I prepare for the first day of class?

You should wear comfortable clothes with socks and closed toed shoes. You can bring your lunch and put in our refrigerator. If you have a TB test and CPR card already, bring those the first day of class.

Where will I complete my clinicals?

You will be assigned a clinical site later on in your course. Clinical hours are performed at local long term care facilities. State board requires a total of 40 clinical hours with at least 20 hours be completed at a long term care facility. Your RN Clinical Instructor will help you meet the requirements to complete your skills training.

How do I register for a class?

Registering online and paying an enrollment fee will save your spot in class. You can also come to the school and register in person. In order to ensure a spot in class, you should register at least a week in advance. We are open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and by appointment. Don’t Wait, Enroll Today!

What makes Valley Vocational Academy different from other CNA schools?

At Valley Vocational Academy we have small class sizes allowing the student to work at a pace that gives them time to practice and perfect their skills and receive the personalized attention they deserve. A distraction free learning environment with comfortable classrooms and skills lab to foster better learning. Registered Nurse owned and operated, with goals for each student to have a successful educational experience. Don’t wait! Enroll Today!

What if I don't have enough to pay the full tuition?

You can set up a no interest payment plan with FACTS/Nelnet and spread your payments over 3 months. State grants may be available for those who meet requirements at AZ Job Connection.

When do I get my certificate?

You will receive your certificate once you have passed the VVA Nursing Assistant course requirements and the State Board of Nursing testing . Enroll Today!

Now that I have passed my boards, what is my next step?

As a reminder, once you have passed your State Board Nursing Assistant Exam, you need to be placed on the CNA Registry. To do this, you must apply with the Arizona State Board of Nursing as either a CNA or an LNA. You will be completing an application by examination, NOT endorsement.
For both CNA and LNA, you must submit your certificate of completion from Valley Vocational Academy and your proof of legal presence document. A list of acceptable documents is available on the Headmaster website and the Arizona State Board of Nursing website. For the LNA you must also submit fingerprints (for a background check) and $100.00.

Here is a step by step guide to assist you:

1. Go to the Arizona Board of Nursing
2. In the box "Apply for an Arizona License or Certificate" double click "AZ Online Nurse Portal"
3. Double click "Create an Account"
4. Click "I Agree" (located in the lower, left corner)
5. Click "Continue" (The box reads, "Do you have or have you ever held a license/certificate with the Arizona State Board of Nursing?" It automatically marks "no")
6. Type your email address
7. Re-type your email address to confirm
8. Check the box "I'm not a robot"
9. Once it verifies that you are not a robot, click "Continue" and follow the prompts.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing does not notify applicants the status of their application. Please log in to your account at the Arizona Board of Nursing to monitor its status.

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