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Nursing Assistant Program

Launch Your Healthcare Career

Healthcare professionals are in high demand, and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a critical role in patient care, rehabilitation, and long-term support services. WATC’s Nursing Assistant Program provides hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings, helping students develop the skills needed to begin a rewarding career in healthcare.

Location: and Regional Healthcare Facilities

Times Offered: Morning and afternoon sessions available


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How to Get Started

Take the first step toward future success. Follow these steps to enroll.

  1. Apply for Admission - Complete 91ÀÏ˾»ú's Application for Early College Program Admission.
  2. Meet with your High School Counselor - Work with your counselor to integrate WATC courses into your schedule. 

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    What You Will Learn

    WATC’s Nursing Assistant Program introduces students to direct patient care, medical terminology, and essential clinical skills through high-tech simulation labs and real-world healthcare settings. Students who complete this program will be prepared to take Arkansas’s Certified Nurse Assistant Exam. This program includes:

    Industry Standards: Students train in an Arkansas-approved CNA curriculum, which prepares them for and entry into the workforce.


    Earn Industry and University Credentials

    Students in WATC’s Nursing Assistant Program can earn university and industry-recognized credentials, including:

    This certification allows graduates to provide essential patient care in healthcare facilities, home health agencies, and nursing homes.


    Continue Your Education at 91ÀÏ˾»ú

    High school students who complete this program can continue at 91ÀÏ˾»ú to earn:

    These degrees open doors to higher-paying positions and career advancement in nursing and healthcare administration.


    Sample Schedule and Course Progression

    This two-year program integrates with your high school schedule, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while earning college credit. Below is a sample schedule of the courses you may take:

    Fall Semester – First Year

    Spring Semester – First Year

    Fall Semester – Second Year

    Spring Semester – Second Year

    Intro to Health Occupations (HLTH 1004)

    Phlebotomy (HLTH 1006)

    Nutrition (NUTR 2325)

    Nurse Assisting (CAN 1006)

    First Aid (HLTH 2953)

    Medical Terminology (HLTH 1473)

    EMR (EMR 1405)

    Health Assessment (HLTH 1003)

    * * This is a sample schedule. Actual course offerings may vary.


    Career Opportunities & Industries

    Graduates of WATC’s Nursing Assistant Program are in high demand across Arkansas’s River Valley, where hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and nursing facilities rely on skilled caregivers to support patient needs.

    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    • Home Health Aide
    • Personal Care Assistant
    • Patient Care Technician

    • Hospitals and Acute Care Facilities
      • Major Employers: Mercy Hospital, Baptist Health
      • Why It’s Important: CNAs assist nurses, monitor patients, and provide essential bedside care in hospital settings.
    • Home Healthcare and Personal Care Services
      • Major Employers: River Valley Primary Care Services, Elite Home Health, Area Agency on Aging
      • Why It’s Important: Many patients require in-home assistance with daily activities, mobility, and medical care.

    • Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities
      • Major Employers: Fianna Hills Nursing and Rehab, Methodist Village, Legacy Health and Rehab
      • Why It’s Important: CNAs provide compassionate care to seniors and individuals needing rehabilitative support.
    • Rehabilitation and Therapy Centers
      • Major Employers: Encompass Health, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Select Specialty Hospital
      • Why It’s Important: CNAs assist therapists, track patient progress, and provide rehabilitative support.