Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Home Health Aide
Program Overview
This course focuses on safe and effective functioning when providing client care in the health care setting and/or the home environment. Emphasis is placed upon assisting clients with daily living and performing fundamental skills. These skills include checking and recording blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, performing bathing, hygiene and toileting, bed making, utilizing proper body mechanics, providing mobility, meal service and the proper usage of assistive devices, wheelchairs and lifters.
- Acceptance Procedure
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Classes are admitted during registration each semester. Class size is limited. Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be admit-ted based on the date registration is completed.
All applicants shall have equal opportunity regardless of race, disability, sex, creed, religion, or nationality.
Applicants with special needs due to disability must make this fact known prior to admission so that necessary accommodations can be made. Because of the nature of the profession, it may not always be possible to accommodate students with severe disabilities.
Upon acceptance to the program, individuals are required to submit the following information prior to beginning classes and going to clinical site:
Functional Ability Acknowledgement Form P.P.D. Skin Test or Chest X-Ray Hepatitis B Series or Signature on SEARK College Vaccination Waiver Claim Form.Random drug screening may be utilized at any time during the course of the program at the student‘s expense. Process must be completed NO Later than 2-Weeks after classes begin.
The Office of Long Term Care administers the Long-Term Care Criminal Record Check program. This program requires certain long-term care employees to undergo criminal record checks prior to employment in a long-term care facility. Conviction of certain specified crimes may result in being permanently barred from working in a long-term care facility. Conviction of certain crimes could also result in the student not being allowed to participate in required clinical time at long-term care facilities.
- Criminal Background Check (done at students’ expense)
- Flu shot
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Completion Awards
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Certificate of Proficiency: Nursing Assistant
Certificate of Completion: Home Care Aide - Accreditation
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Southeast Arkansas College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
- Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records
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In Arkansas, individuals convicted of certain serious offenses are generally ineligible for professional licensure. These offenses include crimes like murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, arson, and various forms of abuse. However, there are exceptions:
- Waivers: Applicants with disqualifying convictions can request a waiver for licensure. Factors such as the age of the offender at the time of the crime, the time passed since the offense, work history, and the nature of the offense are considered.
- Time-Limited Disqualification: If the conviction was not for a violent or sexual offense, and no other crimes have been committed in the last five years, individuals may be eligible for licensure after the disqualification period.
- Permanent Disqualification: Certain severe crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, result in permanent ineligibility for licensure.
- Emergency Actions: Licensing entities can take emergency action against license holders when public safety is at risk.
These regulations ensure that criminal history is carefully considered in professional licensure decisions while allowing for opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances under specific circumstances.
View Arkansas Law ACA §17-3-102 (PDF) here.
View more information on Licensing at the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.
- Criminal Background Checks for Nursing Licensure
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In Arkansas, all first-time applicants for nursing licenses must undergo a state and national criminal background check as part of the licensure process. This includes:
- Background Check Process: Applicants must submit to a background check conducted by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI, including fingerprinting. They are responsible for any associated fees.
- Notification and Consent: Nursing educational programs must inform applicants about this requirement. Applicants must also sign a release for the board to receive the results.
- Temporary Permit: Applicants can receive a nonrenewable temporary permit to practice nursing while waiting for background check results. The permit is valid for up to six months.
- Confidentiality: The results of the background check are confidential and only accessible by the applicant or their authorized representative. The Arkansas State Police maintains custody of the records.
- Next Generation Identification: The board may participate in programs to receive notifications of arrests after the initial background check, and applicants may be enrolled in a system to avoid re-fingerprinting.
This process ensures that applicants meet both state and federal standards for licensure while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
View Arkansas Code §17-87-312 (PDF) here.
View the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Website on Background Checks here.
- Program Cost (Expenses)
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Program Cost and Classroom Supply List (7 Credit Hours)
Tuition and Fees Cost per Unit Total Cost Accuplacer Next Gen Test Fee $15.00 $15.00 In-State Tuition $120.00 per credit hour $840.00 Arkansas Assessment Fee $5.00 per semester $5.00 College Services Fee $10.00 per credit hour $70.00 Technology Fee $15.00 per credit hour $105.00 Infrastructure Fee $8.00 per credit hour $56.00 Security Fee $5.00 per credit hour $35.00 Science/Lab Fee $35.00 per course $35.00 Internet Fee $35.00 per course $35.00 Professional Fee* $25.00 per credit hour $175.00 Student Activity Fee $20 per credit hour $140.00 Malpractice Insurance $13.50 $13.50 Background Check and Drug Screen* $125.00 $125.00 Total Cost $1,649.50 *For Health Professions
Other Required Expenses
Expense Total Cost Textbook $35.00 Workbook $15.00 Total $50.00
For more information contact:
Angela Sites, Admin Specialist lll
Phone: 870-543-5934
Email: asites@seark.edu