Arizona — The Grand Canyon State
Haven Health offers completely free 5-week CNA training at rural Arizona locations six times per year — with a job offer waiting when you finish. Programs start at $1,200 in Phoenix. Arizona has two CNA levels: CNA and LNA. 15,490 CNAs employed with 11% projected growth.
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets in the Southwest — driven by population growth, a massive retiree community concentrated in Sun City, Scottsdale, and the West Valley, and an aging population that increasingly needs direct care. With 15,490 CNAs currently employed and 11% projected job growth, Arizona's CNA market is strong. The Phoenix metro alone employs 8,600 CNAs — more than half the state total. Programs complete in 3–8 weeks depending on schedule and format.
Arizona classifies nursing assistants into two tiers: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — the entry-level credential — and Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) — an advanced tier with expanded scope of practice. Both are registered on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry managed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Most CNA programs in Arizona train to the CNA level; LNA programs build on CNA training. Out-of-state CNA transfers pay a $50 endorsement fee; out-of-state LNA transfers pay $100 and require 160 documented paid hours in the past 24 months (vs. 8 hours for CNA endorsement). Check which level your employer requires before enrolling.
Program costs & details
Arizona requires a minimum of 120 training hours — above the federal 75-hour minimum. Programs are concentrated in the Phoenix metro (110+ statewide approved programs) with options in Tucson, Flagstaff, and rural communities. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are widely available. Haven Health's free rural program is Arizona's standout deal.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format / Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haven Health — Free CNA Training | Rural Arizona locations statewide | FREE — 6 cohorts per year | 5 weeks (M–F, 5–8 hrs/day) | In-person — job offer available on completion |
| Arizona Medical Training Institute (AMTI) | Mesa, Tempe, Peoria, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson | From $1,200 (payment plans available) | 3 weeks (day) / 6 weeks (evening) / 8 weeks (weekend) | In-person — highest state board pass rates in AZ |
| Moore Medical Training Institute | Phoenix metro | $1,200 (scrubs + stethoscope + CPR included) | 3 weeks (day) / 6 weeks (evening) / 7 weeks (weekend) | In-person — small class sizes, 4-day advanced placement option |
| MedStar CNA Program | Peoria (Phoenix metro) | $1,730 (scrub set + equipment included) | 3 weeks / 6 weeks / 7 weeks | In-person — 80 hrs classroom + 40 hrs clinical |
| Maricopa Community Colleges (GateWay, Mesa, Phoenix) | Phoenix metro | ~$1,200–$1,500 (Financial aid eligible) | 6–12 weeks | In-person — feeds into LPN programs, FAFSA eligible |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | ~$1,000–$1,400 | 6–10 weeks | In-person — Tucson's most accessible community college option |
| Employer-Sponsored Programs | Statewide | FREE (federal requirement) | Varies | On-the-job — facility pays all costs + salary during training |
Haven Health — described as Arizona's premier rural healthcare provider — runs completely free CNA training programs six times per year at their rural Arizona locations. The 5-week intensive course runs Monday–Friday, 5–8 hours per day, and is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Throughout training, participants can apply for positions within Haven Health facilities. Completing the program opens the door to immediate employment as a CNA. If you're in or willing to work in rural Arizona, this is your first call. Search "Haven Health CNA Arizona" for current class dates and locations.
2026 salary data
Arizona CNAs earn a median of $39,920/year ($19.19/hr) — competitive for the Southwest. The honest range is $16–$19/hr for most long-term care positions, with experienced CNAs reaching $20–$22/hr in hospital and memory care settings. Travel CNA contracts reach $18–$25+/hr in rural and shortage areas.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix / Scottsdale | $17–$22/hr | ~$35,360–$45,760 | BLS metro avg $19.90/hr — Banner Health, HonorHealth hub. Scottsdale ALFs pay top of range. |
| Mesa / Chandler / Gilbert | $16–$21/hr | ~$33,280–$43,680 | East Valley — Dignity Health, Banner Desert hub |
| Tucson | $16–$20/hr | ~$33,280–$41,600 | Banner University Medical Center, lower COL than Phoenix |
| Glendale / Peoria / Sun City | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,360–$43,680 | West Valley — large retiree population drives ALF and SNF demand |
| Flagstaff | $18–$23/hr | ~$37,440–$47,840 | Rural shortage premium — Northern Arizona Healthcare |
| Yuma / Prescott / Rural AZ | $18–$25/hr | ~$37,440–$52,000 | Rural shortage areas — travel CNA platforms (Nursa, IntelyCare) reach $25+/hr |
| Memory Care / Hospital (statewide) | $19–$22/hr | ~$39,520–$45,760 | Premium settings — competitive Scottsdale ALFs and Banner hospital units pay top wages |
Sources: TheCNAGuide.com (2026), CNAClasses.com AZ Salary Guide (April 2026), BLS OEWS. The "up to $22/hr" figure reflects experienced CNAs with shift differentials — typical starting range is $16–$19/hr. Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience.
Landing your first job
Financial aid & free options
Your next step
Arizona LPN programs run 12 months and the median LPN salary is $66,720/year — one of the highest in the Southwest. Many Arizona LPN programs require prior CNA or LNA certification for admission, making your CNA the literal gateway to Arizona nursing school.
120 hours minimum. ANACE exam via Headmaster LLP. AZBN registry. 3–12 weeks. Haven Health free rural program or Moore/AMTI from $1,200.
Arizona's advanced CNA tier — expanded scope of practice, higher wages. Build on CNA experience. Many hospitals prefer LNA for certain positions.
Maricopa CC (Mesa, GateWay, Phoenix), Eastern Arizona College, Scottsdale CC. CNA/LNA often required for admission. ~12 months. Median AZ LPN salary: $66,720/year.
ASU, University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, Maricopa CC ADN programs. Median AZ RN salary: $91,430/year — well above national average.
For moms in Arizona