If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) in Arizona, you’re not alone. Caregiving is one of the most rewarding paths you can take, especially in a state like Arizona where the senior population is growing rapidly. Whether you’re just getting started in healthcare or looking for a stable job with meaning, this guide will walk you through the options for training, certification, job prospects, and schools near you. Let’s make this journey easier to understand and less overwhelming.
Training Paths for Caregivers in Arizona
In Arizona, you can train to become a CNA or HHA through a few different types of programs. The most common paths include:
- Public and private colleges
- Vocational and career training schools
- Hybrid or online programs with in-person clinicals
Below, we’ve organized the main school options into two categories to help you see what’s available in Arizona.
Public & Private Colleges in Arizona
These programs are typically found at community colleges or private institutions that offer healthcare career pathways. They tend to be more structured, sometimes include prerequisites, and often offer financial aid or job placement support.
Vocational & Career Schools in Arizona
These programs are often faster and more focused, ideal if you’re looking to start work soon. Many of these are state-approved and can be completed in just a few weeks. They’re great options if you want hands-on training without the full college experience.
CNA vs. HHA in Arizona: What’s the Difference?
While both Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides provide personal care, their training and work settings in Arizona are slightly different.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Must complete a state-approved training program (minimum 120 hours)
- Required to pass the Arizona State Board of Nursing CNA exam
- Registered in the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
- Often work in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities
- Duties include helping patients with daily activities, vital signs, and basic care
Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Typically requires fewer training hours than a CNA (often 75 hours or more, but varies by employer)
- May not require formal certification unless under Medicare/Medicaid programs
- Can work through home care agencies, visiting clients in their homes
- Tasks are similar to CNAs but often include more housekeeping or companionship roles
In Arizona, many HHAs receive dual training through CNA programs or on-the-job training via licensed home health agencies.
What About PCA in Arizona?
In Arizona, Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) provide non-medical support to individuals who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. Unlike CNAs and HHAs, PCAs typically do not perform medical tasks or require formal state certification.
Here’s how PCA roles generally work in Arizona:
- Training: PCAs are usually trained on the job by the employer or through brief internal training programs offered by home care agencies.
- Certification: There is no formal licensing or registry for PCAs in Arizona, unless the employer requires CPR or first aid certification.
- Work Settings: Most PCAs work in private homes, assisted living communities, or as part of a Medicaid-funded care program.
- Who They Work For: PCAs are often employed through non-medical home care agencies or consumer-directed programs where family members can hire their own caregivers.
- PCA vs HHA: Many PCAs do similar work to HHAs, but HHAs typically have more structured training and may be involved in basic health-related tasks (especially under Medicare/Medicaid rules).
If you’re looking to become a PCA in Arizona, this path may be a good fit if:
- You want to get started quickly with minimal upfront costs
- You’re working through a family caregiving program
- You prefer helping with companionship and household support rather than medical tasks
However, if you want broader job options and better pay, you might consider upgrading your skills to a CNA or HHA through a short training program.
Job Outlook and Salary in Arizona (as of August 2025)
Arizona continues to see a growing demand for elder care professionals. With an aging population and many retirees moving to the state, CNA and HHA positions remain essential.
- CNA Salary: The average salary for CNAs in Arizona is around $37,400 per year, with experienced CNAs earning over $42,000 annually.
- HHA Salary: Home Health Aides earn slightly less on average, around $34,200 per year, depending on the area and employer.
- High Demand Areas: Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale show the highest demand for caregiver roles, especially in skilled nursing and home care settings.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security projects continued growth in both roles through 2030, with thousands of new job openings expected each year.
How to Get Licensed or Certified in Arizona
If you’re training to become a CNA or HHA in Arizona, here’s a quick summary of the steps you’ll need to follow:
Steps to Become a CNA in Arizona
- Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program
- Complete at least 120 hours of training (80 classroom + 40 clinical)
- Pass the Arizona CNA competency exam (written and skills test)
- Apply for placement on the Arizona Nurse Aide Registry
- Renew certification every 2 years (with required work hours)
Steps to Become an HHA in Arizona
- If working under Medicare/Medicaid:
- Complete at least 75 hours of training
- Pass a competency evaluation
- Work for a licensed home health agency
- If not under federal programs, HHAs may be trained directly by the agency and do not always require formal certification
- Arizona does not have a separate state registry for HHAs
If you’re unsure which path is right for you, starting with a CNA program gives you more flexibility and formal recognition across more job types.
Ready to Begin? Choose a School and Start Training
Whether you’re drawn to the clinical route as a CNA or prefer helping people in their homes as an HHA, Arizona has a solid network of training programs to help you get started. Think about what kind of environment you’d like to work in, how fast you want to finish training, and what kind of support you might need along the way.
Many schools offer payment plans, job placement, or even fast-track classes. It’s okay to call around, ask questions, and find the one that fits your schedule and goals. With the demand for caregivers growing every year, it’s a great time to begin a career that truly makes a difference.
Disclaimer
Training requirements, program costs, and licensing rules may change. Please contact the school or Arizona State Board of Nursing for the most accurate and up-to-date information before enrolling.
Sources
- Arizona State Board of Nursing: https://www.azbn.gov
- Arizona Nurse Aide Registry: https://azbn.gov/nursing-assistant
- Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (Job Projections): https://www.azcommerce.com/oeo
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov
- Individual Training Providers: Refer to each program’s official website listed in the tables above