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How to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Missouri

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(found 100 schools, updated in August 2017)

Becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant in Missouri is an excellent way to start a rewarding healthcare career. A CNA has important job responsibilities in the delivery of basic nursing care services to patients and residents of long-term care facilities. The Certified Nurse Assistant works under the supervision of the Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse on duty, serves as the liaison between clients and medical professionals and plays a major role in helping clients achieve the highest quality of life.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 7 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Missouri
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Missouri
  • Get Certification in Nearby States

Find Certified Nurse Assistant Schools Near You

7 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Missouri

Step 1: Review the Options to Achieve CNA Registry Listing

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services oversees the Certified Nurse Assistant training and certification requirements, and maintains the Missouri State Nursing Assistant Registry. A new CNA will have to complete state-approved training and take a state examination in order to be listed in the Registry.




However, there are several other paths eligible individuals can choose among to achieve Registry listing. When an individual challenges the CNA exam, it means the person wants to take the Challenge Exam rather than complete a full training program which includes examination.

Nursing Students and Graduates

Nursing students enrolled in a professional RN or LPN education program for at least four months, or those who have taken and passed a Fundamentals of Nurse Course within the last five years, can challenge the examination.

Graduates of RN or LPN programs who failed to pass the state licensing exam can challenge the CNA exam.

CNAs from Other States

Out of state Certified Nursing Assistants who are in good standing on other state CNA registries can challenge the Missouri CNA exam. The person must be able to provide employer verification that he or she worked at least eight hours in every two years from certification. Verification is not needed if the out-of-state Registry has tracked employment.

Out of Country Nurse Graduates

Students who completed a nursing program in another country can apply to challenge the Missouri competency examination. The applicant will first have to complete the orientation module of the CNA training course. The module covers topics like patient rights and safety.

Other Individuals

Individuals who trained in acute care units of medical facilities hospitals as nursing assistants can complete the orientation module of the CNA training course and show proof of completing 100 hours of training in a long-term care facility to be eligible to challenge the final examination. The same is true for individuals who trained as psychiatric aides.

An individual who trained in a long-term care unit of a hospital and has been working in the unit for at least 12 months can challenge the final examination. It is necessary to first take and pass the training unit on resident rights and the care of confused residents.

A person can only take the CNA Challenge Exam after the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services gives approval via a Permission to Challenge letter. The letter is good for four months.

Step 2: Evaluate CNA Program Options

There are 100 state-approved Certified Nurse Assistant programs in Missouri that are offered in a large variety of educational facilities. They include technical centers, community colleges, technology academies, private agencies, hospitals, universities, and job training centers. They are offered in large cities and nonmetropolitan areas, so anyone interested in becoming a CNA in Missouri can find a local or nearby training program. The data is updated in August 2017.

Find Local CNA Classes in Missouri

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CityCountyProgram ProviderPhone
ArnoldJeffersonJefferson College - Imperial
www.jeffco.edu
(636) 797-3000
BethanyHarrisonNorth Central Career Center
website
(660) 425-2196
BolivarPolkBolivar Technical College
www.bolivarcollege.org
(417) 777-5062
Bonne TerreSt FrancoisUniTec Career Center
website
(573) 358-3011
BoonvilleCooperBoonslick Technical Education Center
website
(660) 882-5306
BrookfieldLinnLinn County Area Career and Technical Center
website
(660) 258-2682
Cape GirardeauCape GirardeauCape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
ctcnew.capetigers.com
(573) 334-0826
CarrolltonCarrollCarrollton Area Career Center
website
(660) 542-0000
CarthageJasperCarthage Technical Center
ctc-carthage-mo.schoolloop.com
(417) 359-7026
CassvilleBarryCrowder College
website
(417) 847-1706
ChesterfieldSt LouisCNA Training Academy LSS Center(314) 262-8236
ChillicotheLivingstonGrand River Technical School
grts.org
(660) 646-3414
ClintonHenryClinton Technical School
www.clintoncardinals.org
(660) 885-6101
ColumbiaBooneJob Point(573) 474-8560
ColumbiaBooneColumbia Area Career Center
career-center.org
(573) 214-3800
CottlevilleSt CharlesSt Charles County Community College
www.stchas.edu
(636) 922-8284
DoniphanRipleyCurrent River Area Vocational Technical School(573) 996-2915
EldonMillerEldon Career Center
website
(573) 392-8060
EoliaPikePike-Lincoln Technical Center(573) 485-2900
Excelsior SpringClayExcelsior Springs Area Career Center
excelsiorscc.ss9.sharpschool.com
(816) 630-9240
FentonSt LouisSt Louis College of Health Careers
www.saintlouishealthcareers.com
(636) 529-0000
FlorissantSt Louis CityYeatman Community Education Center(314) 261-8134
HannibalMarionMoberly Area Community College
www.macc.edu
(660) 263-5865
HannibalMarionHannibal Career and Technical Center
www.hannibal.tec.mo.us
(573) 221-4430
HarrisonvilleCassCass Career Center
website
(816) 380-3253
HaytiPemiscotPemiscot County Career & Technology Center
website
(573) 359-2601
HillsboroJeffersonJefferson College
www.jeffco.edu
(636) 942-3000
HoustonTexasTexas County Technical College
www.texascountytech.edu
(417) 967-5466
IndependenceJacksonMEDS-Medical Education Development and Support, Inc
www.medskc.com
(816) 373-6337
IndependenceJacksonUniversity of Central Missouri
www.ucmo.edu
(660) 422-8377
IndependenceJacksonMetropolitan Community College - Blue River
www.mcckc.edu
(816) 604-4022
IndependenceJacksonFort Osage Career & Technical Center
www.fortosage.netctc
(816) 650-7180
IrontonIronArcadia Valley Career Technology Center
www.avr2.org
(573) 546-9700
Jefferson CityColeMissouri Association of Nursing Home Administrators
www.mlnha.org
(573) 634-5345
Jefferson CityColeNichols Career Center
www.jcschools.us/jcschools
(573) 659-3100
JoplinJasperFranklin Technology Center
ftc.joplinschools.org
(417) 625-5260
Kansas CityJacksonUniversity of Central Missouri
www.ucmo.edu
(660) 441-2484
Kansas CityJacksonUniversity of Central Missouri - Paseo
www.ucmo.edu
(660) 422-8377
Kansas CityJacksonExcelsior Springs Job Corp(816) 861-2353
Kansas CityJacksonPenn Valley Community College(816) 604-4022
KennettDunklinKennett Career & Technology Center
www.kennett.k12.mo.us
(573) 717-1123
KirksvilleAdairKirksville Area Technical Center
website
(660) 665-2865
LamarBartonLamar Career & Technical Center
website
(417) 682-3384
Lees SummitJacksonMetropolitan Community College Longview
mcckc.edu
(816) 604-4022
Lee's SummitJacksonSummit Technology Academy
sta.lsr7.org
(816) 986-3410
Lee's SummitJohnsonUniversity of Central Missouri
www.ucmo.edu
(660) 422-8377
LexingtonLafayetteLex La-Ray Technical Center
www.lexlaray.com
(660) 259-2264
LouisburgDallasDallas County Career Center
www.bisonpride.org
(417) 752-3491
MaconMaconMacon R-1 Vo-Tech School
www.macon.k12.mo.us
(660) 385-2158
MarshallSalineSaline County Career Center
website
(660) 886-6958
MaryvilleNodawayNorthwest Technical School
www.nts.maryville.k12.mo.us
(660) 562-4181
MexicoAudrainMoberly Area Community College - ATC
www.atc.org
(573) 582-0817
MexicoAudrainDavis H Hart Career Center
hartcareercenter.org
(573) 581-5684
MoberlyRandolphMoberly Area Community College
www.macc.edu
(660) 263-4100
MonettBarryScott Regional Technology Center
monett.srtc.schoolfusion.us
(417) 235-7022
MonettLawrenceCrowder College
www.crowder.edu
(417) 455-5537
Mountain GroveWrightOzark Mountain Technical Center
mg.k12.mo.us/omtc
(417) 926-3177
NeoshoNewtonCrowder College Technical Education Center
www.crowder.edu
(417) 455-5596
NevadaVernonCrowder College
www.crowder.edu
(417) 667-0518
NevadaVernonNevada Regional Technical Center
website
(417) 448-2090
New MadridNew MadridNew Madrid Technical Skills Center(573) 688-2161
Osage BeachMillerColumbia College - Lake of the Ozarks
www.ccis.edu
(573) 348-6463
OzarkGreeneHealth Systems SSI Training Center(417) 551-7066
PerryvillePerryPerryville Area Career and Technology Center
website
(573) 547-7500
PinevilleMcDonaldCrowder College
www.crowder.edu
(417) 235-7050
Platte CityPlatteNorthland Career Center
website
(816) 858-5505
Poplar BluffButlerPoplar Bluff Technical Career Center
www.poplarbluffschools.net
(573) 785-2248
PuxicoStoddardMingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
mingo.jobcorps.gov
(573) 222-3537
RaytownJacksonHerndon Career Center
herndon.raytownschools.org
(816) 268-7140
RaytownJacksonAssumpta Allied Health Career Center(816) 737-3575
Reed SpringsStoneGibson Technical Center
gt.rs-wolves.com
(417) 272-3271
RollaPhelpsRolla Technical Institute
website
(573) 458-0150
SedaliaPettisState Fair Community College (Online)
www.sfccmo.edu
(660) 596-9275
SikestonScottSikeston Career and Technology Center
ct.sikestonr6.org
(573) 472-5442
SpringfieldGreeneOzarks Technical Community College
www.otc.edu
(417) 447-8882
SpringfieldGreeneCox College
www.coxhealth.com
(417) 269-7134
SpringfieldGreeneBryan University
bryanu.edu
(417) 862-5700
St CharlesSt CharlesLewis & Clark Career Center
website
(636) 946-7726
St JosephBuchananHillyard Technical Center
website
(816) 671-4170
St LouisSt LouisClyde C Miller Career Academy
www.slps.org/Domain/2185
(314) 371-0394
St LouisSt LouisHealthcare Education, LLC
www.healthcareeducationllc.com
(314) 653-8863
St LouisSt LouisSouth Technical School Adult Education
southtechnical.org
(314) 989-7452
St LouisSt LouisSt Louis Job Corps
stlouis.jobcorps.gov
(314) 679-8111
St LouisSt LouisSt Louis Comm College Forest Park
www.stlcc.edu/FP
(314) 644-9272
St LouisSt LouisDaruby School(314) 454-6933
St LouisSt LouisSt Louis Community College - MET Center
www.metcenterstl.com
(314) 539-5779
St LouisSt LouisSt Louis College Of Health Careers/Metro
www.saintlouishealthcareers.com
(314) 652-0300
St LouisSt Louis CityInternational Institute of St Louis
www.iistl.org
(314) 773-9090
St LouisSt Louis CityMade Whole Health Technology Service, LLC
www.mymadewholehealth.net
(314) 533-1717
St LouisSt Louis CityWalbridge Community Education Center
www.slps.org
(314) 261-8282
St LouisSt Louis CityBKA Medical Training Center Corp
www.bkatraining.org
(314) 459-0374
UnionFranklinEast Central College
www.eastcentral.edu
(636) 584-6529
VandaliaAudrainSalt River Vocational School(573) 594-6686
WarrensburgJohnsonWarrensburg Area Career Center
wacc.warrensburgr6.org
(660) 747-2283
WarrensburgJohnsonPreferred Futures Healthcare Academy (Online)
website
(660) 422-8377
WarrensburgJohnsonUniversity of Central Missouri
www.ucmo.edu
(660) 422-8377
WaynesvillePulaskiWaynesville Career Center
www.waynesville.k12.mo.us
(573) 842-2500
Webb CityJasperCrowder College
www.crowder.edu
(417) 673-2345
West PlainsHowellMissouri State University
www.missouristate.edu
(417) 255-7247
West PlainsHowellSouth Central Career Center
www.zizzers.org/Domain/8
(417) 256-6152

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CNA Program Length

CNA classes in Missouri are structured in various ways. For example, Medical Education Development & Support, Inc. in Independence offers an eight-week CNA training program. It consists of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of direct client care training. The Franklin Technology Center in Joplin offers a state-approved Certified Nurse Aide program, but it is a full semester long (approximately 12 weeks). The program also consists of 75 hours of classroom study and 100 hours of clinical training. However, the school also periodically offers a fast track session which requires a much shorter time frame to complete.

Some of the factors to consider when reviewing school or program options are:

  • Ability to meet prerequisites
  • Location
  • Class and clinical training schedule, i.e. day or evening classes
  • Length of the training program
  • When the next program begins
  • Program costs

Most locations in Missouri have CNA training programs offered in multiple facilities.

Step 3: Evaluate CNA Program Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees can vary widely from school to school. For example, Cox College in Springfield charges $1,600 for a six-week program which includes tuition, acceptance fee, drug screen, certification exam and criminal background check. Above and beyond this amount, the student will have to pay for textbooks, uniforms and supplies. Franklin Technology Center in Joplin charges $750 for tuition and fees. Nurse Aide students must pay separately for their uniforms, exam fees and supplies.

Financial Aid

Some schools in Missouri offer financial aid opportunities. State Fair Community College encourages students to apply for financial aid or A+ scholarship funding. The reason is that the school offers several options they call “stackable certificates and degrees.” Students who choose the Associate of Applied Science in Health Care Specialist with Emphasis in Nurse Aide may qualify for federal and state grants and loans. The other two options are a Skills Certificate in Nurse Aide and a Professional Certificate in Nurse Aide. They are certificate programs, and only state or private funding options, like scholarships, are possible sources of funding.

Free or Low-Cost Training

Sometimes colleges partner with the state Training and Employment Agency to provide free or low-cost CNA training. For example, Saint Louis Community College-MET partnered with the Saint Louis Agency on Training and Employment to offer a no cost eight-week CNA training program. Another way to get free training is to get a job with a nursing home or long-term care facility within 12 months of completing training and passing the CNA certification exam. The employer will reimburse employees for training program costs.

In addition, a person can work in a state-approved nursing home or long-term care facility for up to four months with being certified. The employer will pay all training costs, but the person will not be able to continue working after four months until certified.

Step 4: Meet CNA Program Prerequisites

There are always prerequisites to meet in order to enroll in a CNA training program in Missouri. They will vary to some degree, but usually include the following as a minimum:

  • Copy of High School diploma or transcripts, or GED document
  • Be at least a certain age, i.e. 16-18 years old
  • Achieve eighth-grade level on a Basic Education Skills Test
  • Show proof of appropriate immunizations for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
  • Show proof of vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella
  • Show proof of current flu shot
  • Show proof of TB test
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass a drug test

In Missouri, a student under the age of 18 but at least 16 years old can enroll in a CNA training program only if he or she is taking a high school health occupation course and can pass a criminal background check. Otherwise Certified Nurse Assistant students must be at least 18 years old.

Step 5: Complete Missouri CNA Training

A Missouri state-approved CNA training program requires a minimum of 175 hours of attendance. There are 75 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of clinical training. The student is not considered as having completed the CNA course until a two-part examination is completed.

Didactic (classroom) and clinical training includes topics like the following:

  • Infection control
  • Lifting, moving and ambulation of clients
  • Assisting with a bedpan, urinal, commode or toilet
  • Taking and recording temperature, respiration, pulse and blood pressure
  • Feeding, dressing and grooming clients
  • Client safety and personal protection
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Skin care
  • Handwashing
  • Assisting with range of motion to upper and lower extremities
  • Bed making
  • Promoting resident independence
  • Resident rights
  • Caring for mentally confused residents
  • Legal and ethical responsibilities
  • Death and dying
  • Mental health and social needs of residents

Step 6: Take and Pass the CNA Certification Exam

Once the didactic and clinical training is completed, state law requires the person to take the CNA certification exam within six months of completing training. The two-part CNA exam consists of written and skills tests, and both parts must be passed. Testing is administered at approved training agencies which include nursing and long-term care facilities, vocational technical schools and community colleges. Usually, the student is able to take the final exam where training was completed.

The written part of the examination is a multiple-choice test which asks questions about theory and knowledge gained during the classroom training. There are 50 questions, and the applicant must get at least 40 out of 50 questions right (80 percent). The skills part of the examination requires the student to perform nine skills in front of an evaluator. The hands-on skills are those learned in the laboratory and clinical training sessions.

If an applicant does not pass either part of the exam, he or she is allowed to retake the part failed two more times. The retesting has to be completed within 90 days of the first failure. Otherwise, it will be necessary to retrain and take the full certification exam again.

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Step 7: Get Active Nurse Assistant Registry Listing

Once a nurse aide student completes a full training course consisting of theory classes, clinical training and the two-part final exam, his or her name is sent to the Missouri State Nursing Assistant Registry by the training facility. CNA certification in Missouri is valid for two years.

How to Keep CNA Certification Active

Nursing assistants must renew CNA certification every two years (24 months) to maintain an active Registry listing. The CNA must work as a nurse aide for at least one eight-hour shift during the 24-month certification period in order to renew.

When CNA certification is inactive, the person’s name is removed from the Registry listing. If unemployed as a CNA for less than five years, the applicant can challenge the final examination. If the person passes the challenge exam, his or her name is added back to the CNA Registry. After five years of CNA unemployment, it is necessary to complete a full training course and pass the competency examination.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Missouri

The average annual salary for Certified Nurse Assistant in Missouri is $24,690 which equates to $11.87 per hour. The federal projections show an expected 10.6 percent increase in the number of CNA jobs in the state for the period 2014-2024. | See Job Openings

Individuals who meet certification requirements can work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). The CNA can work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and as a private duty CNA.

CNA Salaries in Missouri

MO CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Missouri3946011.87246901.08.6611.3715.53180002365032310
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL73012.09251403.68.6711.4215.42180302375032080
Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area275010.24212902.08.239.9413.22171302068027490
Columbia, MO106011.94248202.58.5111.5216.05177002396033390
Jefferson City, MO146013.04271208.08.5612.9518.11178002693037660
Joplin, MO96011.09230702.38.6410.8014.32179702247029790
Kansas City, MO-KS1198012.98270101.110.2112.7816.24212402658033790
North Missouri nonmetropolitan area247010.46217602.48.2910.1413.61172402110028310
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area354010.52218904.78.169.4413.46169801963028000
Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area101010.66221702.28.3610.4213.82173902167028750
Springfield, MO354011.23233602.18.5710.8314.83178202253030840
St. Joseph, MO-KS88010.15211104.88.099.4313.43168401961027920
St. Louis, MO-IL1854012.33256501.49.6011.7315.67199602440032590

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