CNA Classes in Missouri

Missouri is the 18th most populated state in the USA, and with eight other states on its borders, the constant influx of visitors and one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the country means that there is a constant need for healthcare provision. An important part of a successful healthcare industry is Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, and the need for new CNAs in Missouri is stronger now than ever before.

Before employment, it is important that CNAs complete a state-approved certification course of around 175 hours (100 clinical, 75 classroom) and then sit and pass the examination to gain their certification. Only after registration with the state nursing board can they begin their work in the state of Missouri. CNAs from out of state, foreign nurses, and nursing students may be able to take the examination directly and be exempt from the program period.

Missouri CNA Certification Requirements

There are no formal educational requirements to become a CNA in Missouri, though a high school diploma or GED is highly recommended, and institutions may provide a reading and language comprehension test. Other state requirements include:

• Being a minimum of 18 years of age
• Passing a fingerprint clinical background check
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency status
• Positive physical exam results from a doctor
• Negative TB test
• Current immunization record

Missouri CNA Classes & Testing Costs

There are two main approaches to classes as a CNA in Missouri. The first – basic lower-cost CNA program – involves passing the minimum qualifications which will allow you to qualify for your certificate. The price of this can vary on average between $600 – $1200, and there is also the option for nursing homes and hospitals to sponsor classes in exchange for employment. If you are hired by a Medicare/Medicaid provider within a year of certification, you can apply for a prorated refund of your tuition and testing costs. Sites that offer classes in exchange for employment can be found here.

The other option is to undertake a college program, which will usually cost significantly more – a 32 credit program is on average $13000. However, financial aid is usually available for these programs, and the credits are transferable to other nursing programs.

The examination is in two parts – written and practical – and costs a total of $115 for each time you sit it. If failed, you must resit the course.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Missouri

If becoming a CNA in Missouri is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following centers to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. Some of these locations may offer no-cost CNA classes, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions on their curriculum or costs.

CNA Programs in Kansas City, MO 

Medical Education Development and Support (MEDs) Priced at $1,100, this 175-hour course offers payment plans to allow students to spread out the cost of their classes while focusing on the classroom and practical sides of the CNA education. It is an eight-week course designed to get you employed as soon as possible.

Golden Living Centers With a focus on elderly care, these centers are always looking for new and enthusiastic staff to train and add to their rotation. It is a sponsored, condensed class that takes place over a few weeks for 175 hours. Attendance is mandatory from 7am to 8pm five days a week, mimicking the long hours you may need to be able to work on the job.

Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center This is a program designed to bring young adults (17-24) the skills they need to kickstart their medical careers. The course operates at a pace that suits each learner, and as well as getting tuition at no cost, students are provided with living expenses, textbooks, uniforms, and the fee for the tests and certification.

Learn more about CNA classes in Kansas City.

CNA Programs in St Louis, MO

Healthcare Education LLC. This $2,500 program lasts 16 weeks and comprehensively covers the different areas you as a CNA may choose to expand your field. It has options for home health aides, hospital nursing aides, and patient care technicians.

St Louis Community College Nine to ten weeks of classwork offers a full CNA experience which will lead to your preparation for certification. This includes three weeks of hands-on learning time. There are also some financial aid options available.

Learn more about CNA classes in St. Louis.

CNA Programs in Springfield, MO

Ozarks Technical Community College This program meets three times a week and is a hybrid classroom and online course, allowing part of the theory to be taken remotely. The fee for the whole course is $2,555, and this includes uniforms, textbooks, screening fees, testing and certification fees, and other incremental. A fund is also available for those on the food stamps program.

Additional Missouri CNA resources

The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of Missouri, however, the links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in the future after you’ve gained your CNA certification in Missouri.

Missouri Nurse Aide Registry

To contact the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry use the information below:

Missouri Nurse Aide Registry
Div. Of Health & Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-526-5686
FAX: (573) 5267656
Auto: (573) 526-5686
Website

Out of State CNAs

Registering as a CNA in Missouri when you are already active and practicing out of state is a relatively simple process. You simply must send your proof of employment, certification, and social security details to the registry to start the transfer process, then apply to take Missouri’s state exam.

CNA Renewal in Missouri

As long as you have worked eight hours within each 24-month period, your certification can be simply renewed every two years by the Health Board. If you have not met the prerequisite hours, you may be required to undergo the program’s course again. You will definitely have to retake the state examinations.

How much does a CNA make in Missouri?

Like any job, CNA salary varies depending on where in the state you work, in which institution, and in which industry. CNAs working in scientific research will likely earn significantly more than those working in private companies and homes, for example. Those in urban areas are likely to earn more than rural areas, but of course, the cost of living will be higher as a result. On average, the hourly pay for a CNA in Missouri is $13.33, or a yearly salary of $27,720. This is liable to rise as experience and education increase.

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