Get CNA Certified in Missouri
Want to become a CNA in Missouri?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026, and St. Louis has the highest level of employment in the state with 20,000 registered nurse aids.
Salary:
Certified Nurse Assistants in Missouri average at $14/hour, but the top 10% of the state’s nurse aids earn $40,000 with increasing benefits.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Missouri? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Missouri.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
A CNA is a Certified Nurse Aide, or a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs are fully responsible for the general care of patients. CNAs help patients with daily activities, such as brushing their teeth, eating, and recording a pulse. It is one of the most important roles on the healthcare team because a CNA contributes to the daily quality of life for a patient. CNAs must graduate from school and pass a state exam to be certified and eligible to work.
CNA Requirements in Missouri
Be at least 18 years old
Be in good physical health
Up-to-date immunization records
Pass a criminal background check
Graduate from a Certified Nursing Assistant School in Missouri
Pass the State Exam
Register as a Certified CNA
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How to Become a CNA in Missouri
To start a CNA training program, you need to be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 years old if enrolled in a high school program. There is no minimum education requirement for nurse aides such as a high school diploma or a GED. Trainees with specific criminal convictions will not be allowed to practice as a CNA.
For those that have enrolled in an RN or LPN program and have successfully completed courses with clinical rotation or active CNAs from other states may be qualified to take the Missouri CNA Challenge, which offers candidates to opt-out of the CNA training program to take the CNA certification exam. Individuals meeting the set requirements must mail a written request, along with copies of their social security card, to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Attn: Health Education Unit
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
If applicable, a letter of approval from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services will confirm your acceptance of the CNA Challenge.
For those that require CNA training, you will need to find accredited CNA classes in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services approves nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs, and has a list of approved in-service education programs. Each program must include a total number of 175 training hours, including 75 classroom hours and 100 hands-on training hours at a nursing facility. The majority of these programs can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. You can find local CNA classes near you as well as CNA classes online.
The program can be completed in 6-15 weeks, although there are some accelerated programs that offer 4-week CNA classes as well. Students are under direct supervision during training and their program instructors must be licensed for nursing in Missouri, have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, and must have either completed a course on how to teach adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults or supervising nurse aides.
Once the training is complete, you are eligible to apply for CNA certification, which allows you to sign up to take the official CNA examination. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior services also offers a list of certified agencies to complete the CNA certification exam.
Below you can also find city-specific information within Missouri on how to become a CNA:
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A typical CNA program in Missouri will include 75 hours of classroom training before administering direct care for patients. Introductory hours consist of communication, infection control, patients’ rights, and safety procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Interpersonal Skills
Anatomy
CPR/First Aid
Mental Health
Cognitive Impairment
Workplace Safety
Personal Care & Hygiene
Infection Control
Fire and Evacuation Procedures
Restorative Services
Patients’ Rights
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. For example, the American Red Cross program costs $1,300. However, these fees do not include classroom materials, uniforms, or textbooks. Some facilities, such as adult education centers, and nursing homes, offer free CNA classes, while others accept financial aid and payment plans. You can also apply for your employer to reimburse your training or supplement your certification with on-the-job training.
The CNA Test in Missouri
Missouri requires all candidates to take the CNA certification exam within six months of completing training. The CNA state exam is distributed by Prometric and they provide a multitude of information to help you succeed in the examination process, including a free CNA practice test, applications, and test site locations and times.
The CNA test in Missouri is comprised of 2 portions: a written (or oral) exam, and a clinical skills evaluation. Both are administered on the same day. The written exam has 50 multiple choice questions in English and you will have 2 hours to complete it. If English is your second language, you are able to opt out and take the written exam orally. The skills examination requires the nurse aide evaluator to supervise you performing 5 skills randomly selected from a list of 34 skills in 30 minutes or less. You must perform 4 of the 5 skills correctly to pass. If you have a disability, you may request special arrangements for the test that must be approved in advance. If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, it is possible to retake the exam twice. If you fail the test three times, you must re-train at an approved program before attempting the test a fourth time.
Once you pass the exam, Congratulations! Your certificate will arrive in the mail 4-6 weeks later. You can check on the status of your certificate on by calling DHSS at (573) 526-5686, or by emailing CNARegistry@health.mo.gov.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$115 - Written & Skills Evaluation
$140 - Written & Skills Evaluation for CNA Challengers
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
One form of current identification with a photo I.D.
Social Security card
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation
Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
A watch with a second hand
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CNA Jobs in Missouri
Missouri has high CNA employment rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In St. Louis, there are nearly 20,000 CNAs currently employed, with constant employment options, as the job offers such growth in the medical field. Missouri is also ranked high for CNA wages with Kansas City, Missouri being the 10th top-paying metro area in the country at nearly $16/hour. Southeast Missouri is one of the country’s top nonmetropolitan areas for CNA employment, with nearly 4,000 CNA jobs.
The top 10% of CNAs can make $50,000 annually, and nursing assistant jobs are relatively easy to find. Due to the ability for increased training opportunities and further career advancements, there is a high turn-around rate for CNAs, as many use their work experience to start the accreditation process needed to become Registered Nurses. Working as a CNA is not only rewarding, but also offers job stability and immense growth opportunities.
Nearly 50% of CNAs work in Nursing Care Facilities, and there are 200 general hospitals and over 2,000 registered nursing facilities in the state of Missouri that offer employment.
The remainder jobs are at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities. CNAs play a such vital role in patient care, that the growth of CNA jobs is projected to grow 11% by 2026. An aging population will significantly increase nurse aide jobs. You may also work at a nursing facility for a maximum of 4 months while you are enrolled in your training program.
CNA Job Advancement
An entry-level position in the medical field, CNAs are given many opportunities to reach that next level. CNAs work with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and directly under a Registered Nurse (RN), so they are rewarded by seeing firsthand what it looks like to reach that next level. To become a LPN, a CNA can apply for a bridge course that can be found at a community college or a vocational training school that can either be offered online or on-campus. Typically this training includes a 6-24 week class with 175 hours of training, however many current CNAs are able to use their work hours to apply to training, making it very easy to promote. Missouri has such a turnaround in CNA jobs advancement, that thousands of CNA jobs will open annually because of it. You may also join an association for resources and to help advance your career, such as the Missouri Nurses Association.
Renew a CNA Certification in Missouri
The state of Missouri requires you to renew a CNA license every year, if a CNA did not perform paid nursing services of at least one day in a 24 consecutive month period of time, then their license is considered inactive. Your status can change once you submit a copy of your social security card, proof of employment, return address, and daytime telephone number. Proof of employment may include:
A letter from your employer on official letterhead verifying dates of employment, position held, and job duties
Copy of your W-2
Copy of pay stubs/social security employment statement
Submit to DHSS P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
After the employment documentation is verified, the DHSS will notify the individual in writing within 7 to 10 working days of the current status.
The state’s Department of Health also has a Nurse Aide Registry in Missouri. A registered CNA must graduate from an accredited program and have an active license.
For additional information about state licensing, renewal, and certification contact:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Attn: Health Education Unit Nurse
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0570
Phone: (573) 526-7656
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State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Missouri
ARCADIA VALLEY CAREER TECH CTR (CMT Also)
650 PARK DRIVE
IRONTON, MO, 63650
573 546-9700
ASPIRE HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
3991 NORTH HIGHWAY 67
FLORISSANT, MO, 63033
314 736-1146
ASSUMPTA ALLIED HEALTH CAREER CENTER
6033 RAYTOWN ROAD
RAYTOWN, MO, 64133
816 737-3575
BKA MEDICAL TRAINING CENTER CORP
800 NORTH TUCKER, FOURTH FLOOR
ST LOUIS, MO, 63101
314 459-0374
BOLIVAR TECHNICAL COLLEGE (CMT Also)
1135 N OAKLAND
BOLIVAR, MO, 65613
417 777-5062
BOONSLICK TECHNICAL EDUCATION CTR
1694 WEST ASHLEY RD
BOONVILLE, MO, 65233
660 882-5306
BRYAN UNIVERSITY (CMT Also)
4255 NATURE CENTER WAY
SPRINGFIELD, MO, 65804
417 862-5700
CAPE GIRARDEAU CAREER & TECH CTR (CMT Also)
1080 S SILVER SPRINGS RD
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO, 63701
573 334-0826
CAREER & TECHNICAL CTR AT FT OSAGE (CMT)
2101 N TWYMAN RD
INDEPENDENCE, MO, 64058
816 650-7180
CARROLLTON AREA CAREER CENTER
305 EAST TENTH STREET
CARROLLTON, MO, 64633
660 542-0000
CARTHAGE TECHNICAL CENTER
609 RIVER STREET
CARTHAGE, MO, 64836
417 359-7026
CASS CAREER CENTER
1600 EAST ELM
HARRISONVILLE, MO, 64701
816 380-3253
CLINTON VO-TECH SCHOOL (CMT Also)
602 S 5TH STREET
CLINTON, MO, 64735
660 885-6101
CLYDE C MILLER ACADEMY
1000 N GRAND AVE
ST LOUIS, MO, 63106
314 533-2410
CNA TRAINING ACADEMY - LSS CTR
1300 STRASSNER DR
ST LOUIS, MO, 63144
314 262-8236
COLUMBIA AREA CAREER CENTER
4203 S PROVIDENCE ROAD
COLUMBIA, MO, 65203
573 214-3800
COX COLLEGE
1423 N JEFFERSON STE 449
SPRINGFIELD, MO, 65802
417 269-4117
CROWDER COLLEGE TECHNICAL EDUCATION CTR (CMT ALSO)
601 LACLEDE AVE
NEOSHO, MO, 64850
417 455-5596
CROWDER COLLEGE-CASSVILLE CAMPUS
4020 N MAIN
CASSVILLE, MO, 65625
417 847-1706
CROWDER COLLEGE-MCDONALD COUNTY
194 COLLEGE RD
PINEVILLE, MO, 64856
417 235-5537
CROWDER COLLEGE-NEVADA CAMPUS
600 W EDWARDS
NEVADA, MO, 64772
417 667-0518
CROWDER COLLEGE-WEBB CITY CAMPUS
600 S ELLIS
WEBB CITY, MO, 64870
417 673-2345
CURRENT RIVER AVTS
303 SPRING STREET
DONIPHAN, MO, 63935
573 996-3667
DALLAS COUNTY CAREER CENTER
33 VO TECH RD
LOUISBURG, MO, 65685
417 752-3491
DARUBY SCHOOL (CMT Also)
5415 PAGE BLVD, STE G-01
ST LOUIS, MO, 63112
314 454-6933
DAVIS H HART CAREER CENTER
905 NORTH WADE STREET
MEXICO, MO, 65265
573 581-5684
EAST CENTRAL COLLEGE (CMT Also)
1964 PRAIRIE DELL RD
UNION, MO, 63084
636 584-6529
ELDON CAREER CENTER (CMT Also)
112 S PINE
ELDON, MO, 65026
573 392-8060
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS AREA CAREER CTR (CMT Also)
614 TIGER DRIVE
EXCELSIOR SPRING, MO, 64024
816 630-9240
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS JOB CORP/KC
2402 SWOPE PARKWAY
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64130
816 861-2353
FRANKLIN TECH (CMT Also)
2220 INDIANA AVE
JOPLIN, MO, 64870
417 625-5260
GIBSON TECHNICAL CENTER
386 W STATE HWY 76
REED SPRINGS, MO, 65737
417 272-3271
GRAND RIVER TECHNICAL SCHOOL (CMT Also)
1200 FAIR STREET
CHILLICOTHE, MO, 64628
660 646-3414
HEALTH SYSTEMS SSI TRAINING CTR
5340 N TOWN CENTRE DR
OZARK, MO, 65721
417-551-7066
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION, LLC
12526 LUSHER RD
ST LOUIS, MO, 63138
314 653-8863
HERNDON CAREER CENTER (CMT Also)
11501 EAST 350 HIGHWAY
RAYTOWN, MO, 64113
816 268-7140
HILLYARD TECHNICAL CENTER (CMT Also)
3434 FARAON ST
ST JOSEPH, MO, 64506
816 671-4170
JEFFERSON COLLEGE (CMT Also-1000 VIKING DR.-VOTECH BLDG.)
1000 VIKING DR-ATS BLDG
HILLSBORO, MO, 63050
636 481-3457
JOB POINT-COLUMBIA
400 WILKES BLVD
COLUMBIA, MO, 65201
573 449-3431
KENNETT CAREER & TECH CENTER (CMT Also)
1400 W WASHINGTON ST
KENNETT, MO, 63857
573 717-1123
KIRKSVILLE AREA TECH CTR
1103 SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE
KIRKSVILLE, MO, 63501
660 665-2865
LAMAR CAREER & TECHNICAL SCHOOL (CMT Also)
501 MAPLE
LAMAR, MO, 64759
417 682-3384
LEWIS & CLARK CAREER CENTER
2400 ZUMBEHL ROAD
ST CHARLES, MO, 63301
636 946-7726
LEX LA-RAY TECH CTR (CMT Also)
2323 HIGH SCHOOL DRIVE
LEXINGTON, MO, 65536
660 259-2688
LINN COUNTY AREA CAREER & TECH CTR (CMT Also)
122 PERSHING RD
BROOKFIELD, MO, 65712
660 258-2682
MACON R-1 VO-TECH SCHOOL (CMT Also)
702 N MISSOURI
MACON, MO, 64601
660 385-2158
MADE WHOLE HEALTH TECH SERVICE, LLC
1202 CHAMBERS RD
ST LOUIS, MO, 63135
314 533-1717
MEDS-MEDICAL EDUC DEV AND SUPPORT, INC www.medskc.com
1425 S NOLAND RD
INDEPENDENCE, MO, 64055
816 373-6337
METRO COMM COLLEGE-BLUE RIVER
20301 EAST 78 HIGHWAY
INDEPENDENCE, MO, 64057
816 604-4022
METRO COMM COLLEGE-LONGVIEW
500 SW LONGVIEW RD
LEES SUMMIT, MO, 64081
816 604-4022
MISSOURI STATE UNIV-WEST PLAINS (CMT)
128 GARFIELD AVENUE
WEST PLAINS, MO, 65775
417 255-7247
MO ASSOC.OF NURSING HOME ADMIN. (ONLINE) www.mlnha.org
4100 COUNTRY CLUB
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, 65109
573 634-5345
MOBERLY AREA COMM COLL - HANNIBAL
190 SHINN LANE
HANNIBAL, MO, 63401
660 263-5865
MOBERLY AREA COMM COLL (CMT Also)
101 COLLEGE AVE ROOM C-25
MOBERLY, MO, 65270
660 263-4100
MOBERLY AREA COMM COLLEGE-ATC
2900 DORELI LANE
MEXICO, MO, 65265
573 582-0817
NEVADA REGIONAL TECH CTR (CMT Also)
900 WEST ASHLAND
NEVADA, MO, 64772
417 448-2090
NEW MADRID TECHNICAL SKILLS CTR
310 US HIGHWAY 61
NEW MADRID, MO, 63869
573 688-2161
NICHOLS CAREER CTR
605 UNION
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, 65101
573 659-3100
NORTH CENTRAL CAREER CENTER (CMT Also)
1401 DAILY ROAD
BETHANY, MO, 64424
660 425-2196
NORTHLAND CAREER CTR
1801 BRANCH STREET
PLATTE CITY, MO, 64079
816 858-5505
NORTHWEST TECH SCHOOL (CMT Also)
1515 S MUNN AVE
MARYVILLE, MO, 64468
660 562-4181
OZARK MOUNTAIN TECHNICAL CENTER
211 EAST FIFTH STREET
MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO, 65711
417 926-3177
OZARKS TECH COMM COLLEGE (CMT Also)
1001 E CHESTNUT EXPRESSWAY
SPRINGFIELD, MO, 65802
417 447-8888
OZARKS TECH COMM COLL-HOLLISTER
10698 MO-165
HOLLISTER, MO, 65672
417 447-8888
PEMISCOT COUNTY CAREER & TECH CTR
1317 WEST STATE HWY 84
HAYTI, MO, 63851
573 359-2601
PENN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PENNY VALL (CMT Also)
3444 BROADWAY, STE 216
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64111
816 604-4022
PERRYVILLE AREA CAREER & TECHNOLOGY
326 COLLEGE ST
PERRYVILLE, MO, 63775
573 547-7500
PIKE\LINCOLN TECHNICAL CTR
342 VOTECH ROAD
EOLIA, MO, 63344
573 485-2900
POPLAR BLUFF TECHNICAL CAREER CTR (CMT Also)
3203 OAK GROVE ROAD
POPLAR BLUFF, MO, 63901
573 785-2248
PREFERRED FUTURES HEALTHCARE ACADEMY (ONLINE)
234 NW 41 RD
WARRENSBURG, MO, 64093
660 422-8377
ROLLA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE/RTC (CMT Also)
1304 E TENTH ST
ROLLA, MO, 65401
573 458-0150
SALINE CNTY CAREER CTR (CMT Also)
900 W VEST
MARSHALL, MO, 65340
660 886-6958
SALT RIVER VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
1101 EAST HWY 54
VANDALIA, MO, 63382
573 594-6686
SCOTT REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER
2 DAVID SIPPY DR
MONETT, MO, 65708
417 235-7022
SIKESTON R-6/CAREER AND TECH CTR (CMT Also)
135 PLAZA DR SUITE 201
SIKESTON, MO, 63801
573 472-5442
SOUTH CENTRAL CAREER CTR (CMT)
407 W THORNBURGH ST
WEST PLAINS, MO, 65775
417 256-6152
SOUTH TECHNICAL SCHOOL/ADULT EDUCATION (CMT Also)
12721 WEST WATSON RD
SUNSET HILLS, MO, 63127
314 989-7452
ST CHARLES COUNTY COMM COLLEGE (CMT Also)
1 ACADEMY PLACE
DARDENNE PRAIRIE, MO, 63368
636 922-8284
ST LOUIS COLL HEALTH CAREERS/COUNTY
1297 N HWY DRIVE
FENTON, MO, 63026
636 529-0000
ST LOUIS COLLEGE OF HEALTH CAREERS/METRO
909 S TAYLOR
ST LOUIS, MO, 63110
314 652-0300
ST LOUIS COMM COLLEGE/FOREST PARK (CMT Also)
5600 OAKLAND AVENUE
ST LOUIS, MO, 63110
314 539-5754
ST LOUIS JOB CORPS
3860 LINDELL
ST LOUIS, MO, 63110
314 679-8124
STATE FAIR COMM COLLEGE (ONLINE) (CMT Also)
3201 W 16TH STREET
SEDALIA, MO, 65301
660 596-7259
SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY
777 NW BLUE PARKWAY ST 3090
LEES SUMMIT, MO, 64086
816 986-3410
TEXAS COUNTY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (CMT Also)
6915 S HWY 63
HOUSTON, MO, 65483
417 967-5466
UNITEC CAREER CTR (CMT Also)
7163 RAIDER RD
BONNE TERRE, MO, 63628
573 431-3300
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI- WOODLAND LEE'S SUMMIT
1780 WOODLAND
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64118
660 543-6122
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-17TH TERR
1722 E 17TH TERRACE
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64093
660 441-2484
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-INDEPENDENCE
1520 E 23RD ST, ST E
INDEPENDENCE, MO, 64055
660 422-8377
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-NORTH KC
3100 NE 83RD STE 2100
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64119
816 474-1783
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-PASEO KC
1740 PASEO BLVD
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64108
660 422-8377
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-PROSPECT
6025 PROSPECT
KANSAS CITY, MO, 64063
660 543-6122
UNIV OF CENTRAL MISSOURI-WRNSBRG
HUMPHREYS 401
WARRENSBURG, MO, 64093
660 422-8377
UNIV OF CENTRAL MO-SUMMIT CENTER
1101 NW INNOVATION PKWY
LEE'S SUMMIT, MO, 64063
660 543-6622
WALBRIDGE COMMUNITY EDUC CTR
5019 ALCOTT AVE
ST LOUIS, MO, 63106
314 261-8282
WARRENSBURG AREA CAREER CENTER (CMT Also)
205 S RIDGEVIEW DRIVE
WARRENSBURG, MO, 64063
660 747-2283
WAYNESVILLE CAREER CENTER (CMT Also)
400 GW LANE
WAYNESVILLE, MO, 65583
573 842-2500
YEATMAN COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
4265 ATHLONE AVE
ST LOUIS, MO, 63115
314 261-8134