CNA Classes in Missouri | 10 Best Training Programs You Need To Know About

You have known for a long time now that you are called to work with people. You love making others smile, taking care of them, and helping them feel better. It’s just a shame that your work leaves you stuck in a cubicle all day doing something you don’t feel any passion about, just waiting until you can leave for the day. It’s time to make a change and look into CNA classes in Missouri. 

There are tons of CNA programs in Missouri, and getting a CNA certification in Missouri is really easy. CNAs, or Certified Nursing Aides, are the caring and empathetic members of the healthcare team. Getting your Missouri CNA license will allow you to offer that genuine care to others every day.

Change your career and do something you love instead. This guide will let you know what the CNA requirements in Missouri are, how to go through the Missouri CNA license verification process, and what you can expect the average CNA salary in Missouri to pay. It will also let you in on the best programs to take CNA classes in Missouri. 

Who is the regulatory body for CNAs in Missouri?

mdhss regulates cna licensing in missouri

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regulated the CNA licensing in Missouri. They maintain the CNA registry and oversee all state approved training facilities in Missouri. 

Their registry isn’t just for finding licensed CNAs. You can also use it to ensure that your instructors, examiners, and clinical supervisors are registered and approved to be overseeing your work. 

Who administers the CNA exam in Missouri?

Missouri is a bit unusual in that they don’t have an independent examination company for CNA exams. Programs that are qualified and approved by the state to offer the CNA licensure programs and training can also administer the state mandated CNA competency examination.

If you register for a program and receive state approved training, the competency examinations will very likely be included with your program and graduation will include passing the competency exams. 

If you have received the requisite training hours externally, whether through other programs, out of state training, or some other method, you can apply to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to take the Challenge Exam. Upon approval, you are welcome to take the exam at any of the state approved training facilities, which are usually found at local community colleges. You will have to submit proof of your approval in order to sit in on their certification examinations. 

Missouri State Requirements for CNAs

Becoming a nursing aide in Missouri is a pretty easy and extremely affordable process. You just need to check their registry for approved and certified training programs. Candidates need to take 75 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical (on the job) training to be eligible o sit for the exam. The minimum age is 18, but there is an exception for high school students taking health education coursework. 


Once you’ve completed training, you must take your certification examination within 6 months. If you don’t then you will be required to repeat the training. You must pass both the written and skills tests to become certified. If you fail the written test, you are allowed 2 retests but you must pass it within 90 days if your first failure or you will not be certified. 

Missouri CNA Exam Details

The CNA exam is a two-part exam that includes a knowledge test and a skills test. Students must pass both tests in order to certify as a licensed CNA. New candidates must take both tests on the same day. 

The written exam includes multiple-choice questions. They ask about your role as a nursing assistant, cultural and spiritual considerations, patient rights, psychosocial skills, nursing basics, safety and emergency procedures, physical care skills, and mental health concepts. Students have the right to an oral examination if they request it in advance. 

The practical exam requires candidates to put their knowledge into practice and demonstrate that they can properly perform the theoretical skills. They will be required to perform several different skills, including hand washing. 

When you take your test, you should come dressed in scrubs and non-skid shoes. Wear a watch with a second hand, but not a smart watch. What to bring will be different based on the testing center, but all facilities will ban electronics from use in the testing room. You should arrive early and bring power identification. The name on your ID should match he name you registered to take the exam. Bring 2 pencils and an eraser for your written exam if it is a paper exam instead of a computer exam. 

How much does the Missouri CNA exam cost?

The costs for CNA exam vary in Missouri depending on where you choose to schedule your challenge or take your program. Most training tuition includes exam fees. On average, challengers can expect to pay around $140 for their examination fees and new CNA candidates can expect to pay around $115. Always ask whether your program includes the cost of fees for examinations before enrolling and find out what they charge if tuition doesn’t cover it. 


One of the nice things about becoming a CNA is that your employer must cover the cost of training and testing for prospective employees and nursing assistants. They should cover tuition, books, uniforms, supplies, and state testing fees. If you get an offer of employment within 1 year of passing your certification and training, then your employer must reimburse any costs you spent and provide 12 hours of in service training per year.   

Where can you take the CNA exam in Missouri?

In Missouri, you can take the CNA exam anywhere that has a state approved training program. Most of the community colleges that have nursing schools and offer CNA certifications are approved. Any of the programs on this list are approved testing facilities as well.  

How much does a CNA get paid in Missouri?

The average CNA salary in Missouri as of July 30, 2019 is $30,000. The range usually runs from $27,000 o $33,000, so there isn’t a huge variance window. The exception is that if you go into business for yourself as a private, home care CNA, and you can make a lot of money. In general, CNAs in Missouri make around $12 per hour and about $4,000 in overtime pay each year. 

Current job listings show a range from $12 an hour through around $17 an hour depending on what part of the state you live in, so if you’re willing to move you may find better pay rates. 

CNA Schools in Missouri

Well now that the fine print has been completed, it’s time to go and start your training. If you’re not sure whether there’s a school nearby, then this list should ease that worry. Great programs are offered throughout the state, so take a look at this list because there is certainly going to be a program near you! 

University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri has a great Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. It’s designed as a firm foundation to help students get entry-level jobs in healthcare facilities. 

Their program is one of several offered through the UCM Extended Studies program. This CNA program only takes a few months.

They give their students the classroom and hands on training required for state certification and also help them pass the CPR and American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification. 

Their job placement record is over 90% for participants who pass their certification exam. They partner with CNA students to help them learn how to assist patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home settings. 

Metropolitan Community College – Business & Technology

Metropolitan Community College is a great facility for CNA training and exam preparation. Their CNA program is designed to provide the foundational prerequisite that will offer their students a competitive advantage when applying to nursing programs for RN and LPN degrees. They have several dedicated faculty members who are always willing to help answer questions. 

Their program includes 9 units, with a quiz and competency checklist for each unit. The class takes 82 hours and students are required to be present for 77 of those hours. Students may not miss any clinical time. This program offers 59 classroom hours and 22.5 clinical hours. They are flexible with job scheduled and their course includes the state examinations.  

Metropolitan Community College – Blue River

The Blue River location of Metropolitan Community College offers CNA certification through their Continuing Education programs. Their course is 175 hours and tuition costs $1430.

The tuition cost includes the Missouri state assessment examinations, so you will be certified once you pass this course. They offer several class options, including evening classes and weekends. 

This facility also allows CNA challengers to apply. The challengers will take the examination, which is roughly 8 hours, and pay $195 for examination fees.   

Jefferson College

The CNA program at Jefferson College teaches students the basics of nursing skills. They help candidates pass their examinations through the 175-hour training program that includes 100 hours of supervised on the job training. 

Their website has tons of details, including an informational brochure and application checklists. They also offer funding for students who meet the qualifications through local career centers. 

State Fair Community College - Sedalia

The skills certificate for CNAs only costs 18 credit hours at State Fair Community College instead of 20. If you want to get a professional certificate as a CNA, it’s only an additional 12 hours from there, and a completed Associate’s of Applied Science in Health Care Specialist with Emphasis in Nurse Aide is only another 33.5 credit hours after that! Their stackable program makes it a great choice because if you fall in love with the profession and want to advance your career you don’t have to start over every time you go back to school.   

Crowder College - Neosho

For Neosho residents, Crowder College is a great option to get your CNA training. They offer flexible programs so that you can train while you’re working your regular job.

They’re also extremely affordable compared to a lot of other programs. Certifications for this program now qualify for financial aid in some instances; so check into that as well.

They offer CNA and CNA Specialist opportunities. The CNA class is 7 credit hours and by the end of it you’ll be qualified to work as a CNA and pass your certification exams.

The CNA Specialist program is 17 hours. The goal of this program is to receive your state CNA certification and also receive advanced training, so you have an edge when it comes to getting hired and negotiating competitive salary and benefits.  

Mineral Area College

Mineral Area College can also prepare you for your CNA examinations. They have a great nursing program that allows you to get a Practical Nursing degree. They even offer an MAOF Scholarship for Nursing, so if you’re feeling confident that this is the right career choice for you, why not go all in?  

East Central College

East Central College also offers AEL and NCA programs. Their Adult Education program for CNAs prepare you for a career in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health needs. CNAs are vital to the healthcare community because they offer the personal touch that other team members may not be able to provide. Their course follows the state requirements but students must be 18 to enroll.  

Moberly Area Community College

moberly area community college

Moberly Area Community College allows you to complete your CNA training in jut 20 sessions.

Their tuition is $995, and it includes 80 hours of classroom instruction plus the 100 hours of supervised clinical practice required by the state. They offer classes on their Moberly, Columbia, and Hannibal Area classes.   

North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College offers tons of programs for the healthcare industry. Their nursing program is one of the best in the state, and they offer weekend and evening programs. Start your career with your CNA certification program and continue through to LPN, RN, BSN, or even Diagnostic Medical Sonography courses!