An analysis by researchers at the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) placed Nurse Aides among the six occupations that have historically high numbers of growth openings. In spite of tough economic times, the health care industry continues to experience steady growth, and Nurse Aides along with Dental Assistants, Registered Nurses, Pharmacy Technicians, and Medical Assistants, have experienced an industry growth that exceeds the number of graduates and trainees entering the workforce. The need for CNAs is expected to intensify as the baby-boomer population grows and their health care needs increase. Another reason for the huge demand for CNAs is the high turnover rates that occur due to workplace stress caused by the nature of the job and staff shortages. The long-term projection for the profession is an estimated 9.7% for the state, which translates to approximately 7,800 anticipated openings between 2008 and 2018.
Metropolitan Community College
The nursing assistant program at Metropolitan Community College prepares students for the state nurse aide competency exam and a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The board-approved program provides 75 hours of lecture and 100 hours of clinical training plus an additional 8 hours for the CNA exam. Training will cover vital signs, feeding techniques, bathing techniques, handwashing, gloving, skin care, dressing and grooming, transfer techniques, and the role of the nurse aide. The program is open for admission during the months of January, March, June, August, and October.
Admission criteria:
- Must have an MCC student ID number – available after applying for online admissions
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid social security number and government-issued ID
- Submit a letter from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirming registration on the Family Care Safety Registry
- Submit two separate Mantoux Tuberculosis (TB) skin test results – completed within the past 12 months
- Complete a satisfactory background check
Tuition costs $1,450 and is due in full at orientation. It includes the CNA assessment, textbook, stethoscope, and gait belt.
- Website: https://www.mcckc.edu/
- Address: 3200 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111
- Phone: (816) 604-1000
MEDS
MEDS’ Certified Nurse Assistant training program prepares students for a career in health in just eight weeks. The 175-hour curriculum combines 75 hours of instruction in the classroom with 100 hours of direct care training at a local health care facility. The classroom instruction includes lectures, demonstrations, and simulations for students to develop basic nursing skills, infection control, and rehabilitative and restorative techniques. Other topics covered patient rights and independence, range of motion, patient transfers, safety and emergency procedures, communication, nutrition, and the role of the nursing assistant. The clinical experience provides opportunities for students to develop skills, such as vital signs, bathing and grooming, medical record documentation, moving patients, and bed making.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of a signed social security card or work permit at the time of registration
- Submit a copy of two negative PPD skin tests or one TB blood test or one negative chest x-ray
- Must be free of ALL felony crimes against persons on a criminal background check
- Must be registered with the Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR)
- Must have reliable transport
- Must achieve an eighth-grade level on the Basic Education Skills Test
Tuition costs $1,400. A flexible payment plan is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://medskc.com/
- Address: 1425 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64055
- Phone: (816) 373.MEDS (6337)
- Fax: (816) 373-6887
Golden Living Centers – Smithville
Golden Living Center is always in need of professional staff to provide quality care at their facilities across the nation. As a means of filling their need for staff, Golden Living Centers in Missouri hosts frequent nursing assistant program to recruit graduates. The class is open to anyone who is passionate about patient care. The training comprises of a minimum 175 hours of classroom learning and hands-on training at the Smithville facility. The instructor-led sessions give students some insight into the role and duties of a nursing assistant as a part of a healthcare team. Graduates are eligible to take the state competency exam for certification as a CNA in Missouri. The full-time program requires students to attend classes from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Punctuality and attendance are critical due to the condensed nature of the program.
Admission criteria:
- No previous experience or education is required for enrollment
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Tuition is free for selected students.
- Website: https://www.goldenlivingcenters.com/
- Address: 106 Hospital Dr., Smithville, MO 64089
- Phone: (816) 873-0018
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri Certified Nursing Assistant-Mental Health certificate program prepares students for employment as certified nursing assistants. The curriculum covers 280 hours of theory and practical instruction. Students will learn how to care for patients with mental health challenges. Course topics include handwashing, the role of the nurse aide, nutrition, vital signs, personal care and grooming, senior care, safety and emergency care, and hospice care. Other topics include principles of behavior management, basic life support, stop redirect reinforce, and bipolar and depression awareness.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must submit a negative TB test
- Must not be convicted of specified felonies or misdemeanors
Tuition for the program is $3,295.
- Website: https://www.ucmo.edu/index.php
- Address: P.O. Box 800, Warrensburg, MO 64093
- Phone: 877-729-8266
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.