CNA Classes in Saint Joseph, Missouri

Saint Joseph CNA Training - Missouri

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saint Joseph, MO

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Saint Joseph, Missouri, you’re in the right place. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Saint Joseph, MO, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Saint Joseph, MO

Saint Joseph, often referred to as St. Joe, is a charming city in northwest Missouri, known for its rich history and vibrant community. Located along the Missouri River, Saint Joseph is home to several historic landmarks, including the Pony Express National Museum and the Jesse James Home Museum. The city offers a blend of small-town charm with access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Learn more about Saint Joseph by visiting the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Saint Joseph, MO

To become a CNA in Saint Joseph, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Below are some local schools that offer CNA programs:

1. Hillyard Technical Center
   • Location: Saint Joseph, MO
   • Program Overview: Hillyard Technical Center offers a comprehensive CNA training program that prepares students for the Missouri state certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice in local healthcare facilities.
   • Learn More: Hillyard Technical Center CNA Program
2. Missouri Western State University
   • Location: Saint Joseph, MO
   • Program Overview: Missouri Western State University offers a Nurse Aide program through its workforce development department. The program equips students with the skills needed to provide basic nursing care and prepares them for the state certification exam.
   • Learn More: Missouri Western State University CNA Program
3. North Central Missouri College (Savannah Campus)
   • Location: Savannah, MO (approximately 15 miles from Saint Joseph)
   • Program Overview: North Central Missouri College offers a CNA program at its Savannah campus. The program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the certification exam.
   • Learn More: North Central Missouri College CNA Program

These programs offer flexible schedules and are designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam and entry-level positions in healthcare.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Saint Joseph

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and obtained certification, there are several healthcare facilities in Saint Joseph where you can find employment. Below are some of the major employers for CNAs in the area:

1. Mosaic Life Care
   • Location: Saint Joseph, MO (Downtown)
   • Overview: Mosaic Life Care is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services including hospital care, outpatient care, and long-term care. Mosaic Life Care frequently hires CNAs to assist in patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mosaic Life Care Careers
2. Living Community of St. Joseph
   • Location: Saint Joseph, MO (Ashland Avenue)
   • Overview: Living Community of St. Joseph is a senior living facility that provides both independent living and skilled nursing care. CNAs are an integral part of the care team, providing assistance with daily living activities.
   • Employment Opportunities: Living Community of St. Joseph Careers
3. LaVerna Village Nursing Home
   • Location: Savannah, MO (approximately 15 miles from Saint Joseph)
   • Overview: LaVerna Village is a long-term care facility located in nearby Savannah. They offer skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and memory care, and regularly hire CNAs to support their residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: LaVerna Village Careers

These facilities provide excellent opportunities for CNAs to work in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities.

CNA Certification Requirements in Missouri

In order to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a CNA training program that is approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The program must include at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical practice.

2. Pass the Missouri CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Missouri CNA certification exam, which includes both a written test and a skills demonstration.

3. Register with the Missouri CNA Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. This registry is maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and ensures that all CNAs meet the state’s standards for practice.

   • Learn More: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services – CNA Registry
4. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check before being listed on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saint Joseph, MO, is a rewarding career choice that offers numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. With several local CNA programs available and a variety of employment options, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA courses and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.

For more information on the job outlook for CNAs, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Missouri may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Saint Joseph?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Saint Joseph usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Saint Joseph will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Saint Joseph?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Missouri, you can find CNA training starting in November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Missouri, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Saint Joseph is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Missouri CNA Salary info.