CNA Classes in Missouri | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Missouri

The Show-Me State | Start Your Healthcare Career in as Little as 6-12 Weeks

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

175

Total Training Hours

$125

State Exam Fee

$37,650

Average Annual Salary

6-12

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Missouri

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The Show-Me State

Missouri's robust healthcare sector offers outstanding opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants throughout the Show-Me State. From the world-class medical centers of St. Louis—including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the BJC HealthCare system—to the renowned Saint Luke's Health System in Kansas City, Mercy Hospital Springfield, and CoxHealth facilities, CNAs are essential to delivering compassionate patient care across Missouri's diverse communities. The state requires 175 hours of comprehensive training regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), including 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised on-the-job clinical training, providing thorough preparation for professional nursing assistant careers.

The Show-Me State's healthcare infrastructure continues to expand, driven by an aging population—one in four Missourians is now age 60 or older—creating significant demand for qualified CNAs. With over 2,588 CNA job openings statewide and projections for 3,179 new positions over the next five years, Missouri offers exceptional career stability and growth opportunities. Major employment centers include the St. Louis metropolitan area (home to BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy), Kansas City (Saint Luke's Health System, HCA Midwest Health), Springfield (Mercy, CoxHealth), Columbia (University of Missouri Health Care), and communities throughout the state. Missouri employers often offer signing bonuses up to $4,000, making this an attractive time to enter the healthcare field. Clear career pathways from CNA to LPN and RN through excellent institutions like St. Louis Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College, and State Fair Community College make Missouri an ideal place to launch your healthcare career.

Comprehensive 175-hour training program
Over 2,500 job openings statewide
Signing bonuses up to $4,000 available
Challenge exam option for qualified candidates

Quick Facts

Total Training Hours 175 Hours

Classroom Hours 75 Hours

Clinical/OJT Hours 100 Hours

Exam Format Written + Skills

Exam Fee $125

Regulatory Body MO DHSS

Registry MO Nurse Aide Registry

Browse CNA Schools in Missouri

Explore our directory of Missouri DHSS-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Missouri

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in a 175-hour Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Missouri's comprehensive curriculum includes 75 hours of classroom instruction covering basic nursing skills, fire safety, disaster training, resident safety and rights, infection control, communication, and social and psychological aspects of care—plus 100 hours of supervised on-the-job training in a licensed long-term care facility working directly with residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Training is available through Missouri's excellent network of community colleges—including St. Louis Community College, St. Charles Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, State Fair Community College, Jefferson College, and Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City—as well as career and technical centers, healthcare facilities, and private training providers statewide. Full-time programs typically complete in 6-10 weeks, while part-time evening and weekend options accommodate working students over 10-15 weeks. Program instructors must be licensed nurses in Missouri with at least one year of nursing experience. Upon successful completion, your training facility will record your information in the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system to establish your exam eligibility.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing training, you'll take the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by D&S Diversified Technologies - HDMaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. The exam consists of two mandatory components: a written knowledge test with 75 multiple-choice questions covering nursing skills, infection control, safety procedures, communication techniques, residents' rights, and patient care fundamentals (an audio version with 67 oral questions plus 8 reading comprehension items is available for candidates who have difficulty with written English), and a hands-on clinical skills demonstration where you'll perform 3-4 randomly selected nursing skills within 30 minutes. Common skills include proper handwashing, measuring vital signs accurately, assisting with mobility and transfers, providing personal hygiene care, positioning, and range of motion exercises. The total exam fee is $125 ($95 for the knowledge exam plus $30 for the skills test; add $10 for the audio knowledge exam option). You must pass both sections to earn certification—if you pass one component but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed portion. Missouri allows three testing attempts, and all attempts must be completed within 90 days of your first exam and within one year of starting training; failing to pass requires repeating the full training program. Testing is available at regional sites throughout Missouri including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Jefferson City, with remote proctoring available for the knowledge exam.

Complete Background Check & Registry Enrollment

Before beginning CNA employment in Missouri, you must be cleared through required background screening and listed on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. Missouri requires employers to conduct criminal background checks and verify that candidates are not listed on the department's Employee Disqualification List (EDL). Candidates must be at least 18 years old and employable (16-year-olds may qualify if enrolled in approved high school health programs). Those with certain criminal convictions may be disqualified from CNA practice. Once you pass both portions of the competency exam, D&SDT-Headmaster submits your scores to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and your name is added to the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry—no separate application or fee is required for initial registry placement. Official results appear in your TMU account after 7:00 PM Central Time the following business day. You can verify your certification status anytime through the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry search portal at mo.tmutest.com. Missouri also offers a unique "CNA Challenge" option for qualified candidates—including nursing students who have completed fundamentals courses, CNAs with inactive Missouri certifications, UAP/PCT graduates, and nurses from outside the U.S.—to test without completing the full training program (one attempt only). With certification complete, you're qualified to work in Missouri's exceptional healthcare system, including major institutions like BJC HealthCare (Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center), Saint Luke's Health System, SSM Health, Mercy, CoxHealth, and hundreds of nursing homes and home health agencies throughout the Show-Me State.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Certification in Missouri

Becoming a CNA in Missouri typically takes 8-16 weeks from enrollment to certification. Missouri requires 175 total training hours—75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised on-the-job clinical training—providing comprehensive preparation for professional nursing assistant careers in the Show-Me State's robust healthcare system. Full-time programs offered by institutions like St. Louis Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, St. Charles Community College, and State Fair Community College can complete training in 6-10 weeks with intensive daily schedules. Part-time programs extend over 10-15 weeks, offering evening classes (typically 2-7 PM or 5-9 PM) and weekend options to accommodate students with work or family obligations throughout the St. Louis metro area, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and other Missouri communities. The Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) offers a popular hybrid online CNA program where students complete 75 hours of online coursework through the CANVAS platform, then complete 100 clinical hours at their sponsoring facility—ideal for working students. After completing training, your information is entered into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, and you can schedule your state competency exam through HDMaster, typically available within 1-2 weeks at testing centers throughout Missouri or via remote proctoring for the knowledge exam. Exam results are available the next business day after 7 PM Central, with final certification processing immediate upon passing. The complete timeline from first day of training to starting your first CNA position generally ranges from 8-18 weeks depending on program format and testing availability.

CNA training costs in Missouri range from FREE to $2,000 depending on the institution type and whether you pursue employer-sponsored training. Missouri's community colleges and career centers offer the most affordable options: St. Louis Community College offers comprehensive programs with flexible payment plans, St. Charles Community College provides both standard and accelerated CNA programs, Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield charges competitive rates, and State Fair Community College offers stackable certificates that can apply toward healthcare degrees. Private training providers and the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) online program charge approximately $700-$1,300 for members and $1,300+ for non-members—these programs often include textbooks, TMU test preparation materials, and flexible scheduling options ideal for working students. Many Missouri nursing homes and long-term care facilities offer FREE CNA training programs in exchange for employment commitments—this is a popular pathway that provides hands-on experience and guaranteed job placement upon certification. Some facilities even cover your exam fees. Career centers throughout Missouri—including Cape Girardeau Career & Tech Center, Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, and dozens more—offer competitively priced programs often funded by workforce development grants. Most program fees include textbooks, training materials, and clinical supplies, though you should budget an additional $125 for the state competency exam fee ($95 knowledge + $30 skills). Missouri residents may qualify for financial assistance through Missouri Works workforce development programs, Federal Pell Grants, or employer tuition reimbursement. Given Missouri's competitive CNA wages ($17-19/hour in major cities) and signing bonuses up to $4,000, training investments typically pay for themselves within the first 2-3 months of full-time employment.

Missouri allows hybrid CNA training where the 75 hours of classroom instruction can be completed online, but the 100 hours of on-the-job clinical training must be conducted in person at a licensed long-term care facility. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services permits didactic coursework—including lectures, reading assignments, instructional videos, case studies, and written assessments—to be delivered via distance learning platforms like CANVAS. The Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) offers one of the most popular hybrid online programs in the state, where students complete 75 hours of online curriculum through their CANVAS education platform, then complete 100 clinical hours at their sponsoring facility—the program costs $700 for MHCA members and $1,300 for non-members, with class sizes limited to 50 students per month and new cohorts starting monthly. St. Charles Community College offers an accelerated hybrid CNA program combining online and asynchronous learning with in-person lab days and clinical shifts. State Fair Community College provides stackable nurse aide certificates with both on-campus and online class options. This hybrid model provides valuable flexibility for students managing employment, family responsibilities, or transportation challenges across Missouri's diverse geography—from the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas to rural communities throughout the state. It's critical to understand that FULLY online CNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person clinical component) are NOT recognized by Missouri and will not qualify you to take the state competency exam or obtain certification. Federal OBRA requirements mandate supervised clinical training in licensed healthcare facilities. When researching programs, always verify that the provider is approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services by checking the official DHSS list of approved training programs or calling the Health Education Unit at (573) 526-5686 before enrolling.

The Missouri CNA competency exam, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies - HDMaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, consists of two mandatory components that comprehensively test your knowledge and practical nursing skills. The written knowledge test contains 75 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing skills, infection control, fire safety, resident safety and rights, communication, and social and psychological aspects of care. You'll receive your test confirmation via email with instructions on arrival time, ID requirements, dress code, and testing procedures—failure to follow the candidate handbook guidelines could result in No-Show status. An audio exam option is available for candidates who have difficulty with written English, consisting of 67 questions read orally plus 8 reading comprehension questions to assess English skills (add $10 to the exam fee). The computer-based knowledge exam can be taken at regional testing sites or remotely proctored from home—bring wired headphones if using the audio option, and don't click "End Exam" until directed by the proctor. After completing the knowledge portion, you'll proceed to the clinical skills evaluation where you'll demonstrate 3-4 randomly selected nursing procedures within a 30-minute time limit before an RN Test Observer. Common skills include proper handwashing technique, measuring and recording vital signs, assisting residents with ambulation using safety devices, positioning, providing personal hygiene care, and range of motion exercises. Corrections may be made if time permits, but verbalizing steps is not accepted unless specifically directed. The total exam fee is $125 ($95 knowledge + $30 skills). You must pass BOTH sections to earn certification. Missouri allows three testing attempts, all within 90 days of your first exam and within one year of starting training—failing all attempts requires repeating the full 175-hour training program. Official results appear in your TMU account after 7:00 PM Central Time the following business day.

Yes, Missouri accepts CNA certifications from other states through reciprocity, and the process is streamlined through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. If you are currently certified and active on another state's nurse aide registry in good standing (with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation), you can apply for Missouri certification by reciprocity without additional training or testing. To transfer your certification, visit the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry TMU portal at mo.tmutest.com and complete the reciprocity application. You'll need to provide your current state certification information, valid photo ID, and pay any applicable processing fees. DHSS and D&SDT-Headmaster will verify your certification directly with your original state's registry. Once approved, you can log into TMU and print your Missouri CNA certificate—it's that simple. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on how quickly your original state responds to verification requests. Unlike some states, Missouri does NOT require reciprocity candidates to take additional exams if their certification is current and in good standing. However, if your certification from another state has lapsed or you have negative findings on your record, you may be required to complete additional steps. Missouri also offers a unique "CNA Challenge" option for qualified candidates who don't meet standard reciprocity requirements—including nursing students who have completed fundamentals courses with clinical rotation within the past 5 years, individuals who have completed Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) or Patient Care Tech (PCT) programs, or nurses who completed programs outside the U.S. The challenge exam includes both knowledge and skills tests with only one attempt allowed—failure requires completing the full 175-hour Missouri training program. It's essential to initiate the reciprocity process BEFORE beginning employment in Missouri, as federal regulations prohibit healthcare facilities from hiring CNAs who aren't properly certified in the state where they're working. For questions about reciprocity, contact the DHSS Health Education Unit at (573) 526-5686 or email cnaregistry@health.mo.gov.

Maintaining Your Certification

CNA Certification Renewal in Missouri

How to Renew Your Missouri CNA Certification

Missouri CNA certifications must be renewed every 24 months to remain active on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. To maintain your certification, you must work for pay as a certified nurse aide performing nursing or nursing-related services for at least 8 consecutive hours during the previous 24-month period. The renewal process is completed through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at mo.tmutest.com. Log into your profile, navigate to the employment tab, enter your employer's name and contact information, and upload verification such as a pay stub, W-2, or letter on company letterhead. The system will then prompt you to pay the $20 renewal fee, after which an email is sent to your employer for verification. Once your employer confirms your employment, your CNA certificate is renewed. If you work private duty care, you can select "private duty" from the dropdown menu and upload a work verification letter from the person you're caring for (or their Power of Attorney), which must include your dates of employment, a brief description of your duties, and be signed and notarized.

Missouri does not require continuing education units (CEUs) for CNA renewal, though facilities typically provide in-service training that enhances your skills and career opportunities. It's important to understand the distinction between "inactive" and "expired" certification status in Missouri. Your CNA certificate is considered INACTIVE if the registry shows a two-year break in employment—you may challenge the examination (one attempt) to return to active status without completing training again. Your certificate is considered EXPIRED if the registry shows a five-year break in employment—you will be required to retake the full 175-hour course to obtain active status. For inactive CNAs who need to reactivate, the reactivation by examination process costs $125 (same as initial testing) and requires passing both knowledge and skills tests within the standard three-attempt, 90-day window.

Keep your TMU demographic information updated to receive renewal notifications—Missouri does not mail paper renewal certificates. You can check your registry status, update your address and phone number, and verify your eligibility to work anytime through the TMU portal. Registry name changes (marriage, divorce, etc.) require submitting documentation to D&SDT-Headmaster via email (missouri@hdmaster.com), fax (406-442-3357), or mail. For questions about renewal, contact DHSS at (573) 526-5686 or Headmaster at (800) 393-8664. CNAs working across state lines should maintain separate active certifications in each state, as Missouri's registry operates independently from other state registries.

Renewal Fee

$20

Work Requirement

8 Hours/24 Months

CEU Requirement

None Required

Reactivation Cost

$125

Career Opportunities

CNA Job Outlook & Salary in Missouri

Missouri's healthcare sector provides exceptional employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, with strong demand driven by an aging population—one in four Missourians is now age 60 or older—and expanding healthcare services across the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 2,588 current CNA job openings statewide, with projections for 3,179 new positions over the next five years. Major employment centers include the St. Louis metropolitan area (home to BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy systems), Kansas City (Saint Luke's Health System, HCA Midwest Health, University of Kansas Health System), Springfield (Mercy Hospital, CoxHealth), Columbia (University of Missouri Health Care), and communities throughout the state. Missouri is home to some of the nation's top hospitals, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital (ranked among the best in the nation), Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, and Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

CNAs in Missouri earn competitive wages, with the median salary at $37,650 annually or $18.10 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level CNAs typically earn $15-16/hour, while experienced CNAs earn $19-21/hour depending on facility type and location. The highest-paying areas include Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis, where hospital-based CNAs at major institutions like Barnes-Jewish, Saint Luke's, Mercy, and SSM Health hospitals earn premium wages compared to long-term care facilities. Night shift differentials often add $1-3 extra per hour, and many facilities offer weekend premiums. Top employers like University Health, CoxHealth, and Delmar Gardens are known for competitive compensation packages. Missouri healthcare employers are actively addressing staffing shortages by offering signing bonuses up to $4,000, comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans with employer matching, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for nursing school advancement. The combination of competitive wages, excellent benefits, low cost of living in many areas, and strong job security makes Missouri an excellent place to build a healthcare career, with clear advancement pathways from CNA to LPN and RN through the state's community college system.

Average CNA Salary in Missouri

$37,650

per year

Hourly Wage

$18.10/hr

Nearby States