CNA Programs & Career Opportunities in Missouri
Missouri is home to 330 CNA training programs and over 730 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 138 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in Missouri.
Get Information from CNA Programs in Missouri
- Major Cities for CNA Careers in Missouri
- Training & Certification Requirements in Missouri
- Explore CNA Classes by City in Missouri
- Free CNA Classes in Missouri
- Online CNA Classes in Missouri
- 4-Week CNA Classes in Missouri
- Evening Classes in Missouri
- Weekend Classes in Missouri
- Prepare for Your CNA Exam in Missouri
- Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in Missouri
- Salary Overview by Area
- Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your CNA Career in Missouri
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Training Programs330State-approved Programs
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Cities138Cities Currently Covered
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Healthcare Facilities730+Total Facilities
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Median Annual Salary$36,260Median Yearly Pay
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Median Hourly Salary$17.43Median Per Hour
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Total CNAs Employed29,340CNAs Working Statewide
With more than 330 state-approved CNA training programs, Missouri offers broad access to nurse aide education throughout the state. Programs are widely available across major population centers including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, and Lee's Summit, as well as throughout suburban and rural regions. Currently, approximately 29,340 Certified Nursing Assistants are employed throughout Missouri, reflecting consistent demand for qualified healthcare professionals. CNAs in Missouri earn a median annual wage of $36,260, or approximately $17.43 per hour, providing a practical entry point into the healthcare workforce.
With a population of over 6.2 million residents, Missouri maintains consistent demand for skilled healthcare workers at every level. From major health systems such as BJC HealthCare, Mercy, CoxHealth, SSM Health, University of Missouri Health Care, and HCA Midwest Health to hundreds of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies statewide, Certified Nursing Assistants play an essential role in supporting patient care across acute, post-acute, and community-based healthcare settings.
Get Information from CNA Programs in Missouri
Schools in Missouri are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in Missouri
Explore CNA opportunities in Missouri's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Training & Certification Requirements in Missouri
Before starting your training, it's important to understand exactly what Missouri requires to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings throughout Missouri.
Eligibility
- Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to enroll in a Missouri-approved CNA training program and work as a nurse aide. An exception exists for students aged 16-17 who are enrolled in a secondary school health services occupation program or cooperative work education program through a vocational-technical school.
- Program enrollment (CNA): You must complete a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)–approved Certified Nurse Assistant training program. Approved programs are offered through community colleges, career centers, technical schools, and licensed long-term care facilities.
- Background check: Candidates must comply with Missouri background screening requirements. Individuals with certain criminal convictions, substantiated findings of abuse or neglect, or disqualifying entries on state registries may be ineligible for employment in long-term care facilities.
- Good standing: Employers must verify active registry status before hiring a CNA. Individuals with findings involving abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property may not work in federally certified nursing facilities.
Training Hours & Clinicals
Missouri requires a minimum of 175 total hours of CNA training, which exceeds federal minimum requirements. The program includes at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised on-the-job clinical training in a licensed long-term care facility. The curriculum covers federally required OBRA topics including communication, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, restorative services, and basic nursing procedures.
Before providing direct resident care, trainees must complete instruction in fundamental safety procedures and resident rights. In accordance with federal OBRA regulations, Missouri long-term care facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days (four months) while training and competency requirements are completed. After this period, individuals must be fully certified and listed on the Missouri CNA Registry to continue employment.
Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)
After completing training, candidates must pass Missouri's state-approved competency examination administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT)-Headmaster on behalf of DHSS. The examination includes:
- Knowledge test: A 75-question written examination covering infection control, communication, resident rights, safety procedures, and basic nursing assistant responsibilities. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam. An oral version is available for eligible candidates.
- Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nursing assistant skills, including required critical steps and mandatory hand washing procedures. Candidates must successfully complete all critical elements to pass.
Candidates must pass both portions of the competency examination to become certified. Individuals who fail a portion of the exam may retake only the failed section up to two additional times (three total attempts) within 90 days of the first failure. Candidates who do not retest within 90 days or who fail all three attempts must complete another state-approved training program before retesting. Additionally, candidates must complete both exam components within six months of completing their training program, or training must be repeated.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Once both exam components are successfully passed, your name is added to the Missouri CNA Registry, maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. D&SDT-Headmaster electronically reports successful examination results to the state. You may then work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Missouri.
Renewal
Missouri CNA certification must remain active through continuous eligibility on the registry. To remain active, CNAs must perform at least one day (eight hours) of paid nursing-related services every 24 consecutive months. Individuals who do not meet the work requirement may become inactive and may need to retrain and retest before returning to active registry status.
Reciprocity
Missouri offers interstate endorsement (reciprocity) for CNAs certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing and provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements. Additional documentation or background screening may be required before placement on the Missouri CNA Registry.
Costs
Missouri CNA exam fees are established by D&SDT-Headmaster and include separate charges for the written and skills portions of the examination. Fees are paid during exam scheduling. Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse CNA training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.
Sources: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services — CNA Registry, Missouri DHSS — Certified Nurse Assistant Requirements, D&SDT-Headmaster — Missouri CNA Testing, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Nurse Aide Training Requirements
Explore CNA Classes by City in Missouri
Explore CNA classes in Missouri by city. We currently feature 138 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Free CNA Classes in Missouri
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in Missouri? These 47 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other
financial assistance.
For a complete guide to finding free CNA training, see our Free CNA Classes guide.
Stonebridge Owensville
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Stonebridge Marble Hill
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Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility
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Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center
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Pemiscot County Career & Tech Center
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Colonial Springs Healthcare Center
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Missouri Veterans Home - Mount Vernon
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Missouri Veterans Home - St. James
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Willard Care Center
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Lacoba Homes
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Online CNA Classes in Missouri
These 9 programs offer CNA classes online in Missouri, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Cass Career Center
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State Fair Community College
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Nursing Edification
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Moberly Area Community College
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Green Creek Education
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St. Charles Community College
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Missouri Healthcare Association
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Essential Na Academy
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Aspire Healthcare Solutions
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4-Week CNA Classes in Missouri
These 5 programs offer accelerated CNA training in Missouri, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in Missouri, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
Cass Career Center
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East Central College
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St. Charles Community College
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Job Point-Columbia
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Franklin Technology Ctr- Adult Education
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Evening Classes in Missouri
These 13 programs offer evening CNA classes in Missouri, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Eldon Career Center
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Unitec Career Center
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Cass Career Center
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Nursing Edification
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Missouri State University West Plains
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Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley
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The Betty Jean Medical Education Center
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Top Point Healthcare Solutions
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St. Charles Community College
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Meds- Medical Educ Dev And Support
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Weekend Classes in Missouri
These 4 programs offer weekend CNA classes in Missouri, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
Nursing Edification
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Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley
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The Betty Jean Medical Education Center
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Cox Health South - Springfield
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Prepare for Your CNA Exam in Missouri
Once you're enrolled in a CNA program, the next step is preparing for your state competency exam. Use these free study resources from The CNA Guide to review the clinical skills and knowledge tested on the Missouri CNA exam.
Free CNA Study Guide
Step-by-step training for the core CNA clinical skills, from hand washing and vital signs to transfers and personal care. Each skill page explains the procedure, what examiners look for, and common mistakes to avoid.
Start studying →Free CNA Practice Tests
Four timed practice tests with over 300 questions covering physical care, psychosocial care, and the role of the nurse aide.
Take a practice test →Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in Missouri
Missouri offers steady employment opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, supported by a large long-term care sector and broad healthcare network across both metropolitan and rural regions. With more than 29,340 CNAs working statewide and approximately 733 healthcare facilities, Missouri provides a wide range of employment settings across nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the state includes about 487 nursing homes, 120 hospitals, and 126 home health agencies that regularly employ CNAs. While CMS counts may not capture every licensed provider, they illustrate the overall scale of CNA job opportunities available throughout Missouri.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in Missouri is approximately $45,080, or $21.67 per hour. Certified Nursing Assistants in Missouri earn a median annual income of $36,260, or approximately $17.43 per hour. Although CNA wages are below the statewide median for all occupations, the role provides a practical entry point into healthcare and opportunities for advancement into higher-paying careers such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or other allied health professions.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for CNAs in Missouri remains stable, driven by ongoing demand for long-term care services, an aging population, and continued workforce needs across healthcare facilities statewide. With 29,340 CNAs currently employed across hundreds of facilities, job openings are expected to remain consistent in both urban and rural communities.
Employment opportunities are concentrated in major population centers such as the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, as well as regional healthcare hubs throughout the state. Major healthcare employers in Missouri—including BJC HealthCare, Mercy, CoxHealth, SSM Health, University of Missouri Health Care, and HCA Midwest Health—regularly hire CNAs across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health operations. Workforce turnover and career advancement among CNAs into nursing and other healthcare roles also contribute to steady entry-level hiring opportunities.
If you are considering this career path, explore our directory of CNA training programs in Missouri or learn more about certification and registry placement in our CNA License & Registration guide.
Why Become a CNA in Missouri?
Becoming a CNA in Missouri offers a practical and accessible pathway into the healthcare workforce. State-approved training programs can often be completed in a relatively short timeframe, allowing students to transition quickly into paid employment. With more than 487 nursing homes and a broad network of hospitals and home health agencies, Missouri provides CNAs with a variety of employment settings across acute care, long-term care, and community-based healthcare. Many individuals also use CNA certification as a stepping stone toward advanced nursing education and long-term healthcare careers.
CNA Salaries across Missouri
CNA wages in Missouri vary by region, with larger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Kansas City generally offering higher pay than smaller rural communities. Factors such as facility type, local labor demand, and cost of living influence compensation levels. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across different regions of Missouri.
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS Nursing Homes, CMS Hospitals, CMS Home Health Agencies
CNA Salary by Area in Missouri
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in Missouri. Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
| Area | Annual salary | Hourly salary |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (statewide) | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Cape Girardeau | $35,020 | $16.84 |
| Columbia | $38,400 | $18.46 |
| Jefferson City | $35,320 | $16.98 |
| Joplin | $34,610 | $16.64 |
| Kansas City | $37,500 | $18.03 |
| Springfield | $33,770 | $16.24 |
| St. Joseph | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| St. Louis | $37,710 | $18.13 |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Missouri
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Missouri?
In Missouri, CNA programs require a minimum of 175 hours of training, which includes 100 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Missouri?
CNA classes in Missouri generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in Missouri?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in Missouri offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in Missouri?
Several schools in Missouri offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in Missouri?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in Missouri offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in Missouri?
To become a CNA in Missouri, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam, and be listed on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
How can I study for the CNA exam in Missouri?
Use our free CNA study guide to review the core CNA clinical skills, including hand washing, vital signs, transfers, and personal care. You can also take our free CNA practice tests, which include over 300 questions covering physical care, psychosocial care, and the role of the nurse aide.
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to Missouri?
Yes. Missouri allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in Missouri.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Missouri?
CNAs in Missouri must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in Missouri?
You can verify your status on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in Missouri.
How much do CNAs earn in Missouri?
The median CNA salary in Missouri is $36,260 per year, or about $17.43 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in Missouri also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in Missouri?
Certified Nursing Assistants in Missouri work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.