CNA Classes & Programs in Buffalo, Missouri
2 state-approved CNA programs in Buffalo, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Missouri cities.
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CNA training in Buffalo
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $33,770
- $16.24 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 2,560
- in the Springfield region
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 2 nursing homes
- Population
- 3,319
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Buffalo offers 2 CNA programs for those ready to begin their journey toward becoming certified nursing assistants within Missouri’s healthcare system. Students have access to traditional classroom-based courses that support skill development necessary for success on state exams and entry into local health services careers.
Options include one free CNA class, a valuable resource that helps reduce barriers related to tuition costs while enabling more residents to pursue certification goals affordably. In the Springfield region, CNAs earn around $33,770 annually; this is below the current statewide median but still reflects steady demand among local employers seeking trained staff members.
Graduates from Buffalo’s CNA courses often find employment at nearby CMS-certified facilities such as Colonial Springs Healthcare Center or Buffalo Prairie Center For Rehab And Healthcare—both recognized as significant sources of jobs within the area’s eldercare sector.
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Browse CNA Classes in Buffalo
Buffalo provides 2 CNA programs, including one free training option, that prepare students thoroughly for Missouri certification and help build real-world caregiving skills through structured classes. Upon completion of these programs and placement on the state registry, graduates enter a field with steady career opportunities across Buffalo’s active network of healthcare providers where certified assistants remain valued team members.
Program Types in Buffalo
| Type | In Buffalo | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Colonial Springs Healthcare Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Buffalo | See other Missouri cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Buffalo | See other Missouri cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Buffalo | See other Missouri cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Buffalo
Lowest published cost first.
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 750 W. Cooper St, Buffalo, MO 65622
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (417) 345-2228
CMH provides paid, free CNA training for new employees to earn certification within the first four months, with a potential retention bonus.
Visit websiteDallas County Tech Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 120 South Spruce St, Buffalo, MO 65622
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (417) 345-1460
DCTC’s Health Science program provides foundational healthcare training with lab work and clinical simulations and lists CNA among the industry certifications available. Students explore pathways like phlebotomy, PCT, and nursing careers.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 2 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Missouri cities
- Kansas City8 programs
- St. Louis15 programs
- Springfield12 programs
- Columbia6 programs
- Independence3 programs
- Lee's Summit3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Buffalo
| Median annual pay | $33,770 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.24 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 2,560 |
| Salary region | Springfield |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Buffalo are supported by the Springfield region’s healthcare sector, where approximately 2,560 CNAs are employed based on recent labor market data from BLS OEWS (May 2023). Regional employers continue hiring new graduates who have completed approved training programs and met all requirements necessary for placement on Missouri's nurse aide registry.
CNA salary in Buffalo aligns closely with Springfield metro benchmarks: In this region, CNAs typically earn around $33,770 per year (roughly $16.24 hourly). These earnings fall slightly below Missouri’s overall median ($36,260), reflecting area-specific market factors while still providing stable income potential according to BLS OEWS (May 2023).
CMS-certified employers form an important part of Buffalo's job market: Colonial Springs Healthcare Center is a non-profit facility offering up to 134 beds with frequent openings; Buffalo Prairie Center For Rehab And Healthcare operates as a large-scale skilled nursing center with capacity for 60 residents at full occupancy levels—both consistently employ certified nurse aides from among local graduates each year.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Buffalo providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Prairie Center For Rehab And Healthcare631 West Main Street(417) 932-8040Map | 60 | 2.6 |
| Colonial Springs Healthcare Center750 West Cooper(417) 345-2228Map | 134 | 2.4 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Buffalo? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Hartville, Lebanon, Mountain Grove, Eldon, and Rogersville, or browse the Missouri CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Buffalo, MO
To work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Buffalo, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Missouri. These include completing a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)–approved Certified Nurse Assistant training program, passing the state competency examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the Missouri CNA Registry.
- Completion of at least 175 total hours of CNA training (75 classroom hours and 100 supervised clinical hours)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident care
- Background screening compliance per Missouri requirements
- Passing both the written knowledge test (75 questions, 60 minutes) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills including mandatory hand washing)
- Up to three total exam attempts within 90 days of the first failed exam attempt; both exam portions must be completed within six months of training completion
- Placement on the Missouri CNA Registry after successfully passing the competency examination
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Buffalo and across Missouri. CNAs must perform at least one day (eight hours) of paid nursing-related services every 24 months to maintain active certification.
Already certified in another state? Missouri offers interstate endorsement (reciprocity) for CNAs who are active and in good standing in another U.S. state. Applicants must provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Missouri guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Missouri guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Buffalo.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Buffalo
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Buffalo?
Most CNA programs in Buffalo can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Buffalo?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Buffalo directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Buffalo?
Yes. Colonial Springs Healthcare Center offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Buffalo?
No program in Buffalo is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Missouri cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Buffalo?
No 4-week program is listed in Buffalo. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Missouri cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Buffalo there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Hartville, Lebanon, Mountain Grove, Eldon and Rogersville. You can also look at the Missouri state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Missouri CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Missouri, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Missouri CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Buffalo?
CNAs in Buffalo are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes in Buffalo. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.