CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, Missouri
6 state-approved CNA programs in Columbia, including free, 4-week and evening options. Online programs are offered in other Missouri cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Columbia
- Programs
- 6
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,400
- $18.46 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,730
- in the Columbia region
- Healthcare facilities
- 14
- 8 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 126,172
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Columbia is home to 6 CNA programs designed to train individuals seeking entry into Missouri’s healthcare workforce. As a recognized college town in central Missouri with significant medical resources nearby, Columbia provides several avenues toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, including accelerated program options.
The city’s CNA courses focus on building essential clinical skills required by employers while preparing graduates for state certification exams or placement on the Missouri registry of nurse aides. In Columbia, CNAs earn around $38,400 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is higher than the statewide benchmark salary of $36,260—offering additional incentive for those starting their careers here.
CNA graduates may explore employment opportunities at numerous area hospitals or long-term care facilities after completing one of Columbia’s available accelerated or traditional training programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Columbia
Columbia’s 6 CNA programs prepare students with practical knowledge needed for Missouri certification and registry placement—featuring both traditional formats and accelerated options that allow faster entry into patient care roles where certified aides are sought throughout Columbia’s medical community.
Program Types in Columbia
| Type | In Columbia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Lenoir Healthcare Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Job Point-Columbia ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Columbia | See other Missouri cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Job Point-Columbia ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 6 CNA programs in Columbia
Lowest published cost first.
Lenoir Healthcare Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3710 Lenoir St, Columbia, MO 65201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 876-5800
EverTrue/Lutheran Senior Services offers a Nursing Assistant in Training program that pays wages during training and covers program costs to earn CNA certification at participating communities.
Visit websiteColumbia Area Career Center
Cost–Hours175Weeks–
- Address
- 4203 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 214-3800
High school health sciences course with classroom, lab, and clinicals at local long-term care facilities builds primary patient care skills. Completing 100 direct-care hours plus 75 classroom hours may provide eligibility for the Missouri CNA exam.
Visit websiteColumbia Post Acute
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3535 Berrywood Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 397-7144
Columbia Post Acute is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteJob Point-Columbia
Cost–Hours175Weeks12
- Address
- 400 Wilkes Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 474-8560
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Job Point’s fast‑track CNA program takes around 12 weeks and includes 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of onsite clinical training; certification exams are included.
Visit websiteThe Villa At Blue Ridge
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 701 Blue Ridge, Columbia, MO 65202
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 474-6111
The Villa At Blue Ridge is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteTiger Place
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2910 Bluff Creek Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (573) 814-5148
Tiger Place is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 6 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
- Independence3 programs
- Lee's Summit3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia
| Median annual pay | $38,400 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.46 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,730 |
| Salary region | Columbia |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Columbia, about 1,730 Certified Nursing Assistants work across various settings ranging from hospital systems to long-term residential facilities based on regional data from BLS OEWS (May 2023). CNA jobs in Columbia are available in both acute care and long-term care environments, reflecting the city’s role as a regional medical hub.
The median CNA salary in Columbia is approximately $38,400 per year—or $18.46 per hour—which exceeds the statewide median salary of $36,260 according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). CNA salary in Columbia may reflect higher local demand and competitive compensation among major employers.
CNA job opportunities exist at CMS-certified sites including Villa At Blue Ridge (nearly 100 beds) and The Bluffs (over 130 beds) under nonprofit ownership serving skilled nursing needs locally. Hospitals such as Boone Hospital Center—a key acute-care provider—and University Of Missouri Health Care offer further career paths, while Centerwell Home Health rounds out home-based job prospects within Columbia's diverse network of certified employers supporting direct patient services throughout central Missouri.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Columbia providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Villa At Blue Ridge, The701 Blue Ridge Road(573) 474-6111Map | 97 | 3.0 |
| Bluffs, The3105 Bluff Creek Drive(573) 442-6060Map | 132 | 2.9 |
| Neighborhoods Rehab & Skilled Nursing By Tigerplac3003 Falling Leaf Court(573) 256-4620Map | 120 | 2.7 |
| Columbia Manor Health & Rehabilitation2012 Nifong Boulevard(573) 449-1246Map | 52 | 2.5 |
| Parkside Manor1201 Hunt Avenue(573) 449-1448Map | 120 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boone Hospital CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1600 E Broadway(573) 815-8000Map | 4/5 |
| Columbia Mo Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 800 Hospital Dr(573) 814-6000Map | 4/5 |
| University Of Missouri Health CareAcute Care Hospitals · One Hospital Drive(573) 882-4141Map | 3/5 |
| Centerpointe Hospital Of ColumbiaPsychiatric · 1201 International Drive(573) 615-7188Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Columbia (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Columbia providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Centerwell Home Health2404 Forum Blvd, Suite 101(573) 256-4705Map | 5.0/5 |
| Orthopaedic And Medical Home Health, Llc200 South Keene Street Suite A(573) 474-1786Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Columbia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Jefferson City, Sedalia, Moberly, Fulton, and Mexico, 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 Columbia, MO
To work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Columbia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Columbia?
Most CNA programs in Columbia can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. Accelerated programs, such as Job Point-Columbia, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in Columbia?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Columbia 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 Columbia?
Yes. Lenoir 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 Columbia?
No program in Columbia 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 Columbia?
Yes. Job Point-Columbia is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Columbia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Jefferson City, Sedalia, Moberly, Fulton and Mexico. 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 Columbia?
CNAs in Columbia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Columbia. 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.