CNA Certification in Missouri

How to Become a CNA in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services must approve CNA training in Missouri. You must pass a state nurse aide certification exam after you complete your training.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an approved program in your state

Make sure you choose your nurse aide training courses carefully; make sure that they are accredited and approved by the health department. CNA training programs in Missouri must be at least 175 hours.

Step 2

Make sure you are eligible for enrollment in a CNA training program

You must pass a criminal background check and do a full health screening before you enroll in CNA classes. Also, you must be at least 18 years old; otherwise, you must be a high school student enrolled in an occupational health career program.

Step 3

Complete your CNA training program

Of your 175 hours of coursework, 75 hours will be in a classroom setting where you will learn medical terminology, CPR basics, the psychology of dealing with elderly patients in hospice situations, how to document and measure vital signs, and more.

The remaining 100 hours of training will be in a medical setting. Here, you will have hands-on training and will get experience in real life situations. This portion is essential as you will acquaint yourself with physical tasks that nurse aides must know how to perform.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Register to take the Missouri CNA certification exam

You must bring along two forms of photo identification when you register for the exam. You might also be asked to bring fingerprint ID cards, your program graduation certificate, and a copy of your background check or health screening. Still bring these documents along even if you have already submitted copies of some of them with your pre-registration packet and fees for the test. 

Step 2

Find a testing site

Many of the CNA training facilities in Missouri are approved as testing sites though you might need to test at an alternate location. You can check for approved test sites at the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry site which is listed below.

You should also take our practice test before you take the official Missouri CNA certification exam.

Step 3

Take the Missouri CNA certification exam

Try to show up at least a half hour before the test as you will need to check in and allow yourself time to settle in.

The state of Missouri nurse aide test is a two-part exam designed to test both learned theory and clinical skills. You will first be assigned five or six random duties that you learned in hands-on training. You must pass this section in order to take the second part of the test.

The second part of the test consists of sixty multiple-choice questions that will question you on theoretical situations and cover numerous aspects of your classroom and practical training. If you pass, you will be added to the Missouri State Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 4

After you pass the certification exam, you should create your CNA resume and start looking for employment.

The Missouri nurse aide enjoys an average starting CNA salary of $20,820. Your wages will rise along with your experience. Also, additional training will also result in higher pay if you choose to continue your training.

Please get in touch with the Nurse Aide Registry of Missouri with any additional questions or concerns at:

Missouri Nurse Aide Registry
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service – Division of Health
Health Education Unit
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-8528 or (573) 522-6203
License Verification: (573) 526-5686
Fax: (573) 526-7656