In the state of Missouri, it is the Department of Health and Senior Services that approves all CNA certification programs, and which manages the CNA registry as well. To appear on the registry requires that the CNA take and pass the state competency exam. This is usually given in the same location as the training, but most vocational technical schools or community colleges approved CNA courses can also give the tests.
Even before candidates apply to take the exam, they must complete state approved training, and to be enrolled they must meet the following requirements.
Eligibility RequirementsStudents accepted into a certified nursing assistant certification program will be:
- Age 18 or older (or a high school student enrolled in an occupational health career program in an approved high school);A person not listed on Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services employee disqualification list;Someone with proof of high school graduation or proof of a GED;A person willing to undergo a background check and fingerprinting; andSomeone with a negative TB test and negative results on a drug screening.
Missouri allows many different types of people to “challenge” the need for training. They include the following:
- Persons enrolled with an RN/LPN program, which includes a clinical rotation within the past five years.RN or LPN candidates that have failed examination.Persons that are listed active in a registry out of state and are in good standing.Students who have complete an out of country program.Persons list on the Missouri State Certified Nurse Assistant Register on inactive status.If you choose to challenge the exam, you have one chance at passing. If you fail the exam, you must take the CNA course.
If training in an approved program must be obtained, the Missouri Department of Health makes a list of programs available.
Any approved programs require no less than 75 hours of classroom work, and the 100 hours of practical training. Once a candidate finishes the program, they register for the exam. This is a combination of written questions and clinical skills and a sample is available through the Prometric site.
CostsThe costs the training programs in Missouri vary based on employment status. Those not working in long term care or a skilled nursing facility will pay around $1400 for training and testing, while those currently employed will pay $500 including the testing. To take only the test costs $125.
FAQFor those pursuing certified nursing assistant certification training in Missouri, the following items are very helpful to know:
- If you fail the exam, you may retake the examination twice within ninety days.Certification must be renewed every two years. To keep a license active, proof of a minimum of eight hours of paid CNA employment during the last twenty-four months is required.If you fail either part of the exam you can retake the failed part two additional times within 90-days of the first failure, and if you do not retake the test within 90-days you must retake the course.Federal law dictates that a candidate employed by a nursing home at the time of training, they may not pay for their own training, certification testing, books or other course materials.The candidate has to take the exam within 6 months of the completion of training.If your certificate expires you have the option to prove employment or retake the course.
Helpful Resources around the Web
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Health Education Unit
PO Box 570
3418 Knipp
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-526-5686
Web: http://health.mo.gov/safety/cnaregistry
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