CNA Schools

CNA Classes in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis CNA Training - Missouri
You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.
Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in St. Louis, Missouri
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in St. Louis, Missouri, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the local CNA training programs to finding employment opportunities in the city. Becoming a nurse aide or nursing assistant in St. Louis can be a rewarding career choice, and this article will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
About St. Louis
St. Louis, known as the “Gateway to the West,” is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture. Home to iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, St. Louis offers a blend of urban living and suburban charm. For more information about the city, visit the official St. Louis website.
CNA Training Programs in St. Louis, Missouri
Several schools in St. Louis offer CNA training programs. Here are three reputable options:
- St. Louis Community College
- Program Description: St. Louis Community College offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Missouri CNA certification exam.
- Location: Multiple campuses throughout St. Louis.
- Website: St. Louis Community College CNA Program
- American Red Cross – St. Louis
- Program Description: The American Red Cross provides a well-rounded CNA training program focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students gain experience through clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities.
- Location: Central West End neighborhood.
- Website: American Red Cross CNA Training
- Midwest Institute
- Program Description: Midwest Institute offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed as a CNA. The program includes both classroom learning and clinical practice.
- Location: Fenton, a suburb of St. Louis.
- Website: Midwest Institute CNA Program
CNA Employment Opportunities in St. Louis
St. Louis is home to numerous healthcare facilities and nursing homes that regularly hire CNAs. Here are some major employers:
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- Description: As one of the largest hospitals in Missouri, Barnes-Jewish Hospital offers a wide range of employment opportunities for CNAs. The hospital is located in the Central West End neighborhood.
- Website: Barnes-Jewish Hospital Careers
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
- Description: This teaching hospital provides excellent career opportunities for nursing assistants. Located in the Midtown neighborhood, it is affiliated with Saint Louis University.
- Website: SSM Health Careers
- Delmar Gardens
- Description: Delmar Gardens operates several nursing and rehabilitation centers in the St. Louis area, offering numerous positions for CNAs. Their facilities are known for high-quality care and supportive work environments.
- Website: Delmar Gardens Careers
CNA Certification Requirements in Missouri
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of on-the-job training.
- Pass the CNA Certification Exam: Successfully pass the Missouri CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
- Register with the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry: After passing the exam, register with the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry.
For more detailed information, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Get Started Today
Becoming a CNA in St. Louis, Missouri, is a fantastic way to launch a career in healthcare. With the right training, you can join the ranks of dedicated nursing assistants making a difference in patients’ lives every day. Contact one of the schools listed above to begin your journey toward a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?
This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Missouri may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.
CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.
How Much Does CNA Training Cost in St. Louis?
Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.
CNA Refresher Courses around St. Louis usually cost around $100-$200.
Need Tuition Assistance?
While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.
Some employers in St. Louis will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.
When Can I Start CNA Training in St. Louis?
Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Missouri, you can find CNA training starting in April 2025, May 2025, June 2025, or July 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Missouri, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.
Becoming a Nurse Aide in St. Louis is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Missouri CNA Salary info.