Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missouri

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO

Median Salary
$37,170
Missouri (2024)
National Median
$39,530
All states
Time to Complete
6-12 weeks
From start to licensed

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missouri

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missouri, individuals must complete a state-approved training program consisting of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE), which includes both a written and a skills portion. Missouri offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who hold an active and good-standing certification, allowing them to transfer their license without retesting. A criminal background check is required, and the minimum age for enrollment in a training program is generally 18, with exceptions for high school students.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Missouri

DetailMissouri
Licensing BodyMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services
State License Required Yes
Education175-hour state-approved training program (75 classroom, 100 on-the-job)
Experience Required100.0 hours
Exam Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE) ($135)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education8.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 18, or 16 if enrolled in a high school health services occupation program. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. If certification expires, the individual must retake both parts of the exam.

Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Missouri

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Missouri is $37,170 per year, which is 6.0% below the national median of $39,530.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$30,320
25th$34,770
50th (median)$37,170
75th$40,170
90th (experienced)$44,960

Missouri employs approximately 32,650 certified nursing assistants.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual Openings
204.1
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
1,441.5
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Missouri Worth It?

Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Missouri?
The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (175-hour state-approved training program (75 classroom, 100 on-the-job)), gain 100.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Missouri?
Missouri mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services oversees the process, which includes passing the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE).
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Missouri?
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Missouri is $37,170 per year. This trails the $39,530 national median by 6%. New certified nursing assistants start around $30,320; seasoned professionals can reach $44,960.
How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Missouri?
Between exam fee ($135), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Missouri?
Expect to spend 6-12 weeks from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Missouri?
Yes — certified nursing assistants in Missouri must complete 8.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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