CNA Program at UCM Lee’s Summit Helps Busy Adults Enter the High-Demand Healthcare Industry

By Janice Phelan, March 19, 2019

Graduates from UCM's CNA program receive their certificates.

The University of Central Missouri’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is designed to help individuals step into entry-level careers in the rapidly growing healthcare field. The CNA program is one of a number of valuable career certifications programs offered through UCM Extended Studies.

In just a few months, students can learn the skills needed for this rewarding career. In addition to classroom training and hands-on clinical experience, students are prepared to pass several recognized national certification exams including the Missouri CNA Certification and the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.

The need for trained CNAs is expected to grow by approximately 11 percent through 2026 with median annual salaries close to $27,500, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Within the last year, approximately 30 students completed either the basic CNA program or CNA speciality programs in the areas of mental health care and special needs advancement. Placement among participants completing the program is well over 90 percent.

Claudia Dominguez, a recent graduate of the UCM CNA mental health program, was pleased with the classes and the job outlook.

“This was a great program,” she said after her Jan. 31 graduation ceremony. “I loved it! Nursing homes and hospitals are always looking for CNAs, and they are very important. I hope to get a job at a hospital soon and start working my way up the ladder in the medical field.”

CNA students learn how to care for patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals, at home and other settings. In addition, the course includes personal effectiveness skills, or CoreBuilders© (including career management, communications, teamwork and other topics requested by employers), to help individuals succeed on the job.

Learn more about the CNA program and other UCM career certifications on our website. Certifications are offered in the areas of business, healthcare, information technology and warehousing/logistics. All courses are geared for busy adult learners with a number of flexible, affordable options available.