By Janice Phelan,
October 18, 2023
Certified Medication Technician (CMT) graduates at the University of Central Missouri
Lee's Summit campus include (front row, from left) Jack Embrey, Lana Taylor, RaJon
Robinson and Marcus Robinson. Instructor Sandra Schmid is in the back row.
Graduates of two University of Central Missouri certificate programs were recognized
at a Sept. 20 ceremony at UCM’s Lee’s Summit campus. Through these programs, adult
learners earn industry-recognized certifications and are prepared for careers in the
growing healthcare field.
At the ceremony, graduates of UCM’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medication Technician (CMT) programs were honored after completing both classroom work and clinicals. The CMT
students started their program in July. The CNA graduates were enrolled in sessions
beginning in June.
Thanks to collaborations with the community funding partners, qualifying students
are eligible for scholarships for these courses as well as several other UCM workforce
programs. Both programs operate out of UCM’s Center for Workforce and Professional
Education, located at the Lee’s Summit campus. Most courses can be completed in approximately
two to three months, depending on how many classes are offered during each week.
At the ceremony, the CNA and CMT graduates were encouraged to continue their education
and advance in their careers. UCM offers undergraduate nursing programs which include
the traditional BSN program as well as an online RN to BSN option. Graduate nursing
programs are also available.
DeAira Walker, a September CNA graduate, said she was well prepared for the Certified
Nursing Assistant exam through the certificate course.
“UCM’s CNA program taught me the skills and basics that apply to many different healthcare
settings,” added Walker, who currently works at Ascension Living in Overland Park,
Kan. “Because of UCM’s CNA program, I am now a Certified Nursing Assistant and I have
work opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
To learn more about UCM’s workforce certificate programs, visit this webpage. Interested adult learners are also invited to discuss their career goals via a one-on-one
chat with Clarinda Dir, UCM workforce expert, by registering here.
UCM offers classes at campuses in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit as well as online.
Local funding partners offers scholarships for qualifying adult learners entering
these high-demand fields.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) graduates from a second course beginning in June
include (from left) Janet Morales, Sandy Civil, Brittany Doss, instructor Sandra Schmind,
Ariyah Williams and LaToya Elliott.
CNA graduates from the course starting in June include (front) Thoshaniq Herriford,
(back row, from left) Roshane Gravely, Aleysia Roston, Tywanna Solivan, instructor
Sandra Schmid, Aaliyah Kimber, Janet Pleasant, DeAira Walker and Keyera Granger.