Certified Nursing Assistant Students Earn Sought-after Certificate from UCM

By Janice Phelan, February 3, 2020

New CNAs celebrate graduation from the University of Central Missouri’s certificate program.

Graduates of the University of Central Missouri’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Mental Health Specialist Certificate Program were recognized Jan. 28 at a ceremony at UCM’s Lee’s Summit campus. Through this program, students earn their Missouri CNA certification and are prepared to launch a career in the high-demand healthcare field.

Thanks to a partnership with the Full Employment Council, qualifying students are eligible for scholarships for this course as well as several other workforce development programs.

At the graduation ceremony, students were encouraged to continue their education and advance in their careers. Next step opportunities include Sterile Processing Technician, offered by UCM, as well as pursuing LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered nurse) options through local community colleges.

UCM also offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing (known as prelicensure), a RN to bachelor’s degree online nursing option and a master’s degree in nursing, a primarily online program geared for working adults.

The university’s CNA courses include a general CNA certificate program as well as home health aide, a CNA course specializing in mental health and a CNA program geared toward special needs. The Jan. 28 graduates completed the course emphasizing mental health needs.

The university’s CNA programs can be completed in approximately two to three months, depending on how many classes are offered during each week.

Classes are currently forming for two high-demand healthcare certificate programs -- the CNA Development Program and Certified Medication Technician (CMT), both offered in the Kansas City area. To learn more about these healthcare programs or other University of Central Missouri certificate programs, visit the UCM Workforce and Professional Education webpage.

Financial aid options are also available for qualifying students. UCM sponsors a monthly Professional Training and Education Open House through a partnership with the Full Employment Council. The open house events are designed to help individuals learn how they can qualify for debt-free tuition assistance. Events are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit. Upcoming events will be Feb. 25 and March 31.

The University of Central Missouri operates campus locations in Warrensburg, Online and Lee’s Summit. UCM’s Workforce and Professional Education programs are housed at the university’s Lee’s Summit location in the Missouri Innovation Campus.