Looking for a rewarding healthcare career in Hillsboro, Missouri? Jefferson College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare you for success in the healthcare field. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, changing careers, or looking to enter the medical field, this CNA training program offers multiple pathways to fit your goals and schedule. Upon successful completion, you’ll be prepared to take the State of Missouri written and practicum exams for Certified Nurse Assistant certification, opening doors to meaningful employment in long-term care facilities throughout Missouri.

CNA Program Quick Facts

Program Length: Varies by pathway: 8 weeks for traditional CNA training
Cost of Program: Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants; contact the program directly for specific tuition costs
Accreditation: Designed to meet the requirements mandated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
CNA Program Schedule: Multiple pathways available with flexible scheduling options

CNA Training Structure

Jefferson College’s CNA program offers a comprehensive education that balances classroom learning with essential hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for success in healthcare settings.

Classroom Learning

The CNA program covers essential skills needed to provide quality care in long-term care facilities, including:

Basic nursing skills and fundamentals
Proper patient care techniques
Safety protocols and procedures
Communication skills for working with residents and healthcare teams
Infection control practices

The classroom portion consists of 75 hours of instruction designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge before clinical experience begins.

Clinical Experience

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through 100 hours of clinical training in a long-term care setting. During this component, you’ll apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments under supervision. The program offers various pathways with different clinical experiences:

Pathway 1A (CNA Only): Provides 100 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility
Pathway 1B (CNA Apprenticeship): Includes 100 hours of clinical training plus 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with Bethesda Health
Pathway 3 (PCT/CNA Dual Credential): Offers 100 hours of clinical experience split between long-term care and hospital settings

Clinical training allows students to practice essential skills while gaining confidence in providing direct patient care.

Exam Preparation

The program is specifically designed to prepare students for the State of Missouri written and practicum exams for Certified Nurse Assistant certification. Upon successful completion of coursework, laboratory work, and clinical requirements, students will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam. The comprehensive curriculum ensures students develop the competencies necessary to pass both the written and skills portions of the state exam.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for Jefferson College’s CNA program, applicants must meet several requirements:

High school diploma or HiSET/GED certificate
Clean background check through the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry
Negative drug and alcohol screening
Completion of all application materials
Three letters of recommendation (no family members)

Additional requirements include:

Submission of application fee ($99)
Copy of driver’s license and Social Security card
Completion of WorkKeys Assessment (available at the Arnold Job Center or college testing sites)

The CNA Apprenticeship pathway (1B) requires students to apply for and be hired by Bethesda Health prior to starting coursework.

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Jefferson College offers multiple CNA program pathways to accommodate different learning needs and career goals. While specific start dates may vary throughout the year, the program provides several options:

Pathway 1A: CNA Only – Teaches students to perform basic nursing skills in a long-term care facility under the direction of charge personnel
Pathway 1B: CNA Apprenticeship (Earn while you learn) – Students are employed by Bethesda Health while completing their training
Pathway 2: Patient Care Technician (PCT) Only – Meets 4 days a week for 9 weeks
Pathway 3: PCT/CNA Dual Credential Option – Meets 4 days a week with clinical hours split between long-term care and hospital settings
Pathway 4: PCT Bridge – For individuals who already hold a CNA or PCA credential, meets 4 days a week for three weeks

Classes follow a structured schedule with mandatory attendance requirements. Please contact the program directly for current start dates and schedule details.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Jefferson College offers several financial assistance options for students enrolled in the CNA program. While specific tuition costs are not listed on the website, the college emphasizes that “financial assistance is available for those that qualify” for all pathways.

Funding options for this non-credit program include:

SkillUP for SNAP benefit recipients
WIOA grant assistance through Jefferson Franklin Community Action
Employer/Third-Party Pay options
Self-pay using debit or credit card, cashier’s check, or cash

Additional expenses include:

Application fee: $99
Background check and drug screening fees
Family Care Safety Registry registration fee ($14)
Uniform costs (scrubs)

Payment plans are not available for Workforce programs, and tuition must be paid in full prior to the start of classes. Personal checks are not accepted.

Students in the CNA Apprenticeship pathway (1B) have the opportunity to earn while they learn through employment with Bethesda Health.

Please contact the Workforce and Employment Services office at (636) 481-3144 for the most up-to-date tuition information.

How to Apply

To apply for Jefferson College’s CNA program, follow these steps:

Complete the Application Packet
- Fill out the Jefferson College Workforce Program Application form
- Submit copies of your driver’s license and Social Security card
- Provide a copy of your high school diploma/HiSET
- Submit three letters of recommendation (no family members)
- Pay the $99 application fee
Complete Required Screenings
- Register for the WorkKeys Assessment
- Register with the Family Care Safety Registry
- Complete alcohol and drug screening at Quest Diagnostics
Submit Your Application
- Send completed materials to [email protected] or mail to: Workforce and Employment Services CTE 101, Jefferson College 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro, MO 63050
Application Review
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility
- If accepted, you’ll receive information about setting up your MyJeffCo account

For specific CNA program application questions, you can download the CNA Application from the Jefferson College website or contact the Workforce and Employment Services office at (636) 481-3144 or [email protected].

Not Quite Ready to Apply?

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CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Institution name: Jefferson College
Address: 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone Number: (636) 481-3144
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jeffco.edu/cna

Jefferson College also has a location in Arnold:

Jefferson College Arnold
Address: 1687 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010
Phone Number: (636) 481-3597

Additional Resources

Jefferson College provides several resources to help prospective CNA students understand program requirements and prepare for admission:

CNA Application Form – Download the application for admission to the CNA program
Department of Labor Apprenticeship Registration Certificate – Documentation for the CNA Apprenticeship pathway
Apprenticeship Standards – Details about the CNA Apprenticeship program requirements
Family Care Safety Registry Information – Guidance on registering for the required background screening

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri offers a flexible, comprehensive pathway to starting your healthcare career. With multiple program options, including traditional CNA training, apprenticeship opportunities, and dual credential pathways, you can choose the approach that best fits your career goals and learning style.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to take the State of Missouri certification exam and begin working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The program’s focus on both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience ensures you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to provide quality care to patients.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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Jefferson College CNA Program