Nichols Career Center CNA Program

Looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare? The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, Missouri provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing healthcare careers. Designed for high school seniors, this comprehensive program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for CNA certification. Whether you’re planning to enter the workforce immediately or continue your education in nursing or other allied health fields, the nurse aide program at Nichols Career Center equips you with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the healthcare industry.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: Full academic year (Grade 12) with 75 classroom hours (first semester) and 106 clinical hours (second semester)
• Cost of Program: $60 for CNA exam and licensure fee (due in February)
• Accreditation: Meets 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: Full academic year program with classroom instruction first semester and clinical experience second semester

CNA Training Structure

The Nichols Career Center CNA program is part of the Health Sciences curriculum, which provides a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare.

Classroom Learning

The classroom portion of the CNA program includes 75 hours of instruction covering essential healthcare topics, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology
• Basic entry-level nursing skills
• Human growth and development
• Quality healthcare skills for various clinical settings
• Basic human needs
• Overview of various health occupations

Students use several resources including:

• Nurse Assistant in a Long Term Care Facility Response Forms
• Health Care Assistant Core handouts
• Nursing Assistant textbook and workbook
• Human Body in Health and Disease reference materials
• Nurse Assistant Basic Study Guide

The classroom component takes place during the first semester and includes skill competencies, personal competencies, and competency practice activities.

Clinical Experience

The clinical portion of the program consists of 106 hours of hands-on training in healthcare facilities. During this experience, students:

• Apply quality healthcare skills to clients in clinical areas including acute and long-term care
• Work under the supervision of an instructor or preceptor
• Develop professional behaviors and communication skills
• Practice skills learned in the classroom in real healthcare settings

The clinical experience takes place during the second semester after students have successfully completed the classroom portion with at least an 80% average.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for the state CNA certification exam through:

• Multiple practice tests (students must achieve 80% or better on at least three tests)
• Comprehensive skill competency assessments
• Structured clinical experiences that reinforce classroom learning
• Completion of required “Pink sheets” and appendices before testing

Students who successfully complete both the classroom and clinical components will be prepared to take both the written and skills portions of the Missouri state CNA certification exam.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Nichols Career Center CNA program, students must:

• Be in grade 12 (high school senior)
• Maintain an 80% (B-) average per term
• Pass the safety test with an 80% or better within 3 attempts
• Score 80% or better on at least 2 other multiple choice tests
• Provide a complete immunization record including:
  • TB skin test (2)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination
  • TD (Tetanus-Diphtheria)
  • MMR (2)
  • Chickenpox/Varicella
  • Influenza
  • Hepatitis A
• Pass a criminal background check and not appear on the Employee Disqualification List (EDL)
• Complete a drug screening if requested by clinical sites
• Provide a Social Security number for state forms
• Join Skills USA (professional health sciences organization)
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviors in the classroom and lab throughout first semester

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nichols Career Center CNA program follows a structured schedule aligned with the academic school year:

• First Semester: 75 hours of classroom instruction
  • Focus on theory, skill development, and knowledge acquisition
  • Students must maintain an 80% average to progress to clinical
• Second Semester: 106 hours of clinical experience
  • Hands-on training in healthcare facilities
  • Students apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings
  • Clinical competency grading based on skill demonstration, communication, professional behavior, and attendance

Transportation to clinical sites is arranged through several options:

• School-provided transportation (if available)
• Student driving (with appropriate permissions)
• Arranged carpooling with approved transportation forms

Please contact the program directly for more specific information about class schedules and clinical rotation times.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The primary cost information provided for the Nichols Career Center CNA program is:

• $60 for the CNA exam and licensure fees (due in February)

Additional costs that may be associated with the program include:

• Uniform expenses (students provide their own black uniform pants/skirts and white tops)
• Watch with a second hand or digital watch with stopwatch function
• Skills USA membership fees

The program requires students to join Skills USA, and there will be a fundraising project to support students interested in competing in Skills USA competitions.

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date information about program costs and potential financial assistance options.

How to Apply

Since this is a high school program (Grade 12), students likely need to:

1. Express interest in the Health Sciences program through their high school counselor
2. Meet with Nichols Career Center staff to discuss program requirements
3. Complete necessary enrollment forms for the program
4. Submit required documentation including immunization records
5. Complete permission forms for clinical experiences

Students and parents must sign multiple consent forms throughout the program, including:

• Receipt of Syllabus acknowledgment
• Confidentiality Contract
• Consent for Clinical Rotations
• Transportation Permission Forms

For specific application details and deadlines, please contact the Nichols Career Center directly at 573-659-3100.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Nichols Career Center (Jefferson City Public Schools)
• Address: 315 East Dunklin Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
• Phone Number: 573-659-3100 (Career Center) or 573-632-3473 (Health Science Instructor’s Office)
• Email: [email protected] (Health Science Instructor)
• Website: https://www.jcschools.us/Domain/39

Additional Resources

The Nichols Career Center provides various resources to support students in the CNA program:

• Textbooks and workbooks specific to the nursing assistant curriculum
• Human Body in Health and Disease reference materials
• Nurse Assistant in a Long-Term Care Facility resources
• Nurse Assistant Basic Study Guide
• Access to student services through the Vocational Resource Educator for extra assistance

Students also have the opportunity to participate in Skills USA, a vocational student organization that promotes community awareness, develops leadership skills, and creates a common bond among students in trade, industrial, technical, and health education.

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, Missouri offers high school seniors an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare. Through 75 hours of classroom instruction and 106 hours of clinical experience, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care in various healthcare settings.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Missouri state CNA certification exam, opening doors to employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers, and other healthcare environments. The program also provides an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue further education in nursing or other allied health fields.

If you’re a high school student interested in healthcare and considering the CNA program at Nichols Career Center, reach out to your school counselor or contact the Career Center directly at 573-659-3100. This program could be your first step toward a fulfilling career dedicated to caring for others.

Still exploring your options? Consider researching other CNA programs in the Jefferson City area to find the one that best fits your needs and career goals.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.