Certified Nursing Assistant in Missouri

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$37,170
trending_down -6.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering
32,650

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$135

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Missouri

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missouri, individuals must complete a state-approved training program consisting of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE), which includes both a written and a skills portion. Missouri offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who hold an active and good-standing certification, allowing them to transfer their license without retesting. A criminal background check is required, and the minimum age for enrollment in a training program is generally 18, with exceptions for high school students.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,320
25th percentile $34,770
50th (median) $37,170
75th percentile $40,170
90th (experienced) $44,960

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Missouri. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing bodyMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services
State license Required
Education175-hour state-approved training program (75 classroom, 100 on-the-job)
Experience100.0 hours
ExamMissouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE) ($135)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education8.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 18, or 16 if enrolled in a high school health services occupation program. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. If certification expires, the individual must retake both parts of the exam.

Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMissouri license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Missouri? expand_more
The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (175-hour state-approved training program (75 classroom, 100 on-the-job)), gain 100.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Missouri? expand_more
Missouri mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services oversees the process, which includes passing the Missouri Nurse Aide Competency Exam (MO-NACE).
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Missouri? expand_more
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Missouri is $37,170 per year. This trails the $39,530 national median by 6%. New certified nursing assistants start around $30,320; seasoned professionals can reach $44,960.
How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Missouri? expand_more
Between exam fee ($135), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Missouri? expand_more
Expect to spend 6-12 weeks from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Missouri? expand_more
Yes — certified nursing assistants in Missouri must complete 8.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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