WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Classes for the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification program at Missouri State University-West Plains will begin August, according to officials with the university’s Allied Health Department.
Certified Nurse Assistant (ALH 100) is scheduled for 4 to 8:20 p.m. Thursdays, and the Certified Nurse Assistant Clinical course (ALH 105) is set for 6:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays during the 2017 fall semester, which begins Aug. 21. These courses must be taken together, program officials said.
Students who complete the courses, as well as a two-part written and practicum examination, can be certified by the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA), which serves as the certifying agency for the program, university officials said. The examination will be included in the coursework.
The program will prepare students for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including long-term care and assisted living facilities, hospitals, clinics and home health agencies.
Students who receive the CNA certificate will be able to assist licensed nurses in providing patient care. Also known as a nursing assistant or nurse’s aide, CNAs are often considered the eyes and ears for the nursing staff, and are a valuable part of any healthcare team, according to Amy Ackerson, director of nursing and allied health.
“I would also recommend these courses to anyone interested in our Associate of Science in Nursing program,” Ackerson added. “Not only could they work as a CNA while attending college, they would gain invaluable nursing experience that will help them if they are accepted into the RN program. These courses are also part of our Certificate in Pre-Nursing.”
Registration for 2017 fall semester classes is now open. There are no prerequisites for these courses. For more information about admission and registration procedures, call the Missouri State-West Plains admissions office 417-255-7955, or visit www.wp.missouristate.edu.