By Janice Phelan,
February 3, 2020

New CNAs celebrate graduation from the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s certificate
program.
Graduates of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Mental Health Specialist Certificate Program were recognized Jan. 28 at a ceremony
at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, as well as pursuing LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered
nurse) options through local community colleges.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Workforce and Professional Education webpage.
Financial aid options are also available for qualifying students. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ operates campus locations in Warrensburg, Online
and Lee’s Summit. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Workforce and Professional Education programs are housed at
the university’s Lee’s Summit location in the Missouri Innovation Campus.