Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains have set a new start date for its spring semester certified nursing assistant (CNA) class. The cohort will begin Feb. 3 in Looney Hall Room 101.

The CNA training program is a non-credit course designed to provide training and clinical experience in the healthcare field. It includes eight weeks of lecture, lab and clinical instruction.

The program offers many benefits:

• the convenience of short-term evening classes;
• specialized training from licensed instructors with professional experience;
• a small class environment;
• many career options upon successful completion.

Job placement assistance is available for those who successfully complete the program.

The training costs $1,432 per person and includes books and materials such as scrubs, a watch, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. It also includes an examination fee and the costs of a background check, tuberculosis test and drug screening.

Funding options are available.

Applicants must be:

• 18 years or older prior to the first day of class,
• have a high school diploma or equivalent,
• the ability to lift 50-plus pounds without restriction,
• pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

For more information about the program or to register, contact Sheila Barton, manager of workforce development, at 417-255-7784 or sheilabarton@missouristate.edu.

For more information about Missouri State-West Plains and its academic programs, call the admissions office at 417-255-7955.