The Daruby School in St. Louis runs a 12-week Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program totaling 181 clock hours. Training includes classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and certification in CPR and First Aid. Classes run on weekdays and follow a fixed daytime schedule. Students may be able to take the course at no cost if they qualify for funding through local organizations such as Better Family Life or SLATE (St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment). Graduates are supported with job placement assistance, and the school reports a strong employment rate for those who complete the program.
Program Format and Structure
The CNA training program at The Daruby School is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in healthcare, particularly in long-term care settings. The school’s structure is straightforward: 12 weeks of instruction divided between classroom and clinical hours, scheduled during weekdays.
Students attend class Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the first five weeks, with a half-hour break for lunch. The second half of the program shifts into clinical work, scheduled Monday through Thursday, maintaining the same 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. schedule. Clinical experience is completed under supervision, giving students real-world exposure to daily patient care routines.
The curriculum is broken down into three major components: 75 hours of basic patient care, 100 hours of clinical training, and 6 hours of CPR and First Aid certification, totaling 181 hours of required training. This setup meets Missouri’s requirements for CNA certification eligibility.
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Curriculum Overview
The academic portion of the program teaches students foundational knowledge and technical skills in patient care. These include hygiene assistance, vital signs monitoring, infection control, safety procedures, and basic nursing techniques. The clinical segment provides opportunities to apply those skills in a real care setting, helping students build confidence and competence in their role.
Students also receive CPR and First Aid certification, a standard requirement for employment in most healthcare environments. This inclusion saves students time and money by bundling essential credentials into the course itself.
Cost and Financial Assistance
Tuition rates aren’t publicly listed, but students may be eligible to take the program for free if they qualify through one of two local workforce development organizations. The Better Family Life program and SLATE both offer funding for job training programs, including CNA courses.
This is a key point to consider: while the program is not automatically free, students who qualify through these agencies won’t pay out-of-pocket. For those who don’t qualify for funding, it’s recommended to contact the school directly to get a clear picture of tuition and material fees.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in The Daruby School’s CNA program, students must meet the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be available for daytime weekday classes
- Be physically and emotionally prepared for patient care settings
There is no mention of a background check, TB test, or immunization requirements in the public materials, but students should confirm whether these are required prior to clinical placement.
Job Support and Career Services
While The Daruby School does not guarantee job placement, it emphasizes a high level of support for graduates. According to their materials, the school aims to maintain a placement rate of 80% or higher. That’s an ambitious goal and suggests a fairly strong relationship with local employers.
Career services include help with resume writing, job search strategy, application letters, and mock interviews. Individual job counseling is also available. The school maintains an updated list of job openings in the St. Louis area and works to connect graduates with positions that pay a “sustainable wage.”
Scheduling and Flexibility
One potential drawback for some students is the fixed daytime schedule. The program is held Monday through Thursday during daytime hours, which could be a barrier for those working full-time or with caregiving responsibilities. There are no evening or weekend class options available, and there is no online component. Everything is in person, which is common for CNA training but worth noting.
The consistent weekday schedule can also be a plus for students who benefit from a structured routine. It’s also worth noting that the course doesn’t drag on for months—the 12-week timeline is a reasonable trade-off between speed and quality of training.
The School’s Background and Approach
The Daruby School was founded in 1994 and operates as a non-profit educational institution. Its founder, Ruby Christian Harriman, continues to serve as the school’s president. The institution promotes a philosophy of developing the “whole person,” suggesting that soft skills and personal development are also prioritized alongside technical training.
Faculty are described as credentialed and experienced, though specific instructor qualifications aren’t listed publicly. The school appears to be relatively small, which could mean more individualized attention for students.
The mission focuses on professionalism, curriculum relevance, and ongoing engagement with the business community through advisory boards. These partnerships help ensure that course content aligns with employer needs.
Additional Student Support
Beyond career guidance, The Daruby School emphasizes its student counseling services. Faculty and staff are available to talk with students about academic concerns, and if personal issues arise that are outside the school’s expertise, referrals are made to appropriate services. This type of support can be especially valuable for students juggling life challenges while trying to complete their education.
Honest Perspective
The Daruby School CNA program is a solid option for students who are looking for an affordable or no-cost entry into healthcare work. The program length is reasonable, the training is hands-on, and the school appears to be connected with local employers. The weekday schedule is ideal for those with morning availability, but it won’t work for everyone. The lack of evening or weekend classes limits flexibility, and information on tuition for non-funded students is not readily available.
One potential strength is the school’s focus on both job skills and soft skill development, which could help graduates transition more smoothly into their roles. However, prospective students should be prepared to take the initiative to confirm details such as tuition, clinical requirements, and any additional fees before enrolling.
Who Should Consider The Daruby School?
This CNA program is best suited for adults who can commit to daytime weekday classes and are looking for a low-cost pathway into healthcare. It’s a good match for first-time job seekers, career changers, or those re-entering the workforce. If you qualify for funding through SLATE or Better Family Life, the financial burden is lifted, which makes this a strong option for those on a budget. While the school may not be as well-known as some larger institutions, its small size and stated placement efforts may work to a student’s advantage. If you’re ready for hands-on training and want a straightforward path into patient care, this program is worth looking into.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | May be free through funding from Better Family Life or SLATE |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | 12 weeks; 181 total hours (75 classroom, 100 clinical, 6 CPR/First Aid) |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | No; classes held Monday–Thursday during daytime hours |
| Online Classes?: | No; all training is conducted in person |
| Job Placement?: | Not guaranteed, but job placement assistance is provided |
| Requirements: | High school diploma or GED |
| Address: | 5415 Page Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63112 |
| Phone: | 314-454-6933 |
| Website: | https://www.thedarubyschool.com/ |
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