St. Charles Community College CNA Program

The standard program is a flexible but structured pathway for students who prefer a traditional pace. The 75 hours of classroom training are delivered fully online via Canvas, and students must maintain a minimum 80% average across all exams to pass. A personal computer or laptop is required, along with the purchase of two textbooks: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care, 5th Edition and its accompanying workbook.

The 100-hour clinical component (CNA 102) is conducted in person and must be scheduled separately. Students may be placed at a partner facility or may complete their training through their current healthcare employer if approved by the program administrator. Clinical shifts typically run during daytime hours and may follow a Monday through Friday or alternate-day format. Some evening shifts may be available, but this is not guaranteed.

Enrollment in the online classroom component does not automatically grant access to the clinical internship. Students must meet all health and background requirements before being accepted into CNA 102.

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For those who want to move quickly into the workforce, SCC provides an accelerated CNA program, usually offered during the summer semester. This version is eight weeks long and delivered in a hybrid format: online coursework, three required in-person lab days, and twelve clinical shifts at a long-term care facility.

This fast-track option is intensive. No absences are permitted from either the labs or clinical shifts, and students must be prepared to attend clinicals up to four times per week. Clinical shifts are scheduled for daytime hours only. Missing a lab or clinical session may result in immediate removal from the program.

Like the standard version, the accelerated option prepares students to meet the state’s requirements and is approved by Missouri DHSS. However, because of its pace, this format is best suited for students who can commit their full attention and availability for the duration of the course.

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The total cost of the program is $950. This is split between:

• $600 for the classroom portion (CNA 100)
• $350 for the clinical internship (CNA 102)

The tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable, and must be paid within three business days after registration is processed. Students are also responsible for covering the cost of required books and the state certification exam, which is coordinated through a third-party testing agency and not included in the program’s tuition.

While this program is not free, the tuition is relatively affordable compared to many private training institutions. SCC does not list whether financial aid or grants are available specifically for this program, so students may want to inquire about funding or payment plans before applying.

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Before registering for either program track, students must first apply to SCC as a non-degree-seeking student. Once admitted, the following documentation and clearances are required:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Acceptable background screening from the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry (completed within 90 days of registration)
• Negative 2-step TB test, dated within one year
• COVID-19 and flu vaccination documentation
• Urine drug screen completed through an SCC-approved facility
• Minimum 80% average on all classroom exams

Enrollment is not complete until all required documents are submitted. Students interested in the clinical internship should be aware that space is limited and contingent on meeting health and background screening standards.

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One of the notable features of SCC’s CNA program is the online delivery of classroom content, which gives students flexibility to complete readings, quizzes, and exams on their own schedule. However, because the course requires a passing grade of 80% and provides no alternative test dates, students must be self-disciplined to keep up with the assignments.

In contrast, the in-person clinical portion is rigid in its schedule, especially for the accelerated program. For students balancing other commitments, the lack of flexibility may be challenging. However, this strict structure can also help ensure accountability and minimize program delays.

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After completing both the classroom and clinical requirements, students are eligible to register for Missouri’s CNA certification exam through a third-party proctor. SCC does not directly handle this process but will provide students with instructions and guidance for registration.

The school does not promote guaranteed job placement but positions students for entry-level CNA roles in multiple care environments. No formal job support services are outlined in the program overview, so students seeking employment assistance should inquire directly with the program advisor or utilize SCC’s career services, if available.

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St. Charles Community College’s CNA program is a solid choice for students seeking a state-approved, structured path to certification at a moderate cost. The option between a standard and accelerated format allows flexibility based on a student’s timeline and availability. The online classroom delivery is convenient, but the lack of flexibility in lab and clinical attendance could be a barrier for some.

One thing to keep in mind is that the clinical internship is not guaranteed and requires a separate registration process, health documentation, and approval. Students who want a single-enrollment process may find this program more fragmented than others. Still, the program’s clear alignment with state requirements and SCC’s reputation as a public institution give it credibility.

If you’re looking for a program that provides the required CNA training in a short period of time and at a reasonable price—and can meet the structured attendance demands—this could be a very good fit.

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