Essential NA Academy CNA Program

This program prepares students to meet the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) training standards for CNA certification. Topics covered include personal care, patient hygiene, communication, infection control, safety procedures, and resident rights. Because the didactic portion is fully online, students are expected to be self-directed but will still receive guidance from licensed instructors as needed.

The online curriculum is paired with real-time analytics tools that help instructors—and students—track progress. This allows for early intervention if a student is falling behind and can also help clinical instructors identify strong candidates for future hiring.

Clinical training is hands-on and competency-based. Students practice essential CNA skills such as assisting with daily living activities, repositioning patients, and using basic medical equipment. These sessions are required and conducted under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

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The cost of the CNA Hybrid Program is $2,300, which covers the full 7-week course including access to the online platform and the required clinical training. This price is on the higher side compared to community colleges or publicly funded programs, which often fall under $1,000. However, for students looking for a short-term, flexible, tech-driven solution, this program may be worth the higher tuition.

There is no information on whether payment plans or financial assistance are available. Students should contact the school directly to ask about financing options if cost is a concern.

It’s also worth noting that this tuition does not appear to include the cost of state certification testing, uniforms, immunizations, or other out-of-pocket requirements—so prospective students should ask for a full breakdown of all potential costs.

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One of the key strengths of this program is flexibility. The online learning environment allows students to study around their personal and work schedules, which is especially helpful for adult learners or those with caregiving responsibilities. Because all classroom content is virtual, the program is accessible to students with reliable internet access and basic digital literacy.

The program’s hands-on component is mandatory and cannot be skipped or rescheduled, so students must plan to be available for those final two weeks of in-person work. These sessions are coordinated through the academy with partner facilities, and students should expect to follow a daytime schedule during clinical training.

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Essential NA Academy does not publish a detailed admissions checklist on its site, but based on Missouri state requirements and general program standards, the following are likely required:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must provide a negative TB test
• Must pass a criminal background check (through the Family Care Safety Registry)
• Proof of immunizations, including possibly COVID-19 and flu
• Basic computer skills and access to a reliable device and internet connection

The academy may have its own forms or additional screening steps. Students should be prepared to provide documentation and complete any health screenings before attending clinicals. Those interested should reach out via email or phone to confirm exact enrollment steps and start dates.

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Instruction is delivered by Registered Nurses, both online and in the clinical setting. This is a positive indicator of quality, as RNs typically bring extensive healthcare experience and are familiar with state standards. The presence of live instructor support, paired with data analytics to monitor progress, adds a layer of accountability that is sometimes missing in fully online courses.

Still, students should be aware that online learning requires strong time management and motivation. While instructor support is available, it is primarily through virtual channels. Those who prefer in-person lectures or group study may find the hybrid model challenging.

The school reports a 98% pass rate on the Missouri CNA exam, which suggests that their format and instruction methods are effective. However, prospective students should always ask how this number is calculated and whether it’s based on all students or only those who finish the course.

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The academy coordinates clinical experiences through partnered care facilities or local training labs. The locations of these sites are not listed publicly, so applicants should ask about commute times and facility quality during the enrollment process.

The program structure includes a close connection between online instructors and clinical trainers. This helps ensure students receive consistent feedback and that what’s taught in the virtual classroom is reinforced during hands-on training. However, the lack of evening or weekend clinical shifts could be a barrier for some students who work full-time during the day.

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Essential NA Academy’s hybrid CNA program is designed for learners who want to complete their training quickly and are comfortable with online learning. The 7-week timeline, paired with a self-paced format, allows motivated students to get through the curriculum and start clinicals in under two months.

However, the $2,300 price point is high relative to many CNA programs in Missouri. Students will need to weigh that against the convenience, structure, and pass rate. The hybrid structure makes it accessible for those balancing work or personal responsibilities, but it also demands strong self-discipline and technology access.

It’s also important to note that while the school highlights success rates, it does not publicly advertise job placement assistance or formal career services. That means graduates may be on their own when it comes to finding employment, unless they’re hired by a clinical site during or after training.

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