Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate

Certificates

Start Your Healthcare Career with MNU’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program.

Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe

4 credit hours

Complete in 1 semester

Niche Ranks MNU the Top Nursing School in Kansas

Rigorous courses of study, state-of-the-art facilities, subject matter experts in the classroom, academic partnerships with regional hospitals, hands-on learning, and excellent career preparation — current students and recent grads alike sang the praises of MNU’s School of Nursing in the 2025 Niche rankings of Best Colleges in America. MNU was ranked the top nursing school in Kansas and #2 in the KC metro area.

Accelerate Your Career

At MidAmerica Nazarene University, our Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program equips you with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab and clinical experiences, you’ll be prepared to begin your career in just one semester.

Program Overview

In our CNA program, you will learn how to:

Provide safe and respectful bedside care
Measure and record vital signs, including pulse and blood pressure
Safely assist patients with daily hygiene and mobility
Prevent and control infection
Communicate effectively with patients and their families
Support residents in long-term and adult care facilities

After successfully completing the course, you’ll be eligible to take the Kansas CNA certification exam and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Application Process

Submit an application

For more information contact the School of Nursing department at nursing@mnu.edu or call 913.971.3844.

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

Immunizations

Many of our affiliate rotation sites that students attend require proof of vaccination. Therefore, all students entering the CNA program will need to provide proof of immunization and/or immunity for the following:

Flu vaccine
- Must be completed annually between August 1 and October 31
TB screening – One of the following is required:
- 2 Step TB Skin Test (administered 1-3 weeks apart)
- 2 consecutive annual skin tests (administered 10-12 months apart)
- QuantiFERON Gold Blood test (Lab report required)
- IGRA blood test (Lab report required)
- Clear chest X-Ray (Lab report required)

Clinical Documentation

CPR for Healthcare Providers – Offered at MNU
Background Check and Drug Screen – This will be completed on the first day of classes.
Social Security Card – Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) requires an SS card for state licensure.
Valid state identification (Driver’s license, State Issued Identification, Passport)
Must be a minimum of 18 years old or parental permission.

What You Need to Know Before Enrolling

Our CNA program follows state guidelines, including required hours for both class and clinical work. Please make sure your schedule allows you to attend all sessions.

Class, lab, and clinical attendance is mandatory. Missing class may result in being dropped from the course.
Clinical experiences take place in person at local long-term care facilities and are built into the course.
Some clinical sites may require proof of additional vaccinations.
Physical ability is important. In labs and clinicals, you’ll need to:
- Push, pull, lift, or support up to 50 lbs.
- Move lighter objects up to 10 lbs. frequently
- Stand, walk, kneel, or crouch as needed throughout your shift

What course materials do I need to purchase?

You will only need to purchase gray scrubs for the lab and clinical. Your textbook will be provided on the first day of class.

Where can I purchase scrubs?

Basic Gray scrubs can be purchased from any store. Any style can be purchased; the only requirement is that they are sold dark gray.

You will only need to purchase gray scrubs for the lab and clinical. Your textbook will be provided on the first day of class.