Health Care Careers

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development Health Careers focuses on specific jobs in the healthcare industry. These short-term programs provide students with workforce training to enter the healthcare industry with industry-recognized, state-required certificates. ECC has two short-term programs, Certified Nurse Assistant and Certified Medication Technician. 

The programs enable students to help others in a rewarding entry-level healthcare career. There is a high demand for dedicated and qualified professionals in the healthcare field which offer job security and competitive wages. Completers work in skilled nursing facilities, senior living centers, specialized personal care areas and hospitals. 

In addition, these programs have smaller class sizes and small group training to provide a personalized learning experience and enhance the student’s ability to successfully complete the program. 

The programs are taught on the ECC Union campus in Hansen Hall Suite 270. Course offerings are year-round with start and end times for the programs varying throughout the year. Please contact the program coordinator for the specific days and times. 

DHSS Regulations

Many of our short-term healthcare programs are overseen by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS). 

DHSS regulations specific to these programs include the following: 

Programs

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nurse Assistant’s perform basic nursing skills to care for clients in long-term care facilities, hospitals and/or through home health agencies. This class is a non-credit class that meets the classroom requirements (75 hours) of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requirements for Certified Nurse Assistants and teaches entry level skills for skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Students will be required to attend class meetings on a regular, scheduled basis; scheduled class meeting times will be published in advance. Simultaneously, after arrangement by ECC, students will need to complete their clinical training (100 hours of on-the-job training) in a long-term care facility. This 16-week program prepares students for the state certification exam.

Certified Medication Technicians (CMT)

Certified Medication Technicians are qualified to administer selected categories of medications to residents of long-term care facilities under the   supervision of licensed nursing personnel. This class meets the minimum classroom requirements of 60 hours of classroom/laboratory instruction and the minimum requirements of 8 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of the instructor. In addition to these requirements, the student is required to complete 8 hours of job shadowing with an assigned CMT, LPN, or RN. Students will not pass medications  during job-shadowing but must complete this requirement prior to  administering medications with the instructor.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Preceptor

Insulin

This course prepares medication technicians or medication aides to administer insulin. The class presents information on diabetes as it relates to symptoms and implications of proper or improper treatment. It also teaches skills in insulin administration in order to qualify students to perform this procedure in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Missouri. The course consists of at least 4 hours of classroom instruction and includes a final written and practicum examination completed with an approved instructor.

CPR

Financial Aid

Apprenticeships & Pre-Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs prepare motivated individuals with foundational skills and hands-on experience.

Read more about Apprenticeships  

SkillUp

Illustration of Missouri with text: Skill Up Program

The SkillUp program offers free tuition and support services to individuals receiving Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits. Eligible students will be selected and enrolled in a short-term (12 months or less) training program, at no cost to them; that will provide them with a new career path and obtain employment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my experience in home health or assisted living facilities, I have all the skills needed to be a CNA.  May I take the challenge state exam?

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services must determine eligibility to challenge the state exam. They can be reached at (573)526-5686.

I have been certified in the past, but my certificate has gone inactive. May I challenge the state exam instead of taking the entire course?

Again, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services must determine eligibility to challenge the state exam. They can be reached at (573)526-5686. 

How long is the course?

Usually, the CNA class is scheduled for 16 weeks with an accelerated option offered in May. The CMT class is 12 weeks.

Is there tuition assistance?

For more information or to register, call or email
Terri Warmack, Health Careers Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 636-584-6531
Email: terri.warmack@eastcentral.edu