The Collegiate Nursing Academy is an option for students in their senior year of high school who are interested in medicine and have a desire to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). This program is designed to provide students with a learning experience in healthcare that exposes participants to the nursing profession, the educational expectations and academic rigor expected of those who plan to enter the nursing field, clinical experience, and the necessary preparation to earn the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification.

All participants will receive instruction from college-level faculty at William Jewell College for their required 75 hours of coursework and 100 hours of real-world clinical experience with teaching nurses at Liberty Hospital. All students who successfully complete the required coursework will be eligible to sit for the state of Missouri CNA certification exam. Students who achieve certification will be guaranteed an employment interview with Liberty Hospital.

Students who pursue this opportunity will attend William Jewell College during the first semester for half of the school day. During the second semester, students will participate in clinicals at Liberty Hospital. Students engaged in this program are still considered full-time LPS students and are eligible for all MSHSAA athletics and activities.

Please note, enrollment in the program will be limited to 20 students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Program Requirements:

All students must meet the following requirements to apply:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A grade of B or higher in all science courses
• Must be a Senior in the fall of 2024
• Provide an official student disciplinary record from the school
• Record of at least 95% attendance
• Completed application and a signed agreement to abide by the expectations and responsibilities of the Collegiate Nursing Academy

Program Schedule:

Fall Semester at William Jewell College

• Class on Tuesday mornings taught by a registered nurse
• Labs on Thursday mornings taught by a registered nurse
• 2.5 hours per day (75 hours total)

Spring Semester at Liberty Hospital

• 100 hours of clinical instruction taught by a registered nurse
• Participate in the CNA certification exam with guidance from Liberty Hospital and William Jewell College faculty

Program Cost:

The following items are provided for students at no cost (through the Liberty Hospital Foundation):

• Electronic Textbooks and Workbook
• Scrubs and jacket
• Stethoscope

The student is responsible for providing the following items:

• Black Shoes
• CNA State Exam Fee (optional)

Thank you to our program partners, Liberty Hospital and William Jewell College.