CNA Training Programs in Iowa
The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is not a licensed profession in Iowa, though to work in a state certified nursing facility a CNA must be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. To be eligible for the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry, a CNA may complete a 75 clock hour nurse aide training program of which 30 hours are clinical training. According to the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA), all CNA programs need to be approved by the DIA. After successfully completing the CNA training program, the CNA must pass a competency exam that has a written portion and a skills evaluation portion. Read more about the competency exam and CNA licensure in Iowa. Addition to the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry occurs after passing the competency exam. It is possible to take the competency exam without completing a CNA program.
The requirements of CNAs depend on the facility they are employed. If employment at a non-certified facility or agency is desired, the potential CNA should contact the Department of Inspections and Appeals at 515-281-4115 to find out exactly what they need to do.
The bonus of finding employment with a state certified nursing facility is that the facility will cover both the CNA classes and the competency exam fees. This really means free CNA training and an opportunity to enter one of the fastest growing career sectors with only a time commitment.
CNA Training in Iowa
Most CNA programs Iowa will take about 6 weeks to complete. There is even an online CNA training program for those that do not have a campus convenient to them or don’t have the flexibility in their schedule to attend classes. The online program was developed by the University of Iowa in partnership with Iowa Lakes Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College and the Iowa Community College Online Consortium. To learn more about this online CNA program visit the Iowa Community College Online Consortium website.
The CNA position is often a stepping stone to more advanced health care positions like Registered Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing. The 75 hour CNA training program and passing the Direct Care Worker’s Registry exam (Nurse Aide Registry exam) are requirements for admission to many of the Registered Nursing and LPN programs in the state of Iowa, so really a CNA is preparing for their future by taking that first step, to enroll in one of the CNA programs offered in Iowa. A great option is to find employment with a certified nursing facility and have them take care of the class and testing fees. Contact the Department of Inspections and Appeals at 515-281-4115 to learn about certified nursing facilities offering CNA classes.
You may also be interested in the Medical Assistant programs in Iowa or the LPN programs in Iowa as additional entry-level health care career options.
CNA Certification Programs in Iowa
| Des Moines Area Community College PH: 515-964-6200 | Eastern Iowa Community College Campuses: Clinton, Scott and Muscatine County PH: 563-336-3444 | Iowa Central Community College One Triton Circle Fort Dodge, IA 50501 PH: 800-362-2793 | Iowa Lakes Community College Campuses: Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake. PH: 712-362-2604 |
| Iowa Western Community College 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503 PH: (712) 325-3200 | Kirkwood Community College 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 PH: 319-398-5517 | Northeast Iowa Community College PH: 563-562-3263 | Western Iowa Tech Community College 11 North 35th Street Denison, IA 51442-7564 PH: 712-263-3419 |
(Sources: Iowa Geriatric Education Center, Iowa Business and Regulatory Assistance Network, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals)