Iowa Nurse Aide Classes

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Iowa

Iowa CNA Training: To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa, individuals must enroll in a training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). The program consists of at least 75 hours, which includes both theoretical instruction and clinical hands-on training.

Education Requirements: While Iowa does not explicitly demand a high school diploma or GED for CNA training, individual institutions might have it as a prerequisite. Having a high school diploma is beneficial for future employment opportunities and for those looking to advance in the healthcare field.

Iowa CNA Examination: Once the training is completed, candidates must take and pass the state’s CNA competency evaluation. This exam is a combination of a written or oral test and a hands-on skills assessment where the candidate demonstrates specific nursing assistant duties.

Iowa CNA Registry: After passing the competency exam, individuals will be registered in the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. To maintain an active status on this registry and continue working as a CNA in Iowa, certain ongoing education requirements must be met.

Iowa CNA Training

Iowa State-Approved CNA Training Schools

Institution Institution Address Phone Number
Azria Health Rose Vista 1109 Normal St, Woodbine, IA 51579 712.647.2010
Calvin Community 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310 515.633.2515
Corydon Specialty Care 745 E South St, Box 387, Corydon, IA 50060 641.872.1590
Edgewood Convalescent Home 513 Bell Street, Edgewood, IA 52042 319.480.4924
Grand Ji Vante 502 Butler St, Ackley, IA 50601 641.847.3531
Hegg Memorial Health Center 2116 14th St, Rock Valley, IA 51247 712.476.8000
Highland Ridge Care Center 102 Highland Cir, Willamsburg, IA 52361 319.668.3800
Keystone Care Center 250 Fifth St, Benton, IA 52249 319.442.3234
Martin Health Center 420 E 11th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319.277.2141
Methodist Manor 1206 W Fourth St, Storm Lake, IA 50588 712.732.1120
Pella Regional Health Center 404 Jefferson St, Pella, IA 50219 641.621.2285
Pleasant View Care Center 200 Shannon Drive, Whiting, IA 51063 712.458.2417
Prairie View 610 N Eastern St, Sanborn, IA 51248 712.930.3228
Ridgecrest Village 4130 Northwest Blvd, Davenport, IA 52806 563.391.3430
Sunrise Retirement Community 5501 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106 712.276.3821
The Alverno Health Care Facility 849 13th Ave N, Clinton, IA 52732 563.242.1521
The Cottages 1742 Main St, Pella, IA 50219 641.629.0730
The Gardens of Cedar Rapids 5710 Dean Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 319.480.4924
Twilight Acres 600 W Sixth St, Wall Lake, IA 51466 712.664.2488
Wellington Place 2479 River Road, Decorah, IA 52101 319.480.4924
WesleyLife 5508 NW 88th Street, Johnston, IA 50131 515.271.6789
Westview Acres Care Center 203 SW Lorraine St, Leon, IA 50144 641.446.4165

Iowa CNA Training Schools - Community Colleges

NameAddressPhone Number
Des Moines Area Community College2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa 50023800.342.0033 or 515.964.6800
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges101 W Third St, Davenport, Iowa 52801563.441.4100
Hawkeye Community College1501 East Orange Rd, Waterloo, Iowa 50704319.296.4456
Indian Hills Community College525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501641.683.5337 or 800.726.2585
Iowa Central Community CollegeOne Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501800.362.2793 or 515.574.1330
Iowa Lakes Community College3200 College Dr, Emmetsburg, Iowa 50536-6790
Iowa Valley Community College District3702 South Center St, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158641.844.5656
Iowa Western Community College2700 College Rd, Box 54-C, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51502-3004712.325.3259
Kirkwood Community College6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404319.398.4970
North Iowa Area Community College500 College Dr, Mason City, Iowa 50401641.422.4437
Northeast Iowa Community College1625 Highway 150 South, Box 400, Calmar, Iowa 52132844.642.2338 ext. 6905
Northwest Iowa Community College603 West Park St, Sheldon, Iowa 51201-1046712.324.5061
Southeastern Community College1500 West Agency Rd, Box 180, West Burlington, Iowa 52655-0180319.208.5278 or 319.752.2731 ext. 5278
Southwestern Community College1501 West Townline St, Creston, Iowa 50801641.782.1445
Western Iowa Tech Community College4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51106712.274.8733 ext. 1471

Iowa CNA Training Frequently Asked Questions

What are the continuing education requirements for CNAs in Iowa? Iowa CNAs are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours periodically. The exact number and the topics can vary, so CNAs should refer to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry guidelines.

Is there a difference between a CNA and a Direct Care Worker (DCW) in Iowa? In Iowa, a Direct Care Worker encompasses a broader category of caregivers, including CNAs. CNAs have specific training and certification, whereas DCWs might not always have the same level of specialized training.

Are there advanced roles or certifications available for CNAs in Iowa? Yes, in Iowa, CNAs can pursue additional training and certifications to become Advanced CNAs (ACNAs). This advanced role allows them to perform specific tasks beyond the traditional CNA scope of practice.

How often does the competency exam need to be retaken if a CNA does not get employed right after certification in Iowa? If a CNA does not gain employment within a specified period post-certification, they might need to retake the competency exam to demonstrate maintained skills and knowledge.

How can CNAs from other states transfer their certification to Iowa? CNAs from other states can apply for reciprocity in Iowa. They must ensure that their certification is active and in good standing in their home state and might need to provide additional documentation or undergo background checks.

What’s the average salary of a CNA in Iowa? While the exact figure can vary based on location, facility, and experience, CNAs in Iowa typically have a competitive salary range, often accompanied by other employment benefits.

How do CNAs in Iowa maintain their certification in case of a lapse? If a CNA in Iowa lets their certification lapse, they might be required to retake the competency exam or even undergo retraining, depending on the duration of the lapse.

Are there facilities or hospitals in Iowa that offer CNA training programs? Many hospitals and healthcare institutions in Iowa provide in-house CNA training programs. These programs are beneficial for individuals seeking both training and potential employment opportunities post-certification.

Can a CNA in Iowa administer medications? In Iowa, CNAs cannot administer medications unless they undergo additional training and certification to become a Medication Aide. This role requires specific coursework and another state examination.

Are online or hybrid CNA training programs recognized in Iowa? While the theoretical portion of CNA training can be completed online, Iowa mandates that the clinical component be conducted in-person. As a result, hybrid programs, which combine online theory lessons with in-person clinical sessions, might be accepted in Iowa.

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