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 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
| Name | Address | Phone Number |
| Des Moines Area Community College | 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 | 800.342.0033 or 515.964.6800 |
| Eastern Iowa Community Colleges | 101 W Third St, Davenport, Iowa 52801 | 563.441.4100 |
| Hawkeye Community College | 1501 East Orange Rd, Waterloo, Iowa 50704 | 319.296.4456 |
| Indian Hills Community College | 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 | 641.683.5337 or 800.726.2585 |
| Iowa Central Community College | One Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 | 800.362.2793 or 515.574.1330 |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | 3200 College Dr, Emmetsburg, Iowa 50536 | -6790 |
| Iowa Valley Community College District | 3702 South Center St, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 | 641.844.5656 |
| Iowa Western Community College | 2700 College Rd, Box 54-C, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51502-3004 | 712.325.3259 |
| Kirkwood Community College | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 | 319.398.4970 |
| North Iowa Area Community College | 500 College Dr, Mason City, Iowa 50401 | 641.422.4437 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | 1625 Highway 150 South, Box 400, Calmar, Iowa 52132 | 844.642.2338 ext. 6905 |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | 603 West Park St, Sheldon, Iowa 51201-1046 | 712.324.5061 |
| Southeastern Community College | 1500 West Agency Rd, Box 180, West Burlington, Iowa 52655-0180 | 319.208.5278 or 319.752.2731 ext. 5278 |
| Southwestern Community College | 1501 West Townline St, Creston, Iowa 50801 | 641.782.1445 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51106 | 712.274.8733 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.