Nestled in the heart of the United States is the lovely State of Iowa. Many baby boomers are retiring in this state due to the beautiful landmarks and convenience to amenities. Additionally, many in the agricultural and farming sector are starting to retire as well and pass on their farming operations. As the population ages in Iowa, so is the demand for skilled care. This is great news for those considering entering into the field of healthcare, specifically certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
Online CNA Classes in Iowa
With the flexibility of online learning, aspiring CNAs can now access top-tier education from the comfort of their homes. Embracing the benefits of online CNA classes means you can tailor your learning schedule to fit your life, access high-quality resources at your convenience, and receive expert instruction that matches traditional in-person classes. While clinical requirements must be completed in-person at medical facilities, the following programs offer some level of online learning for their CNA classes.
Discover a new level of convenience and excellence in CNA education through online providers in Iowa:
1. Iowa Western Community College
Iowa Western Community College’s CNA program stands as an engaging and well-structured offering for individuals aspiring to enter the field of nursing. With its comprehensive curriculum, various class options, and career support services, this program demonstrates a commendable commitment to nurturing the next generation of certified nursing assistants.
Program Overview: IWCC’s CNA program is geared towards equipping students with the essential knowledge and foundational nursing skills required to effectively care for patients and residents within various long-term care facilities. Delivered by experienced Registered Nurses, the program encompasses a total duration of 79 hours and is conducted on a monthly basis at different locations, thereby catering to the flexibility needs of potential candidates. Successful completion of the course merits students with 3 Iowa Western credits and serves as a prerequisite for the IWCC Nursing program.
Program Components: The program integrates a balanced blend of educational modes, including 34 hours of classroom instruction supplemented with professional soft skills, 15 hours of laboratory practice, and 30 hours of clinical experience. This immersive approach ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of nursing fundamentals, fostering the capacity to provide proficient patient care.
Class Options and Fees: Prospective enrollees are provided the choice between two distinct class formats, namely Traditional and Hybrid. The Traditional style classes, which are delivered predominantly in person, are available at a cost of $595. The Hybrid variant, offering a mixture of online and in-person instruction, is priced at $675. In addition to tuition and textbook expenses, an essential non-refundable processing fee is applicable to both formats. The program also mandates a separate State Testing Fee amounting to $175.
Prerequisites and Documentation: The program’s entry requirements entail proof of current vaccinations and immunizations, inclusive of mandated COVID vaccinations and (2) Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Tests. As per the stipulated guidelines, the skin tests must be conducted within the 12 months preceding the class commencement, with a mandatory one-week interval between the first and second tests. Additionally, candidates are subject to a criminal background check and drug screening administered by Iowa Western.
Job Placement and Career Prospects: IWCC extends career-oriented support to its students by offering valuable job placement assistance, further enhancing the appeal of the CNA program. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a diverse array of healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals. As per the program’s stated statistics, the 2020 median annual salary for CNAs stood at $30,830 ($14.82/hour), underscoring the potential financial returns associated with this career path.
E2E Assistance – Education 2 Employment: IWCC also extends the Education 2 Employment (E2E) assistance program, which provides Iowa residents with the opportunity to qualify for free tuition in select programs. This initiative underscores the college’s commitment to enhancing career growth and educational advancement for its local community.
- Location: 2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (712) 325-3259
- Website: https://www.iwcc.edu/ce/health/cna-programs/
2. Kirkwood Community College
The Nurse Aide Training Program (CNA) stands as a testament to Kirkwood Community College’s commitment to producing skilled and competent healthcare professionals. The program is strategically structured to encompass a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience, culminating in well-rounded nurse aides who can excel in long-term care settings.
Key Program Highlights:
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Blending Online Flexibility with Hands-On Learning: The program blends the convenience of online learning with the richness of practical clinical instruction. Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of online coursework, allowing flexibility in their learning journey. This is coupled with immersive lab experiences and hands-on clinical instruction at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, IA, providing a holistic learning environment.
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Emphasis on Safe and Effective Resident Care: The heart of the program lies in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on understanding the resident’s needs, fostering empathy, and mastering the art of providing quality care.
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Instructor Expertise: Guiding students through this transformative journey is Angela Amling, an accomplished educator in the field. Angela’s wealth of experience and dedication ensures that students receive the highest level of instruction and mentorship.
Program Structure:
The Nurse Aide Training Program (Hybrid) spans multiple sessions, encompassing both online coursework and in-person lab and clinical experiences. The schedule is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of students, enabling them to balance their learning with existing commitments.
Clinical Requirements:
As the cornerstone of practical learning, clinical requirements play a pivotal role in shaping your skills. Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, these requirements include:
- Physical health form and immunization records
- Negative Mantoux TB tests or Quantiferon Gold blood test
- Essential lab attire and accessories, including scrubs, closed-toe non-slip shoes, and a watch with a second hand
The Nurse Aide Training Program (Hybrid) offered by Kirkwood Community College has a well-rounded curriculum, expert instruction, and a transformative learning approach.
- Location: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 319-398-1022
- Website: https://kirkwood.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=course.classinformation&coursenumber=CHNA-1550
3. Western Iowa Tech Community College
The Hybrid Nursing Assistant – CNA Certificate Program at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) stands as an innovative educational endeavor that seamlessly blends online instruction with practical training, catering to aspiring healthcare professionals aiming to embark on a journey in patient care. This program bridges the gap between remote learning and hands-on experience, offering a comprehensive curriculum that imparts essential knowledge and practical skills requisite for patient support within healthcare environments.
Program Details:
- Degree: Certificate
- Credits: 4
- Location: Sioux City, Cherokee, Denison, Mapleton
- Program Structure: A hybrid format, integrating online classes with practical training
- Estimated Program Costs: In-state tuition and fees: $808.00, Out-of-state tuition and fees: $832.00, Educational fees: $97.00/semester, Estimated books: $200.00/semester, Estimated transportation and personal expense: $2,273.00/semester, Estimated student housing and meals: $3,275.00/semester
- Required Classes: HSC-173 (Nurse Aide Theory, 3 credits), HSC-174 (Nurse Aide Clinical, 1 credit)
- Entrance Requirements: Submission and clearance of criminal and abuse background checks, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, signed confidentiality agreement, uniform purchase (light blue scrub shirt and pants, predominantly white leather shoes)
- Licensure Information: Educational licensure met in Iowa
- Career Opportunities: Graduates of this program can perform fundamental patient care tasks under the guidance of nursing staff, including feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, and patient transport.
- Job Placement Assistance: Information about job placement assistance is not explicitly provided in the program description.
The Hybrid Nursing Assistant – CNA Certificate Program represents a novel approach to education, where students can access coursework online while also participating in essential hands-on experiences through external affiliated agencies. This unique blend of learning modalities enhances students’ adaptability and technological competence, crucial skills in today’s healthcare landscape. The program’s curriculum remains robust, covering core topics such as basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, safety measures, infection control, and physical care.
One distinctive feature of the program is its integration into WITCC’s broader nursing pathway. Successful completion of the Hybrid Nursing Assistant – CNA Certificate enables students to progress to the Nursing – PN Diploma and subsequently the Nursing – ADN program, thereby facilitating the pursuit of licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN).
The Hybrid Nursing Assistant – CNA Certificate Program offered by WITCC emerges as a pioneering initiative in hybrid education, bridging online learning with practical training. This format provides students with the flexibility to engage with coursework remotely while gaining vital hands-on skills necessary for patient care. Prospective students considering this program should carefully review its prerequisites, financial considerations, and geographic options to ascertain its alignment with their career aspirations and learning preferences.
- Location: 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51106
- Phone: 712.274.6404
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: WITCC Hybrid Nursing Assistant Program
Iowa CNA Certification Requirements
There are certain criteria you must meet in order to qualify for certification in Iowa. Please see the requirements listed below:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- High School graduate or GED
- TB test (two-step)
- Valid state-issued ID card
- 100% attendance
- MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella and Season Influenza
Iowa CNA Programs & Testing Costs
In order to become a Certified Nurse Aide in Iowa, there are certain requirements you must meet. You must enroll in a 75-hour program course (state-approved). The course consists of 45 hours of classroom time and 30 hours for the clinical aspect.
When considering a program, often location and cost are two major factors. The cost for certification courses can range from $700-$1000 on average. There may be additional costs to budget for, such as the tools (stethoscope), cost of the state exam and books for the program.
There are programs that are available with classes in as few as two weeks. Please follow this link for a list of programs.
There are a variety of courses to choose from, some are at a cost, and some programs are employer sponsored. If you have any questions regarding costs, course schedule or scholarship programs please contact them directly.
CNA Programs in Iowa
There are a number of different avenues to earning your CNA certification in Iowa, with some locations offering employer sponsored CNA classes while others offer tuition-based programs. Please contact the providers directly to learn more.
| Programs | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMACC Career Academy/ Hunziker Center | Ames, IA | 50010 | 515-663-6700 |
| Atlantic Specialty Care | Atlantic, IA | 50022 | 712-243-3952 |
| DMACC Carroll Campus | Carroll, IA | 51401 | 800-362-2127 |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 50614 | 319-273-2311 |
| PRN Staffing | Cedar Rapids, IA | 52402 | 319-294-7067 |
| UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Living Center West | Cedar Rapids, IA | 52403 | 319-366-8714 |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 52404 | 319-398-5411 |
| Chariton Specialty Care | Chariton, IA | 50049 | 641-774-5921 |
| Clinton Community College | Clinton, IA | 52732 | 563-244-7001 |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | 51503 | 712-325-3200 |
| Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | 50801 | 641-782-7081 |
| Eastern Iowa Community College | Davenport, IA | 52801 | 563-336-3300 |
| St. Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | 52803 | 563-333-6000 |
| AM Training Institute | Des Moines, IA | 50266 | 515-802-9823 |
| DMACC Urban Campus | Des Moines, IA | 50314 | 800-362-2127 |
| DMACC Southridge Center | Des Moines, IA | 50315 | 515-287-8700 |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines, IA | 50309 | 515-643-3180 |
| Broadlawns Medical Center | Des Moines, IA | 50314 | 515-282-2200 |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | 50501 | 800-362-2793 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 50112 | 641-269-4000 |
| Morningside Care Center | Ida Grove, IA | 51445 | 712-364-3327 |
| The University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 52242 | 319-335-3500 |
| Ellsworth Community College | Iowa Falls, IA | 50126 | 641-648-4611 |
| West Ridge Specialty Care | Knoxville, IA | 50138 | 641-842-3153 |
| Iowa Valley Continuing Education | Marshalltown, IA | 50158 | 641-752-4645 |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 50158 | 641-752-7106 |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | 50401 | 888-466-4222 |
| DMACC Newton Campus | Newton, IA | 50208 | 641-791-3622 |
| Care Initiatives | Odebolt, IA | 51458 | 712-668-2208 |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | 52501 | 800-726-2585 |
| DMACC | Perry, IA | 50220 | 800-362-2127 |
| Scott Community College | Riverdale, IA | 52722 | 563-441-4001 |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon, IA | 51201 | 712-324-5061 |
| Westwood Specialty Care | Sioux City, IA | 51103 | 712-258-0135 |
| Tri-State Nursing | Sioux City, IA | 51106 | 712-277-4442 |
| Tri-State Nursing | Sioux City, IA | 51106 | 712-277-4442 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | 51106 | 712-274-6400 |
| St. Croix Hospice | Strawberry Point, IA | 52076 | 855-278-2764 |
| Hawkeye Community College Main Campus | Waterloo, IA | 50701 | 319-296-2320 |
| Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | 52655 | 319-208-5000 |
| Care Initiatives | West Des Moines, IA | 50266 | 515-224-4442 |
| Iowa Home Care | West Des Moines, IA | 50266 | 515-222-9995 |
Western Iowa Tech. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Western Iowa Tech offers a great way to enter the world of skilled healthcare if you are considering continuing on. The average cost of the program is approximately $730 with options for tuition payment plans.
Tri-State Nursing. Tri-State Nursing offers a convenient 3-week course in Sioux City. The costs of the program are $750 which must be paid in advance prior to the first day of the course.
Eastern Iowa Community College Located in Davenport, Iowa this community college offers a hybrid program splitting up classroom time and clinical time making the program more convenient.
Iowa Western Community College The State of Iowa offers programs that allow for online learning and on-site learning. IWCC offers both, hybrid and in-person learning. Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this college offers convenience and payment options making the program easy to access and affordable.
Additional Iowa CNA resources
Once you complete the program, you may have questions along the way. Listed below you will find the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.
Iowa
Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facilities Division
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street,
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-4077
Fax: (515) 242-5022
Out of State CNAs
As an out of state Can you can transfer your License to Iowa through reciprocity.
- First, you must download and complete the first section of the “direct care worker registry application”
- The second section needs to be completed by your employer
- Copies of the old CNA card and state ID are required
- Clean background check
CNA Renewal in Iowa
You can maintain your Iowa CNA certification if you have worked in long term care facilities for at least an eight-hour shift within the 24-month period. There must be no complaints of abuse or neglect to also be able to renew.
How much does a CNA make in Iowa?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a CNA’s average salary is $16.89 an hour or $32,120 annually. There are several factors that determine the rate, such as location or type of facility.