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).
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 $15.13 an hour or $31,480 annually. There are several factors that determine the rate, such as location or type of facility.
U.S. Government / Public domain
