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CNA Program In Iowa

Candidates who are interested in becoming certified nursing assistants need to apply for the CNA classes in Iowa. But, make sure that the school/program is approved by the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). The nurse aide programs in Iowa are offered by a number of schools and are taught by the experienced RNs (registered nurses). With the help of CNA classes, aspirants learn the know-how of nursing and develop the dexterity required to provide services to the patients in several long-term care facilities.

Prerequisites for Enrolling in CNA Classes in Iowa

The student aspiring for CNA Program should meet the below-mentioned requirements:

  • The applicant must attain the age of 18 years before applying for CNA program.
  • High school diploma or GED is required.
  • One must possess a valid photo ID of the state.
  • S/he should not have any criminal record.
  • An applicant should be free from any contagious disease before registering for the CNA Program.
  • A report of tuberculosis check-up within last six months is required that shows negative results.
  • Proof of immunization should be submitted.
  • Clearance of drug-screening test is mandatory.

Time and Cost of CNA Classes in Iowa

It is mandatory to complete 75 hours of program in order to become qualified for the state certification examination. CNA Program programs must incorporate 45 hours of theoretical classes and 30 hours of clinical studies. With the help of practical program, a student can experience the real work environment and acquire the skills necessary for a nursing career.

The cost of nurse aide program program in IA is approximately $550. An extra amount of $45 is required to pay for the state licensing. The fee for this program differs in every school.

Featured Nursing Schools Near You


Coursework for CNA Program in IA

The 6-week program to train a prospective certified nursing assistant integrates a meticulous curriculum along with hands-on practice at several health care facilities. The subjects that you study in the CNA program include basic human anatomy and psychology, nutrition, infection prevention and control, vital signs, medication administration, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), etc. Upon successful completion of this coursework, you become eligible to take the competency evaluation examination.

State Approved CNA Classes in Iowa

There are several schools and program institutions that provide CNA programs. One such institute is American Red Cross. If you are not able to find an authorized school, you can contact the Iowa Board of Nursing that will provide you a list of approved CNA schools.

Name of the School AddressContact NumberFaxOfficial Website
Belmond-Klemme Community School District 411, 10th Avenue Northeast, Belmond, Iowa- 50421 (641) 444-4300http://www.bkcsd.org
Clinton Community College  1000, Lincoln Boulevard, Clinton, Iowa- 52732 (563) 244-7001
Get Admissions Information
DMACC Ankeny Campus2006 South Ankeny BoulevardAnkeny, Iowa- 50023515-964-6200,1-800-362-2127(515) 964-6391
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Des Moines Area Community College 1125, Hancock Drive, Boone, Iowa- 50036 (515) 432-7203(515) 433-5033
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DMACC Carroll Campus906 North Grant Road, Carroll, Iowa 51401-2525712-792-1755,1-800-622-3334712-792-8500
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DMACC Newton Campus600 North 2nd Avenue WestNewton, Iowa 50208641-791-36221-800-362-2127641-791-1728
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DMACC Urban Campus1100 7th StreetDes Moines, Iowa- 50314515-244-4226,1-800-362-2127515-248-7216
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DMACC West Campus5959 Grand AvenueWest Des Moines, Iowa- 50266515-633-24071-800-362-2127
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Ellsworth Community College1100, College Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa- 50126 (641) 648-4611
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Genesis Health System 1227, East Rusholme Street, Davenport, Iowa- 52803 (563) 421-1000
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Hawkeye Community College 5330, Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, Iowa- 50613 (319) 277-2490
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Indian Hills Community College 721, North 1st Street, Centerville, Iowa- 52544 (800) 670-3641 (641) 856-2143
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Iowa Central Community College 1, Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, Iowa- 50501 (800) 362-2793
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Iowa Community College- Grinnell 123, 6th Avenue West, Grinnell, Iowa- 50112 (641) 236-0513
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Iowa Lakes Community College 2111, Highway 169 North, P.O. Box-680, Algona, Iowa- 50511 (515) 295-9455(515) 295-3729
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Iowa Lakes Community College – Emmetsburg3200 College DriveEmmetsburg, Iowa 50536712-852-3554712-852-2152
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Iowa Lakes Community College300 South 18th StreetEstherville, Iowa 51334712-362-2604712-362-8363
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Iowa Lakes Community CollegeGateway North1900 Grand Avenue, Suite B-1Spencer, Iowa 51301712-262-7141712-262-4047
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Iowa Lakes Community College800 21st StreetSpirit Lake, Iowa 51360712-336-3439712-336-1357
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Iowa Valley Community College3702 South Center Street, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158|641-752-4645 or 1-800-284-4823
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Iowa Western Community College2700 College RoadCouncil Bluffs, Iowa – 51503712-325-3200 or800-432-5852
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Kirkwood Community College6301, Kirkwood Boulevard Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa- 52404 (319) 398-5411
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Marshalltown Community College 3700, South Center Street, Marshalltown, Iowa- 50158 (641) 752-7106
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Muscatine Community College 152, Colorado Street, Muscatine, Iowa- 52761 (563) 288-6001http://www.eicc.edu/general/muscatine/index.html
North Iowa Area Community College500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 504011-888-GO-NIACC
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Northeast Iowa Community College1625, Highway 150 South, P.O. Box- 400, Calmar, Iowa- 52132 (800) 728-2256
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Northeast Iowa Community College8342 NICC DrivePeosta, Iowa- 52068800-728-7367,563-556-511
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Northwest Iowa Community College Nurse Assistant Program – Sheldon603 West Park Street, Sheldon, Iowa- 51201712-324-5061,800-352-4907712-324-4136
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Scott Community College 500, Belmont Road, Bettendorf, Iowa- 52722 (563) 441-4001
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Western Iowa Tech Community College4647, Stone Avenue, P.O. Box- 5199, Sioux City, Iowa- 51102-5199 (712) 274-6400
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FAQs

Question : Who will check and process the Criminal Background check form?

Answer: Since it is essential to have a clean criminal record for becoming a certified Nurse Aide, every institute offering CNA program will witness the background check and further your application in accordance with your report.Those having criminal charge will be disqualified.

Question : I enrolled in the CNA program, but did not complete the course. Now I wish to rejoin the program. Do I need to repeat the Criminal Background check process?

Answer: Yes, if one had left CNA program due to any reason, then whole requisites must be met again before returning to the program.

Question : What are the drawbacks of taking CNA class online?

Answer: Apart from a number of benefits, online classes come with some drawbacks too. The regularity of learning in online courses is the main cause that leads to downfall. These classes do not maintain the constancy like traditional classes which hampers the course work. Besides, there is no facility for practical program in online programs.

Those students who can’t afford the nurse aide education cost can consider free CNA Program in Iowa. Some institutions do not offer free programs, but may provide you program at the discounted rates. In order to get back your entire fees, you will have to sign an agreement with the nursing homes to render services for them for a particular time period after completion of the program. Read on to know a few more options to avail free or low-cost nursing assistant program in the state of Iowa.

1. Free Nursing Assistant Program via Nursing Homes

Instead of providing direct program, nursing homes make arrangements for the CNA classes at other health care facilities. They hire the candidates for specified time and cover the cost of entire education offered to him/her.

Nursing HomesAddressContact No.Fax No.Official Website
Nursing Home & West Winds Villa402 2nd Avenue,Clarence,IA 52216(563) 452-3266(563) 452-3268http://clarenceseniorliving.com
Fort Madison Health Center1702 41stStreetFortMadison, IA 52627(319) 372-8021(319) 372-8163http://www.fortmadisonhealthcenter.com
Fountain West Health Center1501 OfficePark Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265(515) 223-1223http://www.fountainwest.com
Franklin General Hospital1720Central Avenue East,  Hampton, Iowa50441(641) 456-5000http://www.franklingeneral.com
Friendship Home714North Division Street, Audubon, IA 50025(712) 563-2651(712) 563-2342http://www.friendshiphome.com
Monticello Nursing andRehabilitation Center500 PinehavenDriveMonticello,Iowa 52310(319) 465-5415http://www.monticellocampus.com
Montrose Health Center, Inc.400 South 7thStreetP.O. Box 248Montrose,IA 52639(319) 463-5438(319) 463-5439http://www.montrosehealthcenter.com
Nelson Manor1500 1st Avenue,EastNewton,IA 50208(641) 792-1443http://www.nelsonmanor.com
New Hampton Nursing & RehabilitationCenter703 SouthFourth Avenue, New Hampton, IA 50659(641) 394-4153https://www.nhnrc.com
Westview Acres Care Center203 SouthwestLorraine, Leon, IA 50144(641) 446-4165(641) 446-6604http://www.iowacare.com
Wheatland Manor Care Facility316 EastLincolnway, PO Box 369Wheatland, Iowa52777(563) 374-1295http://www.wheatmanor.com
Arbor Springs of West Des Moines7951 EP TrueParkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266(515) 223-1135(515) 223-1246http://www.arborsprings.org
Heritage Nursing Home546 EastRamsey,Bancroft, IA50517(515) 885-2463(515) 885-2759http://www.heritagehomebancroft.com


2. Scholarship & Grants

There are several scholarship and grant options available to help individuals fulfill their dreams of becoming a certified nursing assistant. These grant programs cover all the expenses including tuition, accommodation and material cost.

  • Justine E. Granner Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship program focuses on American Indians who are planning to choose nursing course. It also provides financial help to the members of other ethnic minorities. Eligible applicant is awarded $1000.To get this scholarship, one must meet the following eligibility criteria:
    • Applicant should be an American Indian or a member of other ethnic minority.
    • S/he should be pursuing a career in public health, nursing or other related fields.
    • The candidate should be enrolled in a nursing college/ school in Iowa.
    • First preference will be given to the Iowa high school graduates.
    • He/she should submit grade transcript to date, proof of SAT/ACT test scores, FAFSA/IRS Tax return and Financial Need Analysis sheet.
    • GPA of 3.0 or more is compulsory.
    • The applicant must submit 3 letters of recommendation from Pastor, School Advisor and Community Leader.
    • The aspirant should submit a complete application letter by the deadline (15 March). Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)FAFSA offers financial aid of nearly 200 billion dollars to students who need monetary help, in order to continue their education. There is an application process that a candidate has to follow. This process may be lengthy and difficult but students should not avoid this.FAFSA is not for a specific category, it is open to every candidate. There are some factors that decide your eligibility:
    • Your financial status
    • Your dependency on your parents
    • Your Estimated Family Contribution

    You can also fill the form online. But for that, you will have to get an electronic pin issued by the government.  This pin number represents your signature on all the essential papers/documents.

  • Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Foundation Scholarships – Heather R. Campbell Memorial Nursing ScholarshipThe fund is awarded to the candidates registered in the nursing program at the Ankeny campus. The scholarship covers the cost of books and tuition. In order to acquire the scholarship, the candidate must:
    • Be enrolled in a nursing aide program program either full or part-time
    • Have GPA of at least 2.5
  • Western Iowa Tech Community College ( WITCC) Foundation ScholarshipsThe scholarship is available to all the students at the college to cover the cost of fees, tuition, books, and housing expenses. In order to meet the criteria, the candidate must:
    • Submit a completed Foundation Scholarship Application
    • Be enrolled in a full or part-time credit program
  • Kirkland Community College – Rozelle B. Cram Endowed ScholarshipThe Rozelle B. Cram Endowed Scholarship program is offered to the students enrolled in Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing and Associated Degree in Nursing. The eligible candidate is awarded an amount of $500.Students can qualify for this scholarship if they meet the following requirements:
    • Demonstrate monetary need
    • Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form
    • Complete scholarship application
    • Submit all the requested documents by the deadline date

3. Institutions in Iowa that Offer Low Cost CNA Program

  • Kirkwood Community CollegeYou can avail reasonable program course at Kirkwood Community College. You just have to pay $509 for CNA Program. The coursework takes 75 hours to complete.Contact Details:
    Kirkwood Community College
    Address: 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Phone No: (319) 398-5517 or (800) 363-2220
    Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu
  • Signature HealthcareSignature Healthcare Program Center charge $523 for your practical and written exam. You can also access the fast track option that takes just 15 days to get trained. You can also take the classes in the evening.Contact Details:
    Signature Healthcare
    Address: 14225 University Avenue Suite 130, Waukee, IA 50263
    Phone No:
    (515) 252-0000
    Fax No: (515) 276-5506
  • Iowa Western Community College Candidate has to pay $465 for nurse aide program of 75 hours (including 30 hours of clinical experience, 15 hours of lab and 30 hours of classroom). This cost includes book and brochure expenses. Only day time classes are available for the students.Contact Details:
    Iowa Western Community College
    Address: 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
    Phone No: (712) 325-3200
    Website: http://www.iwcc.edu
  • Eastern Iowa Community College The college offers 75 hours CNA program which can be taken at day time or in the evening. The estimated cost of the program is $375 and testing fees of $120. The student has to pay additional amount for course related supplies, background check and immunization.Contact details:
    Eastern Iowa Community College 
    Address: 306 West River Drive Davenport, IA 52801
    Phone No: 1-800-462-3255
    Website: http://www.eicc.edu

4. Job Corps Centers

The Job Corps CNA Program centers offer free education to the eligible candidates so as to improve the quality of their life. Students, who lack financial support, can take assistance from these centers.

Job Corps CNA Program Centers

  • Ottumwa Job Corps Center
    Address: 15229 Truman Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
    Phone No: (641) 682-2000
    Fax No: (641) 682-0519
    Website:  http://ottumwa.jobcorps.gov
  • Denison Job Corps Center
    Address: 10 Opportunity Drive, PO Box 610 Denison, IA 51442
    Phone No: (712) 263-4192
    Fax No: (712) 263-6910
    Website:  http://denison.jobcorps.gov

5. The Larabee Center

This is a nonprofit private care facility that offers Vocational Services to the aspirants with disability and unemployment. The main objective of Larabee Center is to provide community support services to the elderly citizens and disabled.

Contact Details
The Larabee Center
Address:  117 11th Street Northwest, Waverly, IA 50677
Phone: (319) 352-2234
Fax: (319) 483-4408
Official Website: http://www.larrabeecenter.org

6. Rural Employment Alternatives

Rural Employment Alternatives was established in 1980 with an aim to help community members having disabilities.  REA encourages them to live an independent life.  They offer a number of services including job development, job coaching, co-worker program and job seeking skills so that individuals can attain their goals.

Contact Details
Rural Employment Alternatives
Address: 495 Fourth Avenue, Conroy, IA 52220
Contact No: (319) 662-4043
Official Website: http://reainc.webs.com/

FAQs

Question: Can I work while my CNA exams results are waiting?

Answer: Yes, you can work for four months from the date you were hired.  During this 4-month period, if the employer does not receive the passing test scores, then you will be terminated from the job.

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