Get CNA Certified in Iowa

Want to Become a CNA in Iowa? 

What are the CNA requirements in Iowa? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Iowa.

How to Become a CNA in Iowa

Becoming a licensed CNA in Iowa is overseen by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. To be eligible to become a CNA in Iowa you must be at least 16 years old, complete a criminal background check, and have either the vaccination or a signed waiver for Hepatitis B, COVID, Influenza, and Tuberculosis (TB). A high school diploma (or equivalent) is encouraged but not required.

Students must complete a CNA course with 75 hours of instruction time, consisting of both classroom studies and hands-on clinical training. The typical breakdown usually consists of 30 classroom hours, 15 lab hours and 30 clinical hours.

Nursing Assistant Programs are offered in-person, hybrid, and online. There are also flexible schedules with 4-week CNA classes, weeknight classes, and weekend classes and 8-week CNA programs where you can finish your certification fast. Visit our site’s CNA classes en Español section for program options.

Are you ready to find a CNA school near you in Iowa? Just use our Free CNA Finder tool here on the page. Just fill out your zip code and get started on your Nurse Aide career.

A Closer Look at CNA Training in Iowa

A typical CNA program in Iowa will include all the knowledge and skills you must perform for the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) State Exam. You can expect to learn CNA skills such as:

• Physiology

• Patient Care Procedures

• Infection Control

• Nutrition and Hydration

• Ethics

• Changing an Occupied Bed

• CPR and Basic Life Support

• Safely Using Ambulatory Devices

• Vital Sign Measurement

• Disposable Glove Removal

• Medical Communication

The cost of CNA training programs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of institution, program length, and included amenities. On average, CNA programs may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. When asking about costs, make sure to ask the staff if tuition is all-inclusive or if there are additional costs for textbooks, lab fees, uniforms, exam fees, and other classroom materials. Also, ask if there are different prices for in-state and out-of-state costs. Some students may qualify for financial aid or scholarships to help offset the cost of CNA training. Eligibility for financial aid programs and scholarships varies, so students are encouraged to research available options and apply for assistance if needed.

You can find a CNA school near you using our free location tool. Just enter your zip code to find online and local CNA schools.

The CNA Test in Iowa

The test is given in 2 parts, the Nurse Aide Written Test and the Nurse Aide Skills Competency Test. Both tests must be passed within 3 attempts or the student must retake the CNA course. A score of 70% or better is passing.

The written portion of the test is administered on a computer and is a multiple-choice test. However, if you require an oral test due to physical limitations, you may request that through the testing center.

The skills portion of the test is a demonstration of clinical skills in front of a test administrator. The test administrator will assign a random few skills for you to demonstrate. Some examples include proper hand washing, using a transfer/gait belt, changing bed linen with an occupied bed, dressing a patient with a weak arm, feeding, and measuring radial pulse.

Before you take your state exam, it’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare. We offer a comprehensive study guide to make sure you’re ready for the test. 

Congratulations! Once you pass the test, you are now listed as active on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Certification requires identification with a social security number and government issued identification. Placement on the Iowa DCA registry is necessary to be employed as a Nurse Aide in long-term care in Iowa (nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or a skilled or swing bed unit of a hospital). It’s free to be listed on the registry.

The demand for Nursing Assistants is soaring both within the United States and internationally. According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNA positions are expected to witness an 11% growth by 2026, with a sustained 4% annual increase up to 2032. This surge is fueled by both the aging of the general population and the aging workforce within the medical field. There's an escalating requirement for medical professionals in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, assisted living facilities, clinics, and outpatient care centers. As seasoned CNAs retire, there's a pressing need to hire younger individuals seeking a fulfilling and stable career dedicated to patient care.

CNA Job Promotions in Iowa

Becoming a Nurse Assistant in Iowa is an efficient stepping stone to advance up the ladder of nursing professionals. A CNA is the quickest way to achieve an entry-level position as a nurse. It’s also the least expensive nursing license to obtain. Once you’re consistently working as a CNA, you can pursue job promotions and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). There are nearly 6,000 LPN jobs in Iowa with the top LPNs earning $70,000 and nearly 34,000 RN jobs in Iowa with the top RNs earning $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To connect and network with other nurses, you can also join the Iowa Nurses Association.

And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.

State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Iowa

ABCM Corporation

1320 Fourth St NE

Hampton, IA 50441

Phone Number: 641.456.5636

AM Training Institute

7300 Westtown Parkway

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone Number: 515.224.3908

Azria Health Rose Vista

1109 Normal St

Woodbine, IA 51579

Phone: 712.647.2010

Calvin Community

4210 Hickman Road

Des Moines, IA 50310

Phone: 515.633.2515

Corydon Specialty Care

745 E South St, Box 387

Corydon, IA 50060

Phone: 641.872.1590

DMACC (Various high schools)

2006 S Ankeny Blvd

Ankeny, IA 50023

Phone Number: 515.964.6316

Des Moines Area Community College

2006 S Ankeny Blvd

Ankeny, Iowa 50023

Phone: 800.342.0033 or 515.964.6800

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

101 W Third St

Davenport, Iowa 52801

Phone number: 563.441.4100

Edgewood Convalescent Home

513 Bell Street

Edgewood, IA 52042

Phone: 319.480.4924

Grand Ji Vante

502 Butler St

Ackley, IA 50601

Phone: 641.847.3531

Hegg Memorial Health Center

2116 14th St

Rock Valley, IA 51247

Phone: 712.476.8000

Health Tech Associates

1441 29th St, Suite 303

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone Number: 515.537.1000

Hawkeye Community College

1501 East Orange Rd

Waterloo, Iowa 50704

Phone: 319.296.4456

Highland Ridge Care Center

102 Highland Cir

Willamsburg, IA 52361

Phone: 319.668.3800

Indian Hills Community College

525 Grandview Ave

Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

Phone: 800.726.2585

Iowa Central Community College

One Triton Cir

Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Phone: 800.362.2793

Iowa Lakes Community College

3200 College Dr

Emmetsburg, Iowa 50536

Phone: 712-852-5227

Iowa Valley Community College District

3702 South Center St

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158

Phone: 641.844.5656

Iowa Western Community College

2700 College Rd, Box 54-C

Council Bluffs, Iowa 51502-3004

Phone: 712.325.3259

Keystone Care Center

250 Fifth St,

Benton, IA 52249

Phone: 319.442.3234

Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Phone: 319.398.4970

Maquoketa Community High School

600 Washington St

Maquoketa, IA 52060

Phone Number: 563.340.5077

Martin Health Center

420 E 11th St

Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Phone: 319.277.2141

Methodist Manor

1206 W Fourth St

Storm Lake, IA 50588

Phone: 712.732.1120

State-Approved Testing Sites in Iowa