CNA Classes & Programs in Iowa
- CNA Programs in Iowa: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Iowa?
- Iowa CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Iowa
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Iowa?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Iowa?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Iowa
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Iowa
- Iowa CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Iowa
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Iowa
- 2026 Updated List of Iowa Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants are at the heart of patient care across Iowa, from Des Moines hospitals to rural long-term care centers and home health agencies. CNAs help residents with everyday needs, monitor health changes, and ensure dignity for seniors and individuals with disabilities. For Iowans seeking the shortest, most inexpensive route into healthcare, CNA classes offer a fast, reliable starting point.
On this page, you’ll discover:
- Iowa’s CNA training and registry requirements
- How many hours of classes and clinical are required
- What topics Iowa CNA programs teach
- Typical tuition ranges and timelines
- Practical tips for selecting quality CNA programs in Iowa
CNA Programs in Iowa: At-a-Glance
| Category | Iowa CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours minimum |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised hands-on clinical required |
| Certification exam | Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry exam (knowledge + skills) |
| State registry | Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry |
| Typical program length | 3–8 weeks |
| Typical total cost | About $700–$1,200 depending on school |
| Average CNA Salary in Iowa | Typically mid $30k range |
Why Become a CNA in Iowa?
Iowa has a large network of skilled nursing facilities and community hospitals that depend on CNAs (also referred to as “nurse aides”) every day. Rural areas in particular experience a consistent need for trained aides, giving new graduates strong job prospects close to home.
Reasons many students choose CNA training in Iowa:
- Quickest entry to healthcare employment
- Opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab, and home care
- Flexible shifts for students and parents
- A proven stepping stone to LPN, RN, or other medical careers
With relatively low tuition and short program lengths, CNA classes remain one of the most accessible health pathways in the state.
Iowa CNA Training & Certification
To work legally as a CNA in Iowa, you must complete several steps:
- Finish a state-approved CNA training program of at least 75 hours that includes classroom and clinical instruction.
- Pass the Iowa competency exam, consisting of:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A skills demonstration with an evaluator
- Be listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry before beginning employment.
- Maintain active status through required work hours and renewal rules.
CNA certification confirms that a graduate can safely assist with daily living, infection prevention, and basic medical monitoring under nurse supervision.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Iowa
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Safety, infection control, resident rights |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Measuring BP, pulse, respiration |
| Communication & Professionalism | Teamwork, dementia awareness |
| Clinical Training | Supervised care with real patients |
Iowa requires in-person clinical experience as part of the 75-hour minimum. Clinical rotations are commonly held in:
- Skilled nursing and rehab centers
- Hospitals or transitional care units
- Assisted living communities
These experiences allow students to practice transfers, documentation, and respectful patient interaction before testing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Iowa?
Most Iowa CNA programs can be completed in about 3 to 8 weeks.
Timelines vary based on:
- Full-time accelerated vs. part-time schedules
- Availability of clinical sites
- Evening or weekend course options
Students seeking the shortest path often choose daytime intensive formats, while working adults may prefer extended schedules.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Iowa?
Iowa supports hybrid CNA training, but certification cannot be fully online.
- Lectures may be delivered through online platforms
- Skills labs and clinical hours must be completed in person
- The state competency exam requires face-to-face testing
Any program promising 100% online CNA certification without local clinical training will not meet Iowa standards.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Iowa
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| North Iowa Area Community College |
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| Northeast Iowa Community College |
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| Eastern Iowa Community College District |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Iowa
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Western Iowa Tech Community College |
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| Iowa Central Community College |
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| North Iowa Area Community College |
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Iowa CNA Employment and Wages
CNA wages in Iowa reflect regional demand and employer type, with hospitals and specialty units often paying higher than long-term care settings. Learn more about how CNA salaries are determined.
CNA Salary in Iowa
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Iowa | 22,970 | $38,630 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Iowa
Before enrolling, evaluate programs using this checklist:
- Iowa state approval and exam eligibility
- Guaranteed clinical placement arranged by the school
- Transparent, low-cost tuition with all fees listed
- Small skills labs with plenty of practice time
- Job placement help or employer partnerships
Asking about first-time exam pass rates is a good way to gauge program quality.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Iowa
| Role | Training Length | Main Focus | Credential |
| CNA | 3–8 weeks | Basic bedside care | Registry listed |
| Medical Assistant | 9–12 months | Clinic tasks & admin | Certificate |
| LPN | 12–18 months | Medications, nursing care | Licensed |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing practice | Licensed |
For students seeking the most inexpensive and shortest route into patient care, CNA training is the clear starting point. For those seeking higher salaries and more career mobility, an LPN or RN career may be advantageous. Check out CNA to RN programs, and search for Iowa nursing schools to learn more about advancement opportunities.
2026 Updated List of Iowa Schools Offering CNA Classes
Ankeny, IA
Des Moines Area Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour program length
- Cost: $638 total
- Free training for qualified applicants
- Offered fall, spring, summer
- Campus-based program
- Criminal background check required
- FAFSA application needed
- DMACC application required
Calmar, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Career Pathway Certificate program.
- Non-credit program.
- 80 total course hours.
- 1-2 months to complete.
- Campus-based program.
- Multiple campus locations.
- Approximate cost: $899.
- Tuition assistance available.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Kirkwood Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for Iowa certification.
- Campus-based program.
- Minimum age 16.
- Background check required.
- Physical exam needed.
- 100% attendance recommended.
- Textbook required.
- Uniform and shoes needed.
Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour course length
- Offered monthly schedule
- Multiple Iowa locations
- Taught by registered nurses
- Costs $595-$695
- Campus and hybrid formats
- 3 college credits awarded
- Prerequisite for nursing program
Davenport, IA
Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program
- Two-month completion possible
- In-person and hybrid formats
- 50 classroom hours
- 30 clinical hours
- Iowa state-approved program
- Academic or training certificate
- Financial aid eligible
Estherville, IA
Iowa Lakes Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course
Campus Based - Website
- Two-part certification exam
- Multiple campus testing locations
- Theory exam: 100 questions
- Skills test demonstrating caregiving
- Required for healthcare employment
- Theory exam cost: $65
- Skills test cost: $125
Fort Dodge, IA
Iowa Central Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - 76 Hour Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour program length
- Campus-based instruction
- Taught by Registered Nurses
- $697 credit course cost
- Additional $116 program materials
- $190 state testing fee
- Multiple yearly offerings
- Various campus locations
Mason City, IA
North Iowa Area Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Program length: 100 total hours.
- Format: Face-to-face or hybrid.
- Clinical experience: 45 hours.
- Age requirement: 16 years or older.
- High school diploma or GED encouraged.
- Vaccinations required.
- Background checks mandatory.
- Mandatory orientation session.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Program length: 100 total hours.
- Includes 35 hours theory.
- Includes 20 hours lab.
- Includes 45 hours clinical.
- Campus-based program.
- Hybrid option available.
- Prepares for long-term care.
- Prepares for hospital work.
Sioux City, IA
Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 75-hour Nursing Assistant course.
- Campus-based program.
- Written exam: 100 questions.
- Skills exam: hands-on tasks.
- Exam cost: $190 total.
- Free first attempt for graduates.
- State certification required.
- Passing score: 70% or better.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant - CNA
Campus Based - Website
- 4-credit Certificate Program
- Multiple Campus Locations
- In-state Tuition $852
- Prepares for State Certification
- Patient Care Fundamentals Training
Waterloo, IA
Hawkeye Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 8-week program length
- Face-to-face and online formats
- Daytime and evening classes
- Fall, spring, summer starts
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Dementia simulation training
- State-approved CNA course
- Iowa certification preparation
West Burlington, IA
Southeastern Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- One-course healthcare program
- 32 hours clinical training
- Certification exam preparation
- State-approved curriculum
- Long-term care facility experience
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