CNA Classes in Iowa

Earning your nurse aide certification and embarking on an exciting career in healthcare can be just weeks away for those who enroll in CNA classes in Iowa. Whether you choose to complete your training online, or at a traditional campus-based program, you can usually become eligible to challenge for certification in as little as 6-8 weeks.
The following courses are currently accepting students in Iowa and can help you become eligible to test for certification after completing their approved curriculum.
Name | City | Address | Type | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny | 2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa 50023-3993 | 2-year, Public | 17% |
Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines | 928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1239 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Private not-for-profit | 37% |
Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge | One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 | 2-year, Public | 34% |
North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | 500 College Dr, Mason City, Iowa 50401 | 2-year, Public | 38% |
Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 | 2-year, Public | 21% |
Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City | 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199 | 2-year, Public | 20% |
The latest official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a projected increase of 16% in new Certified Nursing Assistant positions through 2020. This makes the nurse assisting profession one of the fastest-growing in the state and, when one considers its median salary of $23,700 according to CareerInfoNet.org, an attractive career option for recent high school graduates and those interested in entering the healthcare field.
State | 2010 | 2020 | Percent Change | Projected Job Openings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Iowa | 23,220 | 26,940 | 16% | 670 |
Type | Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median | Top 75% | Top 90% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iowa Hourly | $9.51 | $10.24 | $11.45 | $13.61 | $16.17 |
Iowa Yearly | $19,800 | $21,300 | $23,800 | $28,300 | $33,600 |
Earning your CNA license in Iowa requires you to complete a three-step process. The required steps, in order, are:
- Complete a CNA training course approved by the Health Facilities Division of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
- Pass the state certification exam administered by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program
- Contact the Iowa State Nurse Aide Registry and apply for inclusion