ChooseCNA.org

Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide

  • Home
  • Become
  • Find a School
  • Salary
  • Articles
Home ยป Become a CNA in Iowa

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa

Leave a Comment

(found 40 schools, updated in November 2017)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is classified as a Direct Care Worker (DCW) in Iowa. In order to work in a Medicare or Medicaid funded long-term care facility or long-term care hospital wing, an individual must be listed in the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. The Registry is maintained by the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals and only applies to CNAs interested in working for long-term care facilities. A Certified Nursing Assistant does not have to be listed in the Registry to work in other types of healthcare facilities. Following are the basic requirements to become a CNA and maintain active Registry status in Iowa.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Iowa
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Job Outlook and Salary for CNAs in Iowa
  • Becoming a CNA in Bordering States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Iowa

A person must meet the CNA certification requirements in Iowa. There are various routes to getting an individual’s name added to the Direct Care Worker Registry.

Step 1: Review the Routes to CNA Certification

New Certified Nursing Assistants

For new Certified Nursing Assistants who want to work in a Medicare or Medicaid funded long term nursing facility, Iowa’s administrative rules require:

  • Completion of a state-approved 75-hour CNA training program, which includes 30 hours of clinical training, and passing the nurse aide competency exam, Or
  • If a 75-hour training program has not been completed, the individual must complete a 20-hour on-the-job training program, followed by completion of a training program and/or passing the state exam within six months of employment

CNAs From Other States

Iowa does have reciprocity and recognizes CNA certificates from other states. Out of state nursing assistants need to complete and remit an Iowa DCW Registry application form. They must be in good standing on the out of state Registry.

Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse

An individual who holds a current RN or LPN license can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant without registration in the DCW Registry. They are listed in the nursing license registry instead.

Nursing Students

Nursing students who have completed state-approved fundamentals of nursing courses can apply for placement on the Registry.

A Challenge Examination

Individuals who received training as a nurse aide, orderly or attendant in a program that was not an Iowa state-approved CNA training program will need to take and pass a challenge examination. This also applies to military trained healthcare professionals, foreign trained nurses and others. The Department of Inspections & Appeals will review applications case-by-case.

Unlike other states, anyone can challenge the CNA exam in Iowa without going through training. However, going through a training program is always encouraged to ensure the individual learns the most current information and clinical practices. Training programs and challenge exams are administered through Iowa State community colleges.

Step 2: Select a CNA Training Program

Individuals interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant by completing a training program will find numerous CNA classes in Iowa that are offered at community colleges. Several of the community colleges also offer CNA courses at multiple locations, making training programs accessible to everyone around the state. When selecting a program, consider when classes are offered and the schedule, i.e. full-time, part-time, day, evening, etc. The school directory is updated in November 2017.

Find Local CNA Classes in Iowa

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CityCNA Program ProviderPhoneEmail
AmesDes Moines Area Community College Ames Hunziker Center
dmacc.edu
(515) 663-6700acsoden@dmacc.edu
AnkenyDes Moines Area Community College
dmacc.edu
(515) 964-6849acsoden@dmacc.edu
AtlanticIowa Western Community College
iwcc.edu
(712) 325-3259rcasson@iwcc.edu
BettendorfScott Community College
www.eicc.edu
(563) 441-4001eiccinfo@eicc.edu
CalmarNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(800) 728-2256admissions@nicc.edu
CarrollDes Moines Area Community College
dmacc.edu
(712) 792-1755acsoden@dmacc.edu
Cedar RapidsKirkwood Community College
www.kirkwood.edu
(319) 398-1022ask@kirkwood.edu
ClarindaIowa Western Community College
iwcc.edu
(712) 325-3259rcasson@iwcc.edu
ClintonClinton Community College
www.eicc.edu
(563) 244-7001eiccinfo@eicc.edu
Council BluffsIowa Western Community College
iwcc.edu
(712) 325-3259rcasson@iwcc.edu
CrescoNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(563) 547-3355admissions@nicc.edu
CrestonSouthwestern Community College
www.swcciowa.edu
(641) 782-1441AdultEd-SBDC@swcciowa.edu
DenisonWestern Iowa Tech Community College
www.witcc.edu
(712) 263-3419eri.peterson@witcc.edu
Des MoinesDes Moines Area Community College Capitol Center
dmacc.edu
(515) 244-4226acsoden@dmacc.edu
DubuqueNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(563) 557-8271admissions@nicc.edu
EmmetsburgIowa Lakes Community College
www.iowalakes.edu
(712) 852-3554communityed@iowalakes.edu
Fort DodgeIowa Central Community College
www.iowacentral.edu
(515) 574-1309holtapp@iowacentral.edu
HarlanIowa Western Community College
iwcc.edu
(712) 325-3259rcasson@iwcc.edu
IndependenceHawkeye Community College
www.hawkeyecollege.edu
(319) 296-4456elizabeth.cummings@hawkeyecollege.edu
ManchesterNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(563) 822-1016admissions@nicc.edu
MarshalltownMarshalltown Community College
mcc.iavalley.edu
(641) 752-7106mccinfo@iavalley.edu
Mason CityNorth Iowa Area Community College
www.niacc.edu
(641) 422-4161Dena.Ketelsen@niacc.e
MuscatineMuscatine Community College
www.eicc.edu
(563) 288-6001eiccinfo@eicc.edu
NewtonDes Moines Area Community College
dmacc.edu
(641) 791-3622acsoden@dmacc.edu
OelweinNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(319) 283-3010admissions@nicc.edu
OttumwaIndian Hills Community College
www.indianhills.edu
(641) 683-5211Joy.Korthuis@indianhills.edu
PeostaNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(800) 728-7367admissions@nicc.edu
SheldonNorthwest Iowa Community College
www.nwicc.edu
(800) 352-4907jdokter@nwicc.edu
ShenandoahIowa Western Community College
iwcc.edu
(712) 325-3259rcasson@iwcc.edu
Sioux CityWestern Iowa Tech Community College
www.witcc.edu
(800) 352.4649eri.peterson@witcc.edu
SpencerIowa Lakes Community College
www.iowalakes.edu
(877) 807-9585communityed@iowalakes.edu
Spirit LakeIowa Lakes Community College
www.iowalakes.edu
(712) 336-3439communityed@iowalakes.edu
Storm LakeIowa Central Community College
www.iowacentral.edu
(712) 732-2991miller_@iowacentral.edu
WaterlooHawkeye Community College
www.hawkeyecollege.edu
(319) 296-4456elizabeth.cummings@hawkeyecollege.edu
WaterlooHawkeye Community College
www.hawkeyecollege.edu
(319) 296-4456elizabeth.cummings@hawkeyecollege.edu
WaukonNortheast Iowa Community College
www.nicc.edu
(563) 568-3060admissions@nicc.edu
WaverlyHawkeye Community College
www.hawkeyecollege.edu
(319) 296-4456elizabeth.cummings@hawkeyecollege.edu
Webster CityIowa Central Community College
www.iowacentral.edu
(515) 832-1632ohearn@iowacentral.edu
West BurlingtonSoutheastern Community College
www.scciowa.edu
(319) 208-5102kwatson@scciowa.edu
West Des MoinesDes Moines Area Community College
dmacc.edu
(515) 633-2407acsoden@dmacc.edu

Back to Top

CNA Training Costs

The cost of program tuition, fees, textbook and the state exam are approximately $600 at most community colleges. In addition, the student is required to buy scrubs, shoes, watch and perhaps a few medical supplies. Other costs incurred are for the background check, immunizations and TB test. Total costs, depending on the program selected, will be approximately $750-$1,000.

Training Length

It takes 2-3 months to complete a CNA program in Iowa, depending on the schedule chosen. Students attending full-time can complete training in approximately one month.

Financial Aid

Iowa has a state financial aid program for non-credit programs that are ineligible for federal financial aid. The Gap Tuition Program is a needs-based program, meaning the individual qualifies based on income. Students are encouraged to apply. If they do not qualify, there may be other sources of funding the school can suggest since this is an in-demand occupation. For example, the North Iowa Area Community College developed the PACE pathway program for people with limited income.

Free Training

One way to get free CNA training is to find employment or get an offer of employment from with a long term facility before completing training. Federal and state law requires the facility to pay for training and testing. A facility will also reimburse the CNA for training costs if the person is hired within 12 months of completing a training course. The reimbursement is prorated based on the number of months of employment.

Students are allowed to be employed in a long-term nursing facility during training. However, Iowa requires students to complete the 20-hour structured training program before having direct contact with residents, except for the contact a training program requires. The 20 hours of training is in addition to the 75-hour CNA training program requirement. The employed student must earn nurse aide certification within 120 days in order to continue employment.

Step 3: Meet School and Program Prerequisites

Every educational facility in Iowa has prerequisites for admittance into the school and the CNA training program. All nurse aide students must pass a criminal record background check. Other prerequisites may include:

  • Present documentation of required immunizations
  • Present documentation of two step TB testing
  • Be at least 16 years old or older
  • Apply for admission to the school and then register for the CNA course
  • Have a high school diploma or GED (if still in high school, some schools allow enrollment with a high school counselor’s permission)
  • Attend an orientation session
  • In addition to criminal background check, pass an adult/dependent and child abuse background check

Step 4: Complete CNA Training

The CNA training program in Iowa includes a variety of topics related to the information and skills needed to provide quality resident and patient care services in a long-term care facility. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Basic nursing skills
  • Medical terminology
  • Nutrition
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Mental health
  • Responding to health emergencies
  • Assisting with mobility and positioning
  • Grooming
  • Communicating with clients
  • Client rights
  • Personal and client safety

Nursing Assistant Training consists of classroom instruction, lab work and clinical practicum. Students work directly with patients and residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

Step 5: Pass the Competency Exam

The competency exam consists of a computerized multiple choice test and a supervised skills exam. To pass the multiple choice test and the skills test, the student must earn a score of at least 70 percent or higher on each part of the competency exam. Students who complete a training program will take the competency exam at the end of the program. Individuals challenging the exam can register online to schedule an exam at a community college.

The student is allowed three attempts to pass each exam part. If unable to pass both parts of the exam within three attempts, the student will need to retrain and retest.

It should be noted that Iowa is the only state that allows anyone to take the competency exam, whether or not they have completed a state-approved nurse aid program. There are a variety of test sites throughout Iowa that are provided by community colleges.

Step 6: Get Name Listed in Direct Care Worker Registry

After passing the CNA exam, the nursing assistant training program will notify the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. After the individual’s name is added to the Registry, the person can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in any Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing facility. The Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry Application is only completed by an individual who is transferring from another state, or the person’s name is missing from the Registry or personal information needs changing.

Back to Top

How to Keep CNA Certification Active

CNA certification in Iowa is valid for 24 months. To renew certification and keep certification active from period to period requires working in a long term care facility for a minimum of one 8-hour consecutive shift within the 24-month certification period. The hours must be for the delivery of nursing related services. Employers can provide verification of an individual’s employment information online through the DCW Registry website.

If unable to meet the work requirement, and certification lapses, Iowa requires the nursing assistant to challenge the competency exam. People with lapsed certification who wish to become active again do not have to retrain. However, the same rule applies to testing in that the nurse aide gets three attempts to pass the exam. If unable to do so, retraining and retesting is required.

Back to Top

Job Outlook and Salary for CNAs in Iowa

An individual must be listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry in order to work in a long-term facility. A long-term facility in Iowa is defined as skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes and swing bed units or skilled bed units in a hospital. | See Job Openings

Even if not listed in the Registry, a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for privately owned hospitals, healthcare facilities of all types, privately owned long-term care facilities, home health agencies and private duty clients. Unlike other states, individuals are still considered Certified Nursing Assistants even if they are not listed in the Registry, as long as they have met training and/or state exam requirements for certification. Having CNA certification and a listing in the DCW Registry expands job opportunities in Iowa. | See Job Openings

CNA Salary in Iowa

The average annual salary for an Iowa CNA is $27,310, and that equates to $13.13 per hour. The number of jobs for the period 2014-2024 is projected to increase by 14.6 percent.

IA CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Iowa2146013.13273101.110.1612.7017.10211202642035570
Ames, IA51013.79286802.512.0313.7316.03250302855033350
Cedar Rapids, IA154012.92268701.910.1912.5616.25212002613033810
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL218012.67263602.09.9612.3115.45207202561032130
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA340014.05292302.310.7513.7318.22223602855037890
Dubuque, IA82012.95269403.110.0812.3617.46209702571036320
Iowa City, IA107014.09293003.811.0114.0117.83229002915037100
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area242013.09272203.810.0512.3416.14209002567033560
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area236012.68263802.510.1112.1716.21210402531033710
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD102012.18253302.99.9611.6815.54207102428032320
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area372012.76265304.19.9711.8517.48207302464036350
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area184013.27276103.110.1812.6417.61211702630036630
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA103013.06271601.610.2512.9116.59213302686034510

Back to Top

Becoming a CNA in Bordering States

  • Illinois
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • South Dakota
  • Wisconsin

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CNA Programs in 2018

Recent CNA articles

  • How Do I Find CNA Programs Near Me?
  • Truths of CNA Salary
  • Take Certified Nursing Assistant Training Online
  • Free CNA Classes Information
  • How to Get CNA Certification?

How to Become a CNA by State

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • D.C.
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

© Copyright 2013-2019 Certified Nursing Assistant · All Rights Reserved