CNA Classes in Iowa

A Certified Nurse Assistant is both a challenging and rewarding career. Being a part of the broader healthcare community, a CNA works alongside Qualified Medication Aide’s, Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. CNAs are an integral part of the patient’s primary care team and often have the most exposure to the patient, making them an important part of their patient’s routine and wellness. The first step to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state is to enroll in CNA classes in Iowa.

CNA Training Programs in Iowa

In Iowa, there are certain requirements to become a CNA. First, you must take one of the CNA programs that is state-approved which trains you on how to be a CNA. Iowa CNA programs help you learn about what it is that a CNA does and is responsible for. You also have an opportunity to meet your peers and network with others who work in the healthcare community.

The educational requirement for the CNA programs in Iowa is a total of 75 hours of classes and training. The state does require that at least 30 of these hours be completed in a healthcare setting, working with patients and fine tuning skills like bedding or bathing. You must attend at least 80% of your hours in traditional CNA classes before you will be permitted to move on to the clinical part of your testing.

Most importantly, the training to become a CNA in Iowa is incredibly affordable. For between $150 and $500, you are on your way to becoming the best version of yourself and a key player in the healthcare sector. If you currently work, or will be working in a certified nursing home, you are not required to pay the fee.

Before entering or being accepted into CNA training programs, you might be asked for a criminal background check, which indicates that you do not have any disqualifying convictions. You will also be required to provide a 2 step TB test that lets the staff know that you are not a risk to patients.

Depending on the facility, you may also be required to provide a clear physical bill of health from your physician. This is needed to make sure that you will not have any problems lifting or transferring patients and that you will be able to care for a patient in the event that they suffer from a slip, trip or fall.

The Iowa CNA Examination

Once you have completed your CNA classes in Iowa as well as your training and clinical placement, you will need to write the competency test to become licensed. This test is administered by the facility where you took your training. Generally they will provide you with this information once you have begun your course. There is a fee of between $15 and $45 to take the exam and once again, the fee depends on where you choose to study.

Once you have passed the exam to become a certified nursing assistant in Iowa, the facility is responsible for placing your name on the Nurse Aide Registry. You will be issued a number that is 6 digits long and is required to identify you as a member who is on good standing on the registry.

After being placed on the registry, you have ample opportunities as far as a new career is concerned. Your status on the registry entitles you to work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and even for home healthcare organizations. You could also decide that you want to upgrade your skills, which you can very easily do. CNA’s are directly supervised by a Licensed Practical Nurse, so after a year or two in the field it might be the best jump for you to make.

Depending on where you apply for work, the average starting salary for a job as a Certified Nurse Assistant in Iowa is about $26,000 and has a cap of about $42,000 according to glassdoor.com, which is exceptional considering the minimum wage. There is a very high demand for these positions in both private settings as well as hospitals, nursing homes and long term care facilities. Becoming a CNA in Iowa is one of the best investments in your future that you could hope to make.

CNA Job and Salary Data for Iowa Cities

CNA Training Class Locations in Iowa (IA)

The following is a list of state approved CNA Training Centers in Iowa:

Cities in Iowa:

Boone | Calmar | Cedar Rds | Clinton | Dewitt | Emmetsburg | Fort Dodge | Grinnell | Marshalltown | Ne | Ottumwa | Sioux City | Spencer | Spirit Lake | West Des Moines All Cities | Boone | Calmar | Cedar Rds | Clinton | Dewitt | Emmetsburg | Fort Dodge | Grinnell | Marshalltown | Ne | Ottumwa | Sioux City | Spencer | Spirit Lake | West Des Moines