Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
The CNA programs teach students all the necessary skills to support nurses in delivering patient care. CNAs maintain essential duties in Iowa’s healthcare sector through their work of assisting patients with daily requirements such as bathing and feeding while checking vital signs. Working under registered nurse supervision these professionals maintain patient comfort while ensuring safety standards. The state of Iowa features CNAs throughout its hospitals and nursing homes as well as home healthcare facilities.
West Burlington, IA - Public 2-Year - scciowa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate offers a streamlined path into healthcare with a 3.38-credit curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience through 32 clinical hours in long-term care facilities, focusing on essential skills like communication, infection control, and medical asepsis. The program prepares graduates for certification exams to become Certified Nurse Aides or Patient Care Associates, and provides pathways to further nursing education through partnerships with institutions like the University of Iowa.
Sioux City, IA - Public 2-Year - witcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Iowa Tech Community College's Nursing Assistant - CNA Certificate is a 4-credit, campus-based program designed for entry into healthcare. It covers essential topics like anatomy, medical terminology, safety, and infection control, preparing students for state certification. With in-state tuition at $852 and multiple campus locations, it offers practical training in patient care fundamentals, ideal for those starting a nursing career without requiring entrance exams.
Estherville, IA - Public 2-Year - iowalakes.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Iowa Lakes Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides a fast-track to healthcare careers through a state-mandated certification process. Students undergo a 100-question theory exam and a practical skills evaluation, with flexible testing available at five campus sites. This program is ideal for those seeking quick entry into patient care, enabling graduates to work in long-term care facilities and join the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Costs include $65 for the theory exam and $125 for the skills test, ensuring accessibility for aspiring healthcare professionals.
The state of Iowa grants flexibility to students but CNA programs need students to attend in-person clinical training. The theoretical portion of training allows online completion yet students need to perform clinical hours at healthcare facilities. State requirements demand that CNA candidates must obtain direct practical experience since it demonstrates their ability to perform actual caregiving duties. Some educational institutions provide hybrid learning which enables students to study theoretical material online independently yet require attendance for their clinical hours in person. Students who need scheduling flexibility can take advantage of hybrid programs that provide clinical shifts during evening and weekend hours to manage their work responsibilities. Every clinical training requirement must be completed through direct supervision at healthcare facilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Community College |
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| Western Iowa Tech Community College |
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| Iowa Lakes Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Enroll in a DIAL-approved 75-hour nurse aide program and register for both the written and skills competency exams |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete 75 total hours (45 classroom, 30 supervised clinical) |
| Exam and Application Fees | Written exam ≈ $60, skills exam ≈ $115, no state application fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written/oral competency test and the hands-on skills evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Name appears on the registry within two weeks of passing both exams |
| Renewal & In-Service Requirements | Complete eight hours of paid CNA work every two years and 12 hours of facility-provided in-service training each year |
| Certification Validity & Reactivation | Registry status lapses after 24 months without qualifying work, reactivate by retaking both competency exams |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Iowa receive salaries between $17 to $18 per hour which amounts to $35,000 to $38,000 annually. Healthcare facility location along with work experience determine the amount of salary a CNA will earn. The wages paid to CNAs working in hospitals and large cities exceed the wages paid to those working in rural areas. The positive job outlook for CNAs in Iowa exists because the state’s aging population requires more healthcare workers. The job market provides numerous positions for Certified Nursing Assistants across nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care facilities. CNA positions will continue to be in high demand throughout the upcoming years due to the increasing need for healthcare professionals.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Iowa | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,700 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.20 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$40,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,700 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,700 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Western Iowa Tech Community College |
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| Iowa Lakes Community College |
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| Southeastern Community College |
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Working as a CNA creates opportunities for career progression into higher healthcare positions. The healthcare experience of CNAs in Iowa creates a foundation for their pursuit of education and certification advancement. The career path of CNAs in Iowa includes obtaining Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) certification after completing their training. Community colleges in Iowa provide bridge programs that let CNAs move into nursing roles through an easy transition process. Many employers provide education benefits along with adaptable work schedules to CNAs who wish to pursue more education. The experience of becoming a CNA provides students with essential skills that lead to future career opportunities in nursing and healthcare specialties while maintaining their healthcare career goals.
Additional Nursing Programs in Iowa
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