CNA Training Classes in Iowa

Take approved CNA education courses to earn your CNA certification in Iowa

If you are looking for a rewarding health care career in Iowa, one great way to get your foot in the door is with a CNA certification. With a CNA certification you can work in a number of different healthcare facilities including hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities. Each of these places needs several CNAs on staff to ensure proper care of their patients. The pay scale will depend on how long you have been a CNA, just like many other jobs. The average CNA salary in Iowa is $47,294 annually. The pay will typically rise as your level of experience increases and overtime opportunities might present themselves as well.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of Iowa schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be found by calling the facilities directly.

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How to Become a CNA in Iowa

Students can earn their CNA certification and start their career as a certified nursing assistant in less than six months. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. Each individual state sets its own required amount of credit hours necessary to become a CNA. Typical programs take approximately 6-12 weeks to complete and must include a minimum of 75 hours of training. The average cost of a CNA course is between $800 – $1,500. The second step is to take the Iowa CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to Iowa?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Iowa you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Iowa for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Iowa exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.

Daily Job Duties of a CNA

If you choose enter the medical field as a CNA you can expect your responsibilities to include…

Measuring vital signs: These are to be taken at set intervals every day to ensure that the patient’s progress is being monitored and recorded for further evaluation. The nurse aide will also be responsible for measuring and recording blood pressure, temperature, weight, height, etc.

Essential patient care: This includes everyday care for each patient under your supervision. It can include assistance with basic hygiene, such as giving a sponge bath or assisting with bathing, changing bed linens, changing bed pans. Often times you will be required to help move a patient or remove potential safety hazards or sources of personal injury.

Assisting doctors and nurses: This will be a big role for nursing assistants because doctors and nurses rely on them to handle many smaller routine tasks so that they can focus on larger issues. Typical duties will include dressing patient wounds, applying ice to injuries and explaining medical terminology and potential side effects of certain medications to patients.

Communication: This is one of the most important responsibilities because without clear communication patient’s lives can be put at risk. You will need to make sure you communicate with your patients, hospital or nursing staff, your supervising physician or nurse, as well as any family members of your patient. This will ensure that the patient is receiving the highest level of care possible at all times.

CNA Training Programs in Iowa (IA)