CNA Classes in Iowa | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Iowa

The Hawkeye State | Start Your Healthcare Career in as Little as 4-6 Weeks

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Minimum Training Hours

$125

State Exam Fee

$33,000

Average Annual Salary

4-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Iowa

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The Hawkeye State

Iowa's healthcare sector continues to expand rapidly, creating substantial demand for qualified Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With an aging population and numerous healthcare facilities in both urban centers like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, as well as rural communities, CNAs play a vital role in Iowa's healthcare delivery system. The state's streamlined certification process, managed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, requires just 75 hours of training—one of the shortest requirements in the nation—making it an accessible career path for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Iowa offers a supportive environment for CNAs with competitive wages, abundant job opportunities, and a lower cost of living compared to coastal states. The state's emphasis on quality long-term care and patient-centered healthcare creates meaningful career advancement opportunities. Whether you're starting your healthcare career or transitioning from another field, Iowa's CNA certification pathway provides a solid foundation for professional growth in nursing and allied health professions.

Only 75 hours of training required—complete in 4-6 weeks
Strong job market with growing healthcare sector
Competitive wages with excellent benefits packages
Clear pathways to LPN and RN advancement

Quick Facts

Training Hours Required 75 Hours

Classroom/Lab Hours 30 Hours

Clinical Hours 45 Hours

Exam Format Written + Skills

Exam Fee $125

Regulatory Body Iowa DIA

Registry Iowa Nurse Aide Registry

Browse CNA Schools in Iowa

Explore our directory of Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

View All Schools

Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Iowa

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in and successfully complete a 75-hour training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). Iowa's compact curriculum includes 30 hours of classroom instruction covering basic nursing skills, infection control, patient safety, and communication, plus 45 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed healthcare facility such as a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living center. Programs typically run full-time for 4-6 weeks or part-time over 8-10 weeks to accommodate working students. You'll learn essential skills including vital signs monitoring, patient hygiene assistance, safe patient transfers, and end-of-life care. Upon completion, your training facility will provide documentation needed for exam eligibility.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training, you'll take the Iowa Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two components: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions covering nursing fundamentals, patient rights, infection control, and safety procedures (you need 80% to pass), and a hands-on skills evaluation where you'll demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing skills from a list of 25 possible tasks. The entire exam takes approximately 2-3 hours. Iowa allows multiple retake opportunities if needed—you have three attempts within two years of completing training. The current exam fee is $125. Schedule your exam through Prometric's website after receiving your eligibility notice from your training program. Most test centers are located in major cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Sioux City.

Complete Background Check & Registry Enrollment

Before beginning employment as a CNA in Iowa, you must complete a criminal background check through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and register with the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. Background checks include fingerprinting and review of both state and federal criminal records. Most employers will coordinate this process, though you can also initiate it independently. Once you pass your competency exam, your results are automatically submitted to the state registry within 10-15 business days. Your CNA certification is valid for 24 months and requires active employment or renewal to maintain. The registry verification process typically takes 2-3 weeks. You can verify your certification status online through the Iowa DIA website at any time. With certification in hand, you're ready to begin working in any of Iowa's 400+ nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, or assisted living facilities.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Certification in Iowa

Most individuals can complete Iowa's CNA certification process in 4-8 weeks from start to finish. Iowa requires just 75 hours of training—one of the shortest requirements in the United States—making it one of the fastest pathways to healthcare employment. Full-time training programs typically run Monday through Friday for 4-6 weeks, while part-time evening and weekend programs extend 8-10 weeks to accommodate working students. The 75 hours include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 45 hours of hands-on clinical training in a licensed healthcare facility. After completing training, you'll schedule your state competency exam through Prometric, which is usually available within 1-2 weeks. Exam results are processed within 10-15 business days, and once you pass, you're immediately eligible for employment while your registry certification finalizes. The entire timeline from enrollment to starting work typically ranges from 6-10 weeks. Iowa's streamlined process and compact training requirement make it an ideal state for those seeking rapid entry into healthcare careers.

CNA training costs in Iowa typically range from $600 to $1,500 depending on the type of institution and location. Community colleges like Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Iowa Central Community College, and Kirkwood Community College offer the most affordable options at $600-$900, as they receive state funding to subsidize healthcare education. Private vocational schools and healthcare training centers charge $1,000-$1,500 but often provide accelerated schedules and flexible class times. Some Iowa nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer FREE training programs in exchange for a 6-12 month employment commitment—this "earn while you learn" model is particularly common in rural areas experiencing nursing shortages. Most programs include textbooks, clinical supplies, and uniform costs in tuition, though you should budget an additional $125 for the state exam fee and $30-50 for background check processing. Iowa residents may qualify for financial assistance through IowaWorks (Iowa Workforce Development), Pell Grants for eligible students, or employer tuition reimbursement programs. Several healthcare employers in Iowa also offer signing bonuses ($500-$1,500) for newly certified CNAs, which can effectively offset your training investment within the first few months of employment.

Iowa allows hybrid CNA training where theoretical classroom instruction can be completed online, but hands-on clinical training must be conducted in-person at a licensed healthcare facility. The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals permits up to 30 hours of didactic coursework (lectures, textbook study, videos, and written assignments) to be delivered via distance learning platforms. However, the mandatory 45 hours of clinical skills training—where you learn patient care techniques, practice nursing procedures, and work directly with residents under supervision—must be completed in person at an approved nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. This hybrid model offers significant flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other commitments while ensuring you gain essential hands-on experience. Several Iowa institutions including DMACC and Iowa Central Community College now offer hybrid options that combine online theory modules with weekend or evening clinical rotations. It's important to note that FULLY online CNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person component) are not recognized by Iowa and will not qualify you for state certification. When researching programs, verify that the provider is approved by the Iowa DIA and offers sufficient in-person clinical hours to meet state requirements.

Iowa's CNA competency exam is administered by Prometric and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. The written exam contains 60 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, patient rights, and communication techniques. You'll have 90 minutes to complete it, and you need a score of 80% (48 out of 60 questions correct) to pass. The exam is available in English and Spanish, and an oral version is offered for those who prefer it. After completing the written portion, you'll proceed to the clinical skills test where you'll demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing procedures from a list of 25 possible skills. Common skills include handwashing, taking vital signs, assisting with transfers, providing perineal care, and measuring urinary output. You'll perform these tasks on a mannequin or volunteer "patient" while a trained evaluator observes and scores your technique using a detailed checklist. The skills test typically takes 30-45 minutes. You must pass BOTH components on the same testing day to earn certification—if you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed portion. The current exam fee is $125, and Iowa allows three attempts within two years of completing training. Most test centers are located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Iowa City, with exams offered several times per week.

Yes, Iowa accepts CNA certifications from other states through a process called reciprocity or endorsement, but you must meet specific requirements. If you hold an active, unexpired CNA certification from another state and are in good standing on that state's registry, you can apply for Iowa certification by endorsement through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. The process requires submitting an application form, providing verification of your out-of-state certification (sent directly from your current state's registry to Iowa), completing an Iowa-specific criminal background check including fingerprinting, and paying applicable fees (approximately $65-85). Iowa requires that your out-of-state training met or exceeded Iowa's 75-hour minimum standard—most states have higher requirements, so this is rarely an issue. If your certification has lapsed or you haven't worked as a CNA in the past 24 months, you may need to complete a refresher course or competency evaluation before Iowa will approve your endorsement application. The entire reciprocity process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to approval. Once approved, you'll be added to the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry and can begin working immediately. It's important to initiate this process BEFORE starting employment in Iowa, as federal regulations prohibit healthcare facilities from hiring CNAs who aren't properly certified in the state where they're working.

Maintaining Your Certification

CNA Certification Renewal in Iowa

How to Renew Your Iowa CNA Certification

Iowa CNA certifications remain active on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry as long as you work in a paid nursing assistant position for at least one 8-hour shift within every 24-month period. Unlike many states that require formal renewal applications and continuing education credits, Iowa uses an employment-based maintenance system. Your employer is responsible for reporting your work activity to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA), which automatically maintains your active registry status. As long as you remain employed and your employer submits verification of your work hours, your certification continues indefinitely without expiration.

If you allow your certification to lapse by not working for 24 consecutive months, you'll need to reactivate it through a competency evaluation or refresher training. The competency evaluation option requires demonstrating proficiency in required nursing skills through a skills test administered by an approved evaluator, typically costing $100-150. Alternatively, you can complete a state-approved refresher course (typically 40-60 hours) followed by the skills portion of the state exam. The refresher route costs $300-500 depending on the training provider. Once you complete either reactivation pathway, you'll be reinstated on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry and eligible for employment.

It's crucial to verify your registry status annually by checking the Iowa DIA Nurse Aide Registry online or calling (515) 281-4115. If you change employers, ensure your new employer properly reports your employment to maintain your active status. If you're planning a career break or extended leave, work at least one shift before your 24-month activity period expires to avoid lapsing. CNAs working in multiple states should maintain active status in each state separately, as Iowa's registry is independent from other state registries.

Renewal Fee

Work Requirement

1 Shift/24 Months

CEU Requirement

None Required

Reactivation Cost

$100-$500

Career Opportunities

CNA Job Outlook & Salary in Iowa

Iowa's healthcare sector offers strong employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, with steady job growth projected through 2030. The state's aging Baby Boomer population, combined with increasing demand for long-term care services, creates ongoing need for qualified CNAs across all healthcare settings. Iowa's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8-10% growth in CNA positions over the next decade—faster than the national average for most occupations. Urban centers like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Davenport offer the highest concentration of job opportunities, though rural communities often provide competitive wages and signing bonuses to attract healthcare workers.

CNAs in Iowa earn competitive wages relative to the state's cost of living, with salaries varying by employer type, geographic location, and shift differentials. The Des Moines metro area, Iowa City (home to University of Iowa Hospitals), and Cedar Rapids typically offer the highest pay rates at $16-19/hour. Hospital-based CNAs often earn premium wages compared to long-term care facilities, and night shift and weekend positions frequently include differential pay of $1-3 extra per hour. Experienced CNAs working in specialized units like ICU, emergency departments, or dialysis centers can earn $18-22/hour. Iowa's lower cost of living—approximately 10-15% below the national average—means CNA salaries provide comfortable living standards. Additionally, most healthcare employers offer comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition reimbursement for nursing school, and shift flexibility, enhancing overall compensation packages.

Average CNA Salary in Iowa

$33,000

per year

Hourly Wage

$15.87/hr

Nearby States