Becoming a CNA in Iowa

If you want to work in one of the hottest and most in demand careers in Iowa, then you should consider become a licensed nurse aide. Remarkably, CNA training in Iowa does not take long to complete, and most programs can be completed in just a few months. You will need to attend a school that is approved by the State Board of Health and from there, you can take an exam to get your certification.

If you are interested in pursuing a career path as a Certfied Nurse Assistant please follow the steps below.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Iowa

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

Studies will touch base on the most instrumental CNA skills needed in the field as well as basic laws, regulations and studies of the human body. Depending on where you choose to work, your patients may be elderly, permanently or temporarily disabled, or simply in a doctors office for a checkup. Your CNA certification program in Iowa will get you ready to handle everything from feeding and bathing patients to taking vitals.

Step 2:

You must be aware that when you go to enroll at your nurse aide school, you will be asked to complete a criminal history investigation and also have a two-part tuberculosis test performed. A full physical is common to ensure that you are healthy and free of any contagious illnesses before you get involved with the training. Most schools will require that students be at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED is highly recommended. Before enrolling, check out our section on free CNA training to discover how you could get part or all of your CNA training in Iowa paid for.

Step 3:

CNA classes in Iowa are mandated by state law to include no less than 45 hours of knowledge based learning in a classroom setting, while another minimum of 35 hours is needed to be spent within a physical learning environment. Here is where you will receive the opportunity to practice nurse aide skills with actual patients in a medical setting. Getting familiar with these concepts and practical skills is essential, as these will be part of the certification test to receive you license.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Iowa

Step 1:

Once you have completed your coursework, you will be qualified to sit for the state licensing examination, which will earn you a listing on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.

It is mandatory for you to preregister for the exam through the state health department. Often, you can take the test onsite at the training facility you took your classes through, but occasionally, you will need to go to another location.

Step 2:

The exam is often given at your training institution, but you may have to sit for the test at a nearby alternate location. There is typically a fee required when you apply to take the exam, and you will also need to mail in a copy of your certificate from your CNA training program. When your testing date arrives, bring along a photo ID and anything else you are instructed to provide the test administrators.

The day before the exam, make sure to get adequate rest and take time to review all of your materials from your CNA classes. Bring along your certificate of completion for your cna program, a current photo ID issued by the state, and anything else that the testing administrators have asked for when you scheduled you testing date. Dress comfortably and be ready to stay for several hours.

Testing is performed in two parts, and the first section is typically the hands-on practical test. You will be asked to perform several tasks in front of a testing administrator to exhibit that you have the basic skills down pat. If you master this section with a passing grade, you will move on to take a multiple choice exam. Some testing sites have the ability to tell you your grade right away, while others will ask you to wait for results through mail or email.

Step 3:

If you pass, then you will be immediately listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry, and can start securing yourself a solid position with an employer of your choosing. You will need to renew your license every two years and pay a modest fee when you do so. Typically, you will receive a reminder notice in the mail, but it is good to cover your bases by keeping up with that yourself, as well.

Start applying by visiting our Career Builder page, this will allow you to easily get your job application out to many different employers.

The outlook is good for people with CNA training in Iowa, and jobs are predicted to only increase in demand through the next ten years.  Furthermore, you can enjoy a median CNA salary in Iowa of $27,000 a year with room for advancement with experience and additional certifications.

Step 4:

For furthering your education as a CNA to the title of RN or LPN visit our RN and LPN Degrees page.

Any additional questions about obtaining CNA certification can be addressed to the Nurse Aide Registry, which is listed below for your convenience.

Iowa Nurse Aide Registry

Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Health Facilities Division
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0083
Phone: (515) 281-4115
Fax: (515) 242-5022