CNA Classes in Iowa

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Iowa, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No high school diploma or GED specifically required (making this career accessible to many)
• Must pass a criminal background check (typically arranged through the training program)
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions
  • Two-step Tuberculin Skin Tests within 12 months prior to class start date (or Quantiferon Gold/T-Spot blood draw alternative)
  • Seasonal influenza vaccination (October-March)

Students with back conditions or who are pregnant require a doctor’s release stating “No Lifting Restrictions” for clinical rotation. Iowa programs typically require 100% attendance to earn a certificate of completion.

Iowa has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 75 training hours required, typically consisting of:
  • 34 hours of classroom instruction
  • 15 hours of laboratory practice
  • 30 hours of supervised clinical training in healthcare settings
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Nursing fundamentals
  • Safety protocols
  • Patient care techniques
  • Professional soft skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Most programs take between 3 and 4 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. While theoretical portions may be available in hybrid formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Finding an approved CNA training program is an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Iowa community colleges (like Kirkwood Community College and Iowa Western Community College)
  • Some healthcare facilities
  • Private entities approved by the state

To verify a program’s approval status, check with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (varies by institution)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees (approximately $20)
• Uniform costs
• Medical requirements like TB tests

Financial assistance options include:

• Employer-sponsored training (many long-term care facilities pay for training and testing fees)
• Payment plans offered by many training providers

After completing your training, you must pass competency exams to become certified:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical knowledge
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of nursing assistant tasks
• Exam fees:
  • Written exam: $60-65
  • Skills exam: $115-125
  • Total cost: Approximately $175-190
• Testing is only available at Iowa community colleges (not private training providers)
• You have three attempts to pass both sections
• If you fail all three attempts, you must complete additional training before retesting

A unique feature of Iowa’s certification process is that you can attempt the competency exams without completing the 75-hour course, though this approach is not recommended for those without healthcare experience.

If hired by a long-term care facility, you must pass both tests within four months of your hire date. Allow at least two weeks for processing after passing exams.

The final step is being listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry:

• After passing your exams, registry staff receive notification from the testing entity
• Your information is added to the registry (processing takes approximately two weeks)
• You can verify your listing by checking the Health Facilities website using “DCW Search”

It’s important to note that registry listing is only required for CNAs working in long-term care facilities (nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or skilled/swing bed units of hospitals). CNAs working in other healthcare settings are not required to be listed on the registry.

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) manages the state’s Direct Care Worker Registry, which is your primary resource for CNA certification matters in Iowa.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health/direct-care 
• Phone: (515) 281-4115
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry Search portal: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health/direct-care/how-do-i-verify-cna-status 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Iowa requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Direct Care Worker Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health/direct-care/how-do-i-staying-active-registry

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Iowa, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry

Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Iowa does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health/direct-care/how-do-i-transfer-tofrom-iowa-dcw-registry 

While Iowa doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Iowa Community College System
  • Website: https://www.iowaregents.edu/institutions 
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Iowa Health Care Association
  • Website: https://iowahealthcare.org/education/ 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Iowa Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.iowanurses.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Iowa
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/iowa.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses