Des Moines Area Community College CNA Program

Looking to begin your healthcare career in Iowa? The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers a solid starting point for your journey. With multiple locations across central Iowa, including Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, and Perry, DMACC’s nurse aide training prepares you to provide compassionate, hands-on care to patients in healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a career changer seeking stability, or someone looking for a stepping stone into nursing, this CNA program gives you the essential skills needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 76 hours
• Cost of Program: $683 (FREE training, books, and supplies available to qualified applicants through Workforce Training Academy)
• Accreditation: Approved nurse aide training program
• Schedule Options: Programs offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
• Locations: Available at multiple campuses including Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Perry, and Polk County locations

CNA Training Structure

DMACC’s Basic Nurse Aide program provides comprehensive training that balances classroom learning with practical skills development.

• Classroom Learning The program covers essential healthcare fundamentals needed to provide quality patient care. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you’ll learn to support registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) by performing essential tasks that ensure patients are comfortable, safe, and well cared for.
• Clinical Experience Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the practical skills needed to provide direct patient care in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
• Exam Preparation The program prepares you to take the state certification exam required to become a certified nursing assistant in Iowa.

Admission Requirements

• Prerequisites: Students must be able to pass a criminal background check prior to acceptance into class.
• Application Process: You must complete a DMACC application for admission.
• Program Selection: On the application, Section 2, question 12 is where you list your “Program of Interest.”
  • If taking CNA classes only, list: “CNA only”
  • If taking CNA and planning to continue to nursing, list: Practical Nursing (to be an L.P.N.) or Associate Degree Nursing (to be an R.N.)

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

DMACC offers CNA training during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. Classes are available at multiple locations throughout central Iowa, making it convenient to find a program that fits your needs.

For current class schedules and upcoming start dates, you can view the DMACC Nurse Aide class listings on their website or contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Cost: $683 (includes tuition, fees, and required materials)
• Financial Assistance: FREE training, books, and supplies are available to qualified applicants through DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy (WTA)
• Application Process: To determine if you qualify for free training, you’ll need to apply to the Workforce Training Academy

The Workforce Training Academy empowers students to move toward better-paying jobs in industries that need qualified employees. This program provides opportunities to advance from wherever you are now to a promising career with livable wages and prospects for advancement.

How to Apply

1. Complete a DMACC application for admission
2. Indicate your program interest as “CNA only” or the appropriate nursing program if you plan to continue your education
3. Pass a criminal background check
4. If seeking financial assistance, apply to the Workforce Training Academy

For more detailed application instructions, visit the “How to Apply” section on DMACC’s website or contact the Workforce Training Academy directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

DMACC offers CNA training at multiple locations throughout central Iowa:

Ames

• Contact: Marlana Schnell, 515-249-2568, [email protected]
• Address: 1420 South Bell Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
• Phone: 515-663-6700

Boone

• Contact: Erin Neumann, 515-433-5037, [email protected]
• Address: 1125 Hancock Drive, Boone, IA 50036
• Phone: 515-432-7203

Carroll

• Contact: Connie Hoffman, 712-792-8304, [email protected]
• Address: 906 North Grant Road, Carroll, IA 51401
• Phone: 712-792-1755

Newton

• Contact: Jana Van Genderen, 641-791-1725, [email protected]
• Address: 600 N. 2nd Ave. West, Newton, IA 50208
• Phone: 641-791-3622

Perry VanKirk

• Contact: Connie Hoffman, 712-792-8304, [email protected]
• Address: 1011 2nd Street, Perry, IA 50220
• Phone: 515-428-8100

Polk County Locations

• Contact: Mollie Vetter, 515-256-4951, [email protected]
• Locations: Ankeny, Urban, West Des Moines, Southridge, Transportation Institute

Workforce Training Academy Main Office

• Address: DMACC Southridge, 1111 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315
• Phone: 515-256-4951
• Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources

• View upcoming Nurse Aide classes: Check DMACC’s class schedule for the current semester
• Advanced Nurse Aide: After completing the Basic Nurse Aide program, consider the Advanced Nurse Aide certificate (also available with free training for qualified applicants)
• Nursing Pathways: The CNA program can be a first step toward further education in nursing
• Continuing Education: DMACC offers additional healthcare and fitness classes through their Continuing Education department

Summary and Next Steps

Taking the first step toward a healthcare career doesn’t have to be overwhelming. DMACC’s CNA program across its various Iowa locations provides accessible, quality training that prepares you for immediate employment while opening doors to further education. With impressive statistics like an 88% certificate completion rate and 77% new employment after training, DMACC’s Workforce Training Academy has proven success in helping students achieve their goals.

Whether you’re looking for an entry point into healthcare or a solid foundation for nursing school, DMACC’s nurse aide program offers the perfect balance of classroom learning and hands-on experience. Plus, with potential free tuition for qualified applicants, this program is accessible to those who might otherwise find healthcare education out of reach.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.