Eastern Iowa Community Colleges CNA Program

Looking to start your healthcare career in eastern Iowa? The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) offers an accessible pathway into the healthcare field. With locations in Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott counties, this practical program equips students with essential patient care skills in just a few weeks. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate seeking your first job in healthcare, a career changer looking for meaningful work, or someone interested in testing the waters before nursing school, EICC’s nurse aide training prepares you to provide compassionate, hands-on care while opening doors to further healthcare opportunities.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 75 hours (completes in as little as 4 weeks up to 3 months, depending on schedule)
• Cost of Program: $683 (FREE training, books, and supplies available to qualified applicants)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
• Credit Value: 3 college credits
• Program Schedule: Multiple options including one day per week, two days per week, four days per week, and hybrid format (part online, part in-person)

CNA Training Structure

EICC’s Nurse Aide program provides comprehensive training that prepares you to deliver direct patient care while respecting patients’ comfort, privacy, and dignity.

• Classroom Learning
  The program includes 50 hours of classroom instruction covering the fundamentals of direct patient care. You’ll learn to address patients’ physical, social, and emotional needs while working under the direction of nursing staff.
• Clinical Experience
  Students complete 30 hours of on-site, hands-on clinical experience, giving you practical skills in real healthcare settings. This vital component helps you apply classroom knowledge in actual patient care situations.
• Exam Preparation
  Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a CNA 75-hour course certificate and are prepared to take the State written and skills exams to be placed on the Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry.

Admission Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age to attend clinical
• Background Check: Students must pass a criminal background check prior to acceptance into the class
• Application Process: Students must complete an EICC application for admission

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

EICC offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different learning preferences and life circumstances:

• Schedule Options:
  • One day per week (complete in up to 3 months)
  • Two days per week
  • Four days per week (complete in as little as 4 weeks)
  • Hybrid format (one day on campus, remainder online – complete in 8 weeks)
• Campus Locations: Classes available at Clinton Community College, Muscatine Community College, Scott Community College’s Urban Campus, and West Davenport Center
• Specific Start Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year with morning and evening class options

Current upcoming classes include:

• Clinton Community College: Multiple sessions from May through December
• Scott Community College Urban Campus: Sessions starting in April and beyond

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Cost: $683 (includes tuition and fees)
• Additional Expenses:
  • White scrub tops
  • Navy blue scrub pants
  • Clean tennis shoes
  • Wristwatch with sweeping second hand (not digital)
  • State testing fee ($175)
• Financial Assistance Options:
  • FREE training, books, and supplies for qualified applicants through the Workforce Training Academy
  • Financial aid and scholarships available for students taking the program for college credit
  • GAP and IowaWorks funding options for those taking the program through Continuing Education

How to Apply

1. Complete an EICC application for admission
2. If taking CNA classes only, list “CNA only” as your program of interest (Section 2, question 12 on the application)
3. If planning to continue to nursing, list either “Practical Nursing” (to become an LPN) or “Associate Degree Nursing” (to become an RN)
4. Pass a criminal background check
5. If seeking financial assistance, apply to the Workforce Training Academy program

For students interested in taking the program for college credit, contact the EICC Admissions team. For those taking the program through Continuing Education, contact the Continuing Education department at 563-441-4100.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Clinton Community College

• Address: 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, IA 52732
• Contact: Heather Evans
• Phone: 563-244-7007
• Email: [email protected]

Muscatine Community College

• Address: 152 Colorado St., Muscatine, IA 52761 (Career Advancement Center)
• Contact: Tia Day
• Phone: 563-288-6007
• Email: [email protected]

Scott Community College – Main Campus

• Address: 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722
• Contact: Kelsey King or Amy Herrig
• Phone: 563-441-4007 (Kelsey) or 563-336-5258 (Amy)
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Scott Community College – Urban Campus

• Address: 101 West Third St., Davenport, IA 52801

Scott Community College – West Davenport Center

• Address: 2950 Fairmount Street, Davenport, IA 52804

DeWitt Career Advancement Center

• Address: 817 E Industrial Street, DeWitt, Iowa 52742

EICC General Contact

• Phone: 1-888-336-3907 or 563-441-4100
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://eicc.edu/classes-programs/pathway/health/certified-nurse-aide/

Additional Resources

• Academic Certificate Option: For students seeking college credit, visit the Nurse Aide Academic Certificate page
• Training Certificate Option: For those seeking just the certification, visit the Nurse Aide Training Certificate page
• Class Schedule: View upcoming class dates and register at EICC’s Continuing Education website
• Similar Programs: EICC also offers related healthcare training programs including Nursing, Medication Aide, Phlebotomy, and Pre-Health Professional tracks

Summary and Next Steps

Taking that first step into healthcare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ CNA program offers a supportive, flexible path to starting your healthcare career in eastern Iowa. With multiple campus locations, various scheduling options, and potential financial assistance, this program is designed to accommodate your unique situation.

The 75-hour program combines essential classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, preparing you not just for certification but for real success in patient care. Many students use this as a stepping stone to nursing or other healthcare careers, while others find fulfilling long-term work as CNAs.

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

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