Iowa Central Community College CNA Program

Looking for an entry point into healthcare? The 76-Hour Nurse Aide program at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa offers a valuable starting point for your healthcare career. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, career changer, or someone wanting to explore healthcare before committing to nursing school, this certified nurse aide training prepares you to provide essential care in nursing facilities throughout Iowa. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to take the state licensing exams and earn placement on the Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry, launching your career in patient care.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 76 hours
• Cost of Program: $679 (could be FREE for those who qualify)
• Accreditation: Approved training program
• Credit Value: 3 college credits (HSC-172)
• Program Schedule: Multiple start dates throughout the year
• Location: Classes offered throughout Iowa Central’s nine-county region

CNA Training Structure

Iowa Central’s Nurse Aide program is designed to provide comprehensive training that prepares students for success in long-term care settings and on the state certification exams.

• Classroom Learning
  The program focuses on teaching the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients/residents in a variety of long-term care facilities. Taught by Registered Nurses, the curriculum prepares you to provide direct, hands-on patient care while meeting state requirements.
• Clinical Experience
  Students gain practical, hands-on experience in patient care settings, allowing you to apply your classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments.
• Exam Preparation
  The program specifically prepares students to be successful on the Iowa Direct Care Worker registry exams. These exams are required by State Legislation to work in a long-term care facility, and Iowa Central offers testing on campus for students’ convenience.

Admission Requirements

• Documentation Required:
  • Completed and cleared background check (prior to first day of class)
  • Physical examination
  • 2-step TB test

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Iowa Central offers the Nurse Aide program multiple times throughout the year to accommodate various schedules. Classes are available at different locations throughout the college’s nine-county service region.

Upcoming program start dates include:

• June 2, 2025 – July 21, 2025
• June 2, 2025 – July 24, 2025
• June 3, 2025 – August 7, 2025
• June 3, 2025 – August 14, 2025
• August 25, 2025 – December (various end dates)
• January 12, 2026 – April/May 2026

The program is offered for both credit and non-credit options, allowing you to choose the path that best fits your educational goals.

Please contact the program directly for detailed scheduling options at your preferred location.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $679 for the credit-based course
• Additional Costs:
  • Book: $76
  • Gait Belt: $10
  • Uniform: $30
  • State Testing Fee: $175 (not included in class cost)
• Financial Assistance:
  • The class could be FREE for those who qualify
  • Students should contact the program advisor for information about financial assistance options

The program is offered as both a credit and non-credit option, which may affect tuition and available financial aid. The credit option satisfies the prerequisite requirement for Iowa Central’s nursing program.

How to Apply

For the credit-based Nurse Aide Course:

1. Contact the program advisor at [email protected] or call 515-574-1330
2. Complete the application process
3. Submit required documentation (background check, physical, TB test)
4. Register for your preferred class dates

For the non-credit Nurse Aide Course:

1. Visit the Iowa Central website to search for available classes
2. Contact the program advisor for guidance
3. Register for your preferred class

Skills and written tests for certification are scheduled on Thursdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Contact Brenda Larsen at 515-574-1330 or [email protected] to register for testing.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Iowa Central Community College
• Main Campus Address: One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
• Program Advisor: Brenda Larsen
• Office: AST-203
• Phone: 515-574-1330 or 1-800-362-2793 ext. 1330
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.iowacentral.edu/health_science/na_index.asp

The program is offered at multiple locations throughout Iowa Central’s nine-county service region. Contact the program advisor for specific location information.

Additional Resources

• State Nurse Aide Registry Requirements: Iowa Central provides a document outlining state-by-state requirements for becoming a Certified Nurse Aide
• Professional Licensure Information: For more on Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information, visit Iowa Central’s website
• Class Schedule: Search for upcoming 75-Hour Nurse Aide classes and testing dates on the Iowa Central website

Summary and Next Steps

The 76-Hour Nurse Aide program at Iowa Central Community College offers an accessible path to begin your healthcare career in Iowa. With over 21,000 CNAs currently working throughout the state, this certification opens doors to employment opportunities in nursing and skilled nursing facilities. The program’s reasonable cost (with potential for free tuition for qualified applicants), flexible scheduling, and multiple locations make it accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond immediate employment, the program can serve as a valuable stepping stone for those interested in advancing their healthcare education. Successful completion earns you 3 college credits that satisfy the prerequisite for Iowa Central’s nursing program, providing a clear pathway to continue your healthcare education.

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