Iowa Western Community College CNA Program

Ready to start your healthcare career in Council Bluffs, Iowa? The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Iowa Western Community College offers a direct pathway into the healthcare field. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking for your first career opportunity, someone seeking a career change, or planning to advance into nursing, this program prepares you for entry-level positions in hospitals and long-term care facilities. With focused training in basic patient care skills and real-world clinical experience, you’ll be ready to take the certification exams and begin your healthcare journey with confidence.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 76 hours (typically completed in 2-3 weeks)
• Cost of Program: $595 (may be FREE for qualified Iowa residents through Education 2 Employment)
• Credit Value: 3 college credits
• Program Schedule: Multiple start dates offered throughout the year at various locations
• Locations: Classes available in Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, and Shenandoah

CNA Training Structure

The Iowa Western CNA program provides comprehensive training designed to prepare you for success in healthcare settings.

• Classroom Learning
  The program includes 34 hours of classroom instruction taught by Registered Nurses. You’ll learn the basic nursing skills needed to care for patients and residents in a variety of long-term care facilities. The curriculum also includes professional soft skills training to help you communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.
• Clinical Experience
  Students complete 30 hours of clinical experience in actual healthcare settings. This hands-on training allows you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom while working with real patients under supervision.
• Lab Practice
  The program includes 15 hours of lab practice where you’ll develop and refine essential patient care skills before entering the clinical environment.

Admission Requirements

• Documentation Required:
  • Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Tests (must be completed within 12 months prior to class start date)
  • Criminal Background Check (Iowa Western will perform background and drug screening)
  • Completed Class Registration Form

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Iowa Western offers the CNA program multiple times throughout the year to accommodate different schedules. Classes are generally held Monday through Friday with the following upcoming start dates:

• May 30, 2025 – June 13, 2025 (Harlan)
• June 30, 2025 – July 17, 2025 (Council Bluffs)
• July 22, 2025 – August 7, 2025 (Council Bluffs)
• September 12, 2025 – October 2, 2025 (Council Bluffs)
• October 10, 2025 – October 24, 2025 (Council Bluffs)
• November 7, 2025 – November 21, 2025 (Council Bluffs)
• December 2, 2025 – December 16, 2025 (Council Bluffs)

Typical class/lab schedules are:

• Weekday classes: 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Clinical hours: 7:00am – 3:30pm

The program is offered at multiple locations throughout Iowa Western’s service area, including Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, and Shenandoah.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Cost: $595
• Skills Test Fee: $125 (separate from program cost)
• Written Test Fee: Additional fee (separate form required)
• Payment Methods: E2E (Education 2 Employment), Money Order, Cashier’s Check, Cash, or Credit Card

Financial Assistance Options:

• Education 2 Employment provides FREE tuition assistance to eligible Iowa residents
• The program helps Iowa residents grow their career skills and further their education
• Eligibility is determined through an assessment process
• High school diploma may be required depending on the program

To learn more about financial assistance, contact the Pathway Navigator at (712) 256-8800 or email [email protected].

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility:
   • Determine if you’re eligible for Education 2 Employment tuition assistance (Iowa residents)
   • Verify you can meet the background check and TB test requirements
2. Complete Registration:
   • Fill out the CNA Class Registration Form
   • Submit documentation of Two-Step TB Tests
   • Complete criminal background check
   • Pay program fee or apply for tuition assistance
3. Submit Registration:
   • Mail or bring your completed registration form and payment to: Iowa Western Community College Continuing Education Department Looft Hall 2700 College Road Council Bluffs, IA 51503

For assistance with the application process, contact the Continuing Education Department at (712) 325-3255 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Iowa Western Community College
• Main Address: 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
• Program Phone Number: (712) 325-3255 or (712) 325-3259
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.iwcc.edu/ce/health-amp-public-service/cna-programs/

Additional Locations:

• Council Bluffs Campus
• Atlantic Center
• Clarinda Center
• Harlan Center
• Shenandoah Center

Additional Resources

• Registration Forms:
  • CNA Class Registration Form
  • CNA Written Test Registration
  • CNA Skills Test Registration
• Program Information:
  • Education 2 Employment Information
  • Core Performance Standards
  • Infection Control and Hazard Communications Policies

Summary and Next Steps

Taking that first step into healthcare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Iowa Western Community College’s CNA program offers a straightforward, affordable path to start your career in just a few weeks. With classes available in multiple locations throughout southwest Iowa and potential free tuition through the Education 2 Employment program, this could be your opportunity to join a growing healthcare field with strong job prospects.

Upon successful completion of the 76-hour program, you’ll earn 3 college credits and be prepared to take the state certification exams. For those considering nursing as a long-term goal, this program serves as a prerequisite to Iowa Western’s nursing program, making it an excellent starting point for your healthcare education journey.

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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