Kirkwood Community College CNA Program

Looking to start a meaningful career in healthcare? The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa offers an accessible pathway to enter the healthcare field. Whether you’re a high school student considering healthcare as a career path, someone looking to change careers, or interested in starting the journey toward nursing, this program prepares you with the practical skills needed to provide compassionate care in long-term care facilities. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to take the State Skills Test and State Written Exam to receive certification on the Direct Care Worker Registry in Iowa, opening doors to immediate employment opportunities or further education in nursing.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 75 hours total training
• Program Cost: Contact the program directly for current tuition information
• Exam Fees: Written Competency Exam ($65) and Skills Competency Exam ($125)
• Program Format: Classroom instruction and clinical experience in a long-term care facility
• Certification Outcome: Preparation for the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age

CNA Training Structure

The Kirkwood Community College Certified Nurse Aide program provides comprehensive training designed to prepare you for work in long-term care facilities.

• Classroom Learning
  The program covers essential topics including effective communication, resident individuality and rights, maintaining a safe environment, medical asepsis, hand hygiene, standard precautions, fire and disaster plans, bed making, transferring residents, range of motion, and safe use of restraints. You’ll also learn to assist residents with personal hygiene needs, nutritional needs, and routine care procedures.
• Clinical Experience
  Students gain hands-on experience in a nursing home setting, applying their classroom knowledge in a real healthcare environment. During clinical rotations, you’ll practice skills such as taking vital signs, feeding residents, personal care routines, and other essential CNA duties.
• Exam Preparation
  Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to take both the State Skills Test and the State Written Exam required for certification on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. These exams evaluate your ability to perform the duties of a Certified Nurse Aide safely and effectively.

Admission Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age
• Physical Requirements:
  • Physical examination (form provided by Kirkwood)
  • Immunizations, including 2 TB tests within a year or a Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot blood draw
  • Seasonal influenza vaccination (October-March)
• Background Check: Criminal background check required (a $20 non-refundable fee is included in tuition)
• Medical Clearance: Students with a history of back conditions or who are pregnant must provide a doctor’s release stating “No Lifting Restrictions” to enter clinical rotation

Students interested in the high school Career Academy Pre-Nursing with Nurse Aide Certification program should note additional requirements:

• Recent high school Biology with a grade of B or higher is strongly recommended
• Senior Year Plus (SYP) Arts and Sciences Proficiency required or alternative assessment measures adopted by student’s school district

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Kirkwood Community College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various needs. The program is offered through:

• Regular Continuing Education CNA training courses
• High school Career Academy Pre-Nursing pathways at:
  • Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
  • Linn County Regional Center

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options, including daytime, evening, or weekend availability.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• State Competency Exams: Written Competency Exam ($65) and Skills Competency Exam ($125), totaling $190
• Additional Costs:
  • Required textbook: “Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care 6th Edition,” Hedman (ISBN 978-1-60425-141-8)
  • Physical exam fees
  • Uniform (medical scrubs)
  • Non-canvas, closed-toe, non-slip shoes for clinical rotations
  • Watch with a second hand
• Financial Assistance:
  • Various funding opportunities are available based on student eligibility
  • Employer sponsorship options (requires a completed Sponsorship Billing Form)
  • Contact Continuing Education at 319-398-1022 for information about tuition assistance

How to Apply

For the Continuing Education CNA Program:

1. Contact Kirkwood’s Continuing Education registration staff at 319-398-1022 to register
2. Complete physical exam and immunization requirements (due on the first day of class)
3. Submit to a background check (must be completed at least 48 business hours before the first day of class)
4. Purchase required textbook and supplies

For the High School Career Academy Pre-Nursing with Nurse Aide Certification:

1. Contact your high school counselor for enrollment information
2. Meet program prerequisites (recommended high school biology with grade of B or higher)
3. Meet Senior Year Plus (SYP) Arts and Sciences Proficiency requirements

For State Competency Exams:

1. Register by calling Continuing Education at 319-398-1022 or visiting www.kirkwood.edu/ce
2. Pay the appropriate exam fees ($65 for Written Exam, $125 for Skills Exam)
3. Bring required identification and admission slip to the testing site

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Kirkwood Community College
• Main Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
• Program Phone: 319-398-1022 (Continuing Education registration)
• Email: [email protected]
• Program Director: 319-398-4970
• Health Occupations Support: 319-398-5438
• Website: www.kirkwood.edu/ce

Program Locations:

• Main Campus (Cedar Rapids)
• Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa (for high school Career Academy)
• Linn County Regional Center (for high school Career Academy)

Additional Resources

• Physical Exam Form: Physical Form
• Immunization Form: Immunization Form
• Sponsorship Billing Form: For employer-paid tuition – Billing Form
• Direct Care Worker Registry Guide: How to Access the Direct Care Worker Registry
• Nurse Aide Criteria: Detailed criteria list
• Core Performance Standards: Iowa Community College Core Performance Standards

Free clinic resources are available for students without health insurance, including:

• His Hands (Cedar Rapids)
• Community Health Free Clinics (Cedar Rapids)
• Iowa City Free Medical Clinic
• MercyCare Prairie Creek clinic in Cedar Rapids (for some immunizations)

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nurse Aide program at Kirkwood Community College provides a solid foundation for beginning your healthcare career in Iowa. Whether you’re a high school student planning your future or someone seeking a career change, this 75-hour program equips you with essential skills to provide compassionate care in long-term care facilities.

With 100% attendance required and a focus on both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, the program ensures you’re thoroughly prepared for the State Competency Exams and entry into the healthcare workforce. The certification opens doors to immediate employment opportunities while also serving as a potential stepping stone toward further education in nursing or other healthcare fields.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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