Iowa State-Approved CNA Training
Nurse Aide Training (CNA) Program
Preparing students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors needed to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.
About the Program
Launch Your Healthcare Career
The Nurse Aide Training (CNA) Program prepares students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors needed to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to residents in long-term care settings. This program is designed to meet the State of Iowa training requirements for individuals seeking employment as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and provides the educational foundation necessary to begin a career in healthcare.
Whether you are entering the healthcare field for the first time or using this program as a stepping stone toward nursing or another medical profession, the curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical experience and confidence needed to succeed in a patient-care environment.
Curriculum
What You Will Learn
Throughout the program, students receive instruction in both classroom and clinical settings, covering topics such as:
Resident rights and maintaining dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.
Effective communication with residents, families, and healthcare team members.
Infection prevention and proper hand hygiene practices.
Safety procedures, emergency response, and fall prevention.
Measuring and recording vital signs.
Assisting with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
Safe resident transfers, positioning, ambulation, and the proper use of transfer equipment.
Basic nutrition, hydration, and meal assistance.
Observation and reporting of changes in a resident's condition.
Documentation and professional responsibilities of the nurse aide.
Understanding common age-related conditions and providing person-centered care.
Professionalism, ethics, and compassionate caregiving.
Clinical Experience
Hands-On Training
Students begin by learning and practicing essential nursing assistant skills in a supervised classroom laboratory. Once competency has been demonstrated, students transition into a clinical experience at an approved long-term care facility where they provide resident care under the supervision of qualified instructors.
The clinical portion of the program allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real healthcare environment while building confidence, communication skills, and professional experience.
Classroom Lab
Learn and practice essential skills in a supervised lab setting before entering clinical.
Clinical Placement
Hands-on experience at an approved long-term care facility under qualified instructor supervision.
State Exam Prep
Full preparation for the Iowa CNA written and hands-on skills competency examinations.
Certification
State Competency Examination
Upon successful completion of the Nurse Aide Training Program, students may become eligible to take the Iowa State Competency Examination. The examination consists of two parts:
Written Examination
A multiple-choice written test covering knowledge of nursing assistant principles and practices.
Skills Evaluation
A hands-on demonstration of competency in essential nurse aide procedures.
Successful completion of both examinations is required to qualify for placement on the Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry in accordance with current state requirements.
Be at least 16 years of age.
Complete all required health documentation before the start of class, including immunization records and tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements.
Successfully complete a criminal background check before beginning clinical training.
Meet all program eligibility requirements established by state regulations and clinical partners.
Attendance Policy
Because the program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical education, attendance is an essential part of student success. 100% attendance is required for all scheduled laboratory and clinical sessions. Students are expected to arrive on time, participate fully, and complete all required learning activities.
Tuition & Fees
Included With Tuition
$1,200
Total program cost
Students are responsible for providing their own required uniforms, clinical shoes, watch, and any additional personal items listed in the program requirements.
This is a non-credit workforce training program and does not award college credit upon completion. The program is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment as nurse aides and eligibility for the Iowa State Competency Examination.
Required course textbook
Student workbook and instructional materials
Criminal background check fee
Classroom laboratory instruction
Supervised clinical training
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue employment in a variety of healthcare settings. Many students also use CNA certification as the first step toward careers in nursing, medical assisting, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and other healthcare professions.
Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
Assisted living communities
Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Home health agencies
Hospice organizations
Program Handbook
Download the full program handbook for detailed information on policies, schedules, expectations, and everything you need to know before your first day.