There is a great need across the state for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), an entry-level healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients. Courses to become a CNA are offered at each of Iowa’s 15 community colleges.
Becoming a CNA requires both classroom studies and clinical training, which will ultimately be tested through a written (knowledge) exam and a hands-on skills test. Successful completion of both tests is required to be placed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry (DCW). If a potential student does not pass either one of the tests in three attempts, the 75-hour course and tests must be retaken.
Find the school nearest you to get started on your CNA certification:
Registration Phone Numbers
Tammy Steinwandt | tjsteinwandt@dmacc.edu | 515.256.4906
Melissa Simmons | mlsimmons3@dmacc.edu | 515.256.4908
Trisha Godzicki | tjgodzicki@dmacc.edu | 515.964.6340
Registration Phone Numbers
563.441.4100
Debbie Ludvigsen | daludvigsen@eicc.edu | 563.336.3454 | FAX: 563.336.3350
Elizabeth Cummings | elizabeth.cummings@hawkeyecollege.edu | 319.296.4456
Lori Reeves | 641.683.5337 or 800.726.2585 ext. 5337 | FAX: 641.683.5296
Brenda Larsen | 800.362.2793 or 515.574.1330 | FAX: 515.574.1321
Chantel Teeter | cteeter@iowalakes.edu | 712.852.5227
Jon Nunez | Jon.Nunez@iavalley.edu | 641.844.5656 | FAX: 641.752.1692
Julie Thomas | Julie.Thomas@iavalley.edu | 641.752.4645 | FAX: 641.752.1692
Virginia Zahnd | Virginia.Zahnd@iavalley.edu | 641.844.5623
Rhonda Casson | rcasson@iwcc.edu | 712.325.3259 | FAX: 712.325.3271
Jessica Pauley | jpauley@iwcc.edu | 712.325.3387 | FAX: 712.325.3271
Kimberly Klein | Kimberly.klein@kirkwood.edu | 319.398.4970 | FAX: 319.398.7741
Michele Heimer | michele.heimer@niacc.edu | 641.422.4439
Jomarie Lund | lundjo@nicc.edu | 844.642.2338 ext. 6905
Kevin Miller | kmiller@nwicc.edu | 712.324.5061
Angela Shipley | ashipley1@scciowa.edu | 319.208.5278 or 319.752.2731 ext. 5278 | FAX: 319.208.5005
Health Continuing Education | healthce@swcciowa.edu | 641.782.1441
Health Sciences Department | healthsciences@witcc.edu | 319.254.6772
More information on the history of how our PAC formed, the advantages of ISW, and how to speak about Iowans For A Skilled Workforce to potential contributors, we’ve created a guide in our member portal.
A “CNA” is a term used to describe a Certified Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Aide. The CNA is an important member of a healthcare team who provides basic patient care and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, rehabilitation, observation, and reporting of changes in condition. CNAs work under the supervision of licensed nursing staff and other medical providers, such as doctors or administrators. While CNAs are not nurses, they work closely with them as essential members of the team by providing most of the direct hands-on care and support to reduce workloads and improve the quality and efficiency of patient care in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, hospices, patient homes and many other locations.
Yes, there is a large demand for CNAs in Iowa and across the nation. In fact, the position is usually in the Top 5 for highest demand here in Iowa. The position serves as a great entry point for those looking to work in healthcare. The career pathways for a CNA are almost limitless, with new opportunities being created with expanding technologies and changing patient care demands.
