Iowans For A Skilled Workforce is a bipartisan political action committee. ISW was created by supporters of Iowa’s community colleges — the workforce trainers of Iowa.
Iowa’s Community Colleges offer training for individuals interested in becoming certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The colleges offer both classroom studies and hands-on clinical training. Written and skills tests also are provided by the schools for anyone interested. Contact information as well as links for the course and testing information for each community college are provided below. If testing availability does not suit a potential CNA’s schedule, they may contact their nearest community college for other options.
Successful completion of both tests is required to be placed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry (DCW). If a potential CNA does not pass either one of the tests in three attempts, the 75-hour course and tests must be retaken.
Click the name of the school to be linked to the college’s CNA program information.
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
Tammy Steinwandt | tjsteinwandt@dmacc.edu | 515.256.4906
Melissa Simmons | mlsimmons3@dmacc.edu | 515.256.4908
Trisha Godzicki | tjgodzicki@dmacc.edu | 515.964.6340
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.
