CNA Certification Iowa
How to Become a CNA in Iowa
If you want to work in one of the hottest and most in demand careers in Iowa, then you should consider becoming a licensed nurse aide. Iowa CNA training does not take long to complete, and most programs can be completed in just a few months. Before you take an exam for certification, you must attend a school that is approved by the State Board of Health.
If you are interested in pursuing a career path as a Certified Nurse Assistant, please follow the steps below.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find a CNA Training Program
Study material will address the most instrumental CNA skills needed in the field as well as basic laws, regulations, and studies of the human body. Depending on where you choose to work, your patients may be elderly, permanently or temporarily disabled, or simply in a doctor’s office for a checkup. Your CNA certification program will get you ready to handle everything you need to know such as feeding patients, bathing patients, and taking patients’ vitals.
Step 2
Be aware that when you go to enroll at your nurse aide school, you will need to complete a criminal background check as well as undergo a two-part tuberculosis test. A full physical is needed to ensure that you are healthy and free of anything contagious before training. Most schools require that students be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED before enrollment. Also, check out our section on free CNA training before enrollment to discover how you can get some or all of your CNA training paid for.
Step 3
CNA classes in Iowa are mandated by state law to include no less than 45 hours of knowledge-based learning in a classroom setting. Another minimum of 35 hours must be spent in a hands-on learning environment where you have the opportunity to practice nurse aide skills on real patients. You will need to be acquainted with both the knowledge and skills before your certification test.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Once you are finished with your coursework, you will be qualified to sit for the state licensing examination. If you pass the exam, you will then be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.
You must pre-register for the exam through the state health department. Often, you can take the test onsite at the same training facility in which you took your classes, but occasionally you will have to go to another location to take the exam.
Step 2
The exam is often given at your training institution, but you may have to take the test at a different location. There is typically a fee required when you apply to take the exam. You must also mail in a copy of your certificate from your CNA training program. When your testing date arrives, bring along a photo ID and anything else you are instructed to provide the test administrators.
The day before the exam, you should get adequate rest and also review all of your CNA class material. Bring along your certificate of completion for your CNA program, a current state-issued photo ID, and anything else that the testing administrators asked you to bring. Dress comfortably and be ready to be taking the test for several hours.
Testing is performed in two parts. The first section is usually a hands-on practical test. You will be asked to perform several tasks in front of a testing administrator. If you pass this section, you will move on to take a multiple choice exam. Some testing sites will immediately tell you your grades after the test while others will send you your test results through mail or email.
Step 3
If you pass, then you will be immediately listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry and can start seeking employment. You will be required to renew your license every two years along with a modest fee. Typically, you will receive a reminder notice in the mail, but it is good to cover your bases by keeping up with that yourself.
Start applying by visiting our Career Builder page where you will be able to get your job application out to many different employers.
People with CNA training in Iowa have a good outlook, and CNA jobs are predicted to only increase in demand through the next ten years. Furthermore, you can enjoy a median Iowa CNA salary of $27,000 a year with room for advancement with experience and additional certifications.
Step 4
For furthering your education beyond CNA to the RN or LPN, please visit our RN and LPN Degrees page.
Any additional questions about obtaining CNA certification can be addressed to the Nurse Aide Registry, listed below for your convenience.
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Health Facilities Division
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0083
Phone: (515) 281-4115
Fax: (515) 242-5022