Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program prepares individuals to provide basic patient care in long-term care, assisted living, and healthcare settings. Students gain hands-on skills in personal care, mobility support, communication, and safety under the State of Iowa’s approved 76-hour curriculum. This course is a required credential for many healthcare careers and is often a stepping stone into nursing and allied health programs.

Award Type:

Certificate of Completion from Iowa Western Community College & Department of Inspection and Appeals and Licensure (DIAL) Recognized

Learning Outcomes:

Provide basic care and hygiene support to patients and residents
Support mobility, nutrition, and safety in care settings
Communicate effectively with healthcare teams and patients
Prepare for the Iowa CNA Written and Skills Exams

Educational Objective:

Vocational - Entry-level health credential, pre-requisite for advanced training

Tuition:

$595.00 (Face-to-Face) / $695.00 (Hybrid)

Included Costs:

Tuition includes instruction, books, handouts, lab materials, background check, and certification processing

Length of Course:

76 Contact Hours & hybrid, face-to-face

Course Outline:

Core CNA Concepts & Patient Rights - 10 hours
Safety, Hygiene, and Infection Control - 10 hours
Nutrition, Mobility, and Personal Care - 10 hours
Lab Skill Practice - 16 hours
Supervised Clinical in LTC facility - 30 hours

Admission Requirements:

• Negative TB test

• State-approved SING background check clearance

Attendance Requirements:

• Minimum 38.5 of the first 46 hours must be attended

• 100% attendance required for the 30-hour clinical portion

Instructor Qualification:

Instructor is registered, certified, or licensed in the occupational area in which the state requires registration, certification or licensure for the occupational area in which the instructor is teaching.