CNA Classes in Iowa

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CNA Classes in Iowa

Iowa CNA Training

These days,many are worried about how to find jobs that will allow them to provide for their families in the long term. Anyone who lives in Iowa and has been thinking about going back to school to enter a new industry might want to consider Iowa CNA classes. These courses are special training programs that equip students to start an exciting new career as a certified nursing assistant. With the right training and education, students will be prepared to provide support to medical professionals on a daily basis.

Most CNA programs last between six months and one academic year. The training will be a combination of textbook education designed to prepare you for the terminology and fast-paced feel of a medical setting, as well as hands-on training that will prepare you to work around medical technology and patients.

The responsibilities of a certified nursing assistant include taking patient vital signs, recording medical histories, communicating treatment plants to the patients, and educating patient families about preventative behaviors.

For anyone who has always wanted a career that allowed them to push themselves intellectually, work around medical professionals, and help people live happier and healthier lives, Iowa CNA classes could be the first step toward realizing this dream. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that, thanks to better health care and long term insurance coverage, more people are depending on medical facilities than ever before. This means that there will be a large increase in the number of jobs available for certified nursing assistants over the next ten years.

Becoming a CNA in Iowa

In order to work as CNA in Iowa, an individual must complete a 75-hour training program (including 30 clinical hours) and pass both the skills or written competency exams. Once this is complete, the individual will be placed on the Iowa CNA registry and issued a 6-digit ID number.

If a registered CNA goes at least two years without working that field, he or she will have to retake both the skills and written competency exams to become eligible again to work as a CNA in Iowa. Training and exams cost at least $150 and $15-$45 respectively, unless the individual workings in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. In this case, the individual is not required to pay either training or testing fees.

Any individual found guilty by a court of law of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment of residents (or has a finding of one of these things listed on the CNA registry) is not eligible to work in a long-term care facility.

Additional Resources:

Iowa Occupational Information Center

Iowa CNA Resources

Iowa Department of Health

Iowa CNA Certification

Iowa CNA Certification Requirements

As prescribed by federal law, the typical Iowa CNA certificate program lasts approximately 8 to 13 weeks to gain 75 accredited hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin training. After passing the Certified Nurse Assistant exam, you must be placed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. To get your CNA certificate in Iowa, you first need to complete the required course work and/ or training program. You will need to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. Applicants must then submit fingerprint cards. Licenses/certificates and will not be issued without the results of a state and federal background check coming back in good standing.

Required Hours for Iowa CNA Certification

In Iowa, you are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation before challenging the state CNA licensing exam. The nurse aide classes typically last 2-6 months. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin the training program.

Iowa CNA Certification Prerequisites

In Iowa, CNA prerequisites include a current background check, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). A negative TB test within the past 6 months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high school diploma or GED.