CNA Classes in Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny CNA Training - Iowa

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ankeny, Iowa

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ankeny, Iowa, you’re making a great choice. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, becoming a CNA can be a rewarding and stable career path. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a nursing assistant in Ankeny, including local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in Iowa.

About Ankeny

Ankeny is a vibrant city located just north of Des Moines, Iowa. Known for its friendly community and excellent amenities, Ankeny offers a high quality of life with numerous parks, recreational facilities, and a thriving local economy. For more information about Ankeny, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Ankeny, Iowa

Here are some local schools in and around Ankeny that offer nursing assistant programs:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
   • Location: Ankeny Campus
   • Program: DMACC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the state certification exam.
   • DMACC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Iowa Health – Des Moines School of Nursing
   • Location: Des Moines, IA (approximately 10 miles from Ankeny)
   • Program: This school offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to provide students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing assistant positions. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Iowa Health – Des Moines School of Nursing
3. Indian Hills Community College
   • Location: Ottumwa, IA (approximately 90 miles from Ankeny)
   • Program: Indian Hills Community College offers a Certified Nurse Aide course that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and preparation for the CNA certification exam.
   • Indian Hills Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Ankeny

Ankeny and the surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you might find job openings:

1. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
   • Location: Des Moines, IA (approximately 10 miles from Ankeny)
   • Description: UnityPoint Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • UnityPoint Health Employment Opportunities
2. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
   • Location: Des Moines, IA (approximately 10 miles from Ankeny)
   • Description: MercyOne is a large healthcare system with a major medical center in Des Moines. They offer various employment opportunities for nursing assistants.
   • MercyOne Careers
3. On With Life
   • Location: Ankeny, IA
   • Description: On With Life is a specialized rehabilitation facility located in Ankeny. They provide care for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions, and often have openings for CNAs.
   • On With Life Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Iowa

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a CNA training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes a written test and a skills evaluation.
3. Register with the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must be listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry to be eligible to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ankeny, Iowa, is a commendable choice. With the right training and certification, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step towards your new career.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Iowa may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Ankeny?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Ankeny usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Ankeny will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Ankeny?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Iowa, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Iowa, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Ankeny is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Iowa CNA Salary info.