CNA Classes in Colo, Iowa

Colo 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 Colo, IA

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Colo, Iowa, you’re embarking on a rewarding career path in healthcare. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a vital role in patient care, providing essential support to nurses and helping patients with daily activities. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance your career, this guide will help you understand the process of becoming a CNA in Colo, IA, and the local training options available.

About Colo, IA

Colo is a small, welcoming town located in central Iowa, known for its close-knit community and beautiful rural landscape. Situated in Story County, Colo is just a short drive from larger cities like Ames and Des Moines, making it a convenient location for those looking to pursue CNA training while enjoying the tranquility of small-town life. You can learn more about the town by visiting Colo’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Colo, IA

While Colo itself may not have a wide selection of CNA programs, there are several excellent options nearby in larger cities such as Ames and Marshalltown. Below are a few schools near Colo that offer CNA courses:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) – Ames Campus
   • Location: Ames, IA (about 20 miles from Colo)
   • Program Overview: DMACC offers a comprehensive CNA training program that prepares students for the Iowa CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • More information about the program
2. Iowa Valley Community College – Marshalltown Campus
   • Location: Marshalltown, IA (about 30 miles from Colo)
   • Program Overview: Iowa Valley Community College provides a state-approved CNA training course that covers the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level nursing assistants. The program includes clinical practice at local healthcare facilities.
   • More information about the program
3. Mary Greeley Medical Center – CNA Training Program
   • Location: Ames, IA (about 20 miles from Colo)
   • Program Overview: Mary Greeley Medical Center offers a CNA training program that combines classroom learning with clinical experience. This program is ideal for those looking to gain practical skills in a hospital setting.
   • More information about the program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Colo, IA

After completing your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes near Colo where you can find employment. Below are a few options:

1. Mary Greeley Medical Center
   • Location: Ames, IA
   • Overview: Mary Greeley Medical Center is a regional hospital offering a wide range of healthcare services. They frequently hire CNAs to work in various departments, including long-term care and acute care.
   • Employment opportunities at Mary Greeley Medical Center
2. Story County Medical Center
   • Location: Nevada, IA (about 10 miles from Colo)
   • Overview: Story County Medical Center is a local hospital providing both inpatient and outpatient services. CNAs are an integral part of their healthcare team, assisting with patient care and daily activities.
   • Employment opportunities at Story County Medical Center
3. The Willows of Marshalltown
   • Location: Marshalltown, IA
   • Overview: The Willows is a long-term care facility offering rehabilitation and nursing services. They often have openings for CNAs to provide direct care to residents.
   • Employment opportunities at The Willows

CNA Certification Requirements in Iowa

To become a CNA in Iowa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: The program must include at least 75 hours of training, with at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of supervised clinical training.

2. Pass the Iowa CNA Certification Exam: After completing the training, you must pass the Iowa CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test. The exam is administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

3. Get Listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Colo, IA, is a great way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With several excellent CNA training programs nearby and a variety of employment opportunities in the region, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA courses and begin your journey toward certification today!

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 Colo?

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 Colo 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 Colo 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 Colo?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Colo is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Iowa CNA Salary info.