CNA Classes in Fort Dodge, Iowa

Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge, Iowa

About Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, located in Webster County, Iowa, is known for its rich history and vibrant community. As the county seat, Fort Dodge offers a mix of urban amenities and small-town charm. Notable landmarks include the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, and the Oleson Park Zoo. For more information, visit the official Fort Dodge website.

CNA Training Programs in Fort Dodge, Iowa

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Fort Dodge, there are several local options for training programs:

1. Iowa Central Community College
   • Location: Fort Dodge, IA
   • Program: Iowa Central Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program designed to prepare students for the Iowa CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Iowa Central Community College CNA Program
2. UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Fort Dodge, IA
   • Program: UnityPoint Health provides a Nurse Aide training course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills training. This course is ideal for those looking to gain immediate employment in the healthcare field.
   • UnityPoint Health CNA Program
3. Webster City High School
   • Location: Webster City, IA (Approx. 20 miles from Fort Dodge)
   • Program: Webster City High School offers a CNA program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The program includes both classroom and clinical components.
   • Webster City High School CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that frequently hire CNAs. Here are a few major employers:

1. UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Fort Dodge, IA
   • Description: A leading healthcare provider in the region, UnityPoint Health offers a variety of employment opportunities for CNAs in different departments.
   • UnityPoint Health Employment
2. Friendship Haven
   • Location: Fort Dodge, IA
   • Description: Friendship Haven is a senior living community offering a range of services from independent living to skilled nursing care. They regularly seek CNAs to join their team.
   • Friendship Haven Employment
3. Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
   • Location: Fort Dodge, IA
   • Description: This rehabilitation center provides both short-term and long-term care, making it a great place for CNAs to gain experience and grow in their careers.
   • Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation Employment

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: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Register with the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Fort Dodge, Iowa, is a rewarding choice that offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. With several local CNA training programs and a variety of employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare.

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 Fort Dodge?

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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge?

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 Fort Dodge is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Iowa CNA Salary info.