CNA Classes in Hiawatha, Iowa

Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha, Iowa

About Hiawatha

Hiawatha, Iowa, is a charming city located in Linn County, just north of Cedar Rapids. Known for its welcoming community and excellent quality of life, Hiawatha offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city nearby. The city is home to several parks, including Guthridge Park and Tucker Park, which provide residents with ample recreational opportunities. For more information about Hiawatha, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Hiawatha, Iowa

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Hiawatha, Iowa, several local options can help you achieve your goal. Here are three schools offering CNA programs in or near Hiawatha:

1. Kirkwood Community College
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (approximately 10 miles from Hiawatha)
   • Program: Kirkwood Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for certification. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
   • Kirkwood Community College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
   • Location: Multiple campuses, with the closest in Cedar Rapids, IA
   • Program: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges provide a CNA course designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the state certification exam. The program covers essential topics such as patient care, safety, and communication.
   • Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Nursing Assistant Program
3. Mount Mercy University
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (approximately 8 miles from Hiawatha)
   • Program: Mount Mercy University offers a Nursing Assistant program that combines theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical practice. The program is designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam and a successful career in healthcare.
   • Mount Mercy University Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Hiawatha

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

1. UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (approximately 10 miles from Hiawatha)
   • Description: UnityPoint Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services, including hospital care, outpatient services, and home care. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • UnityPoint Health Employment Opportunities
2. Mercy Medical Center
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (approximately 8 miles from Hiawatha)
   • Description: Mercy Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing advanced medical care to the community. They offer various job opportunities for CNAs in different departments.
   • Mercy Medical Center Employment Opportunities
3. Hiawatha Care Center
   • Location: Hiawatha, IA
   • Description: Hiawatha Care Center is a local nursing home offering long-term care and rehabilitation services. They regularly seek dedicated CNAs to join their team.
   • Hiawatha Care Center Employment Opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Iowa

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa, you must meet the following state-specific certification 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 the training program, you must pass the Iowa CNA competency exam, which includes both written and practical components.
3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required before certification.
4. Registry Application: Submit an application to be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Hiawatha, Iowa, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With several excellent CNA training programs available nearby and numerous employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to begin your path toward becoming a CNA and making a difference in your community.

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 Hiawatha?

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 Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha?

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