CNA Classes in Marion, Iowa

Marion 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 Marion, Iowa

About Marion

Marion, Iowa, is a vibrant city located in Linn County, known for its friendly community and beautiful parks. With a population of over 40,000, Marion offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city. Local landmarks such as Lowe Park and Marion Heritage Center provide a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. For more information about Marion, visit the official Marion city website.

CNA Training Programs in Marion, Iowa

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Marion, Iowa, you’ll find several excellent training programs to help you get started. Here are three local options:

1. Kirkwood Community College – Marion Center
   • Location: Marion, IA
   • Description: Kirkwood Community College offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program is designed to prepare students for the state certification exam.
   • Program Page: Kirkwood Community College CNA Program
2. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (approximately 10 miles from Marion)
   • Description: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges provide a CNA course that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and safety procedures. The program is well-regarded for its experienced instructors and high certification pass rates.
   • Program Page: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges CNA Program
3. Hawkeye Community College
   • Location: Waterloo, IA (approximately 50 miles from Marion)
   • Description: Hawkeye Community College offers a state-approved CNA program that includes both theoretical and practical training. The course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the healthcare field.
   • Program Page: Hawkeye Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Marion

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

1. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (near Marion)
   • Description: UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Page: UnityPoint Health Careers
2. Mercy Medical Center
   • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (near Marion)
   • Description: Mercy Medical Center is a top-rated hospital known for its compassionate care and state-of-the-art facilities. CNAs can find rewarding careers in multiple specialties within the hospital.
   • Employment Page: Mercy Medical Center Careers
3. Hiawatha Care Center
   • Location: Hiawatha, IA (approximately 5 miles from Marion)
   • Description: Hiawatha Care Center is a reputable nursing home offering long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often have positions available for CNAs who are passionate about patient care.
   • Employment Page: Hiawatha Care Center 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 enroll in and complete a training program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
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 Direct Care Worker Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry to be officially recognized as a CNA.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Marion, Iowa, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With several excellent CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities in the area, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to learn more about their programs and start your path to becoming a CNA.

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 Marion?

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 Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion?

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