CNA Classes in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo 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 Waterloo, Iowa

About Waterloo

Waterloo, Iowa, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the state, known for its rich history and welcoming community. Home to the Grout Museum District and the scenic Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Waterloo offers a blend of cultural attractions and natural beauty. For more information about the city, visit the official Waterloo website.

CNA Training Programs in Waterloo, Iowa

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waterloo, Iowa, there are several local programs available to help you get started on your career path. Here are three notable CNA training programs in the area:

1. Hawkeye Community College
   • Location: 1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50701
   • Program: Hawkeye Community College offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare field. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences.
   • More Information: Hawkeye Community College CNA Program
2. Western Iowa Tech Community College
   • Location: 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106 (Approximately 160 miles from Waterloo)
   • Program: This program provides students with the necessary training to become competent nursing assistants. The curriculum covers essential topics such as patient care, safety, and communication.
   • More Information: Western Iowa Tech Community College CNA Program
3. Kirkwood Community College
   • Location: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (Approximately 55 miles from Waterloo)
   • Program: Kirkwood Community College offers a well-rounded CNA program that prepares students for certification and employment in various healthcare settings. The program includes both theoretical and practical training components.
   • More Information: Kirkwood Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Waterloo

Waterloo is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital
   • Location: 1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703
   • Description: UnityPoint Health – Allen 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 Opportunities: UnityPoint Health Careers
2. Ravenwood Specialty Care
   • Location: 2651 St Francis Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702
   • Description: Ravenwood Specialty Care is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often seek compassionate CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Ravenwood Specialty Care Careers
3. Friendship Village Retirement Community
   • Location: 600 Park Lane, Waterloo, IA 50702
   • Description: Friendship Village is a senior living community offering various levels of care, including skilled nursing and assisted living. They regularly hire CNAs to support their residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Friendship Village Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Iowa

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa, you must meet specific state requirements. The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals oversees CNA certification. Here are the general steps:

1. Complete an Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the CNA competency exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation.
3. Get Listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

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 Waterloo, Iowa, is a rewarding decision. With several local CNA training programs and abundant employment opportunities, you have everything you need to succeed. Contact a school today to begin your journey toward becoming a CNA and making a difference in the lives of others.

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 Waterloo?

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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo?

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