CNA Classes in West Des Moines, Iowa

West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines, Iowa

About West Des Moines

West Des Moines, Iowa, is a vibrant city known for its friendly community and excellent quality of life. Located in the heart of Iowa, this city boasts a mix of urban amenities and suburban comforts. West Des Moines is home to Jordan Creek Town Center, a premier shopping destination, and the serene Raccoon River Park. For more information about the city, visit the official West Des Moines website.

CNA Training Programs in West Des Moines, Iowa

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in West Des Moines, Iowa, there are several excellent local programs to help you get started:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
   • Location: West Des Moines
   • Program Overview: DMACC offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Page: DMACC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Iowa Western Community College
   • Location: Council Bluffs (approximately 2 hours from West Des Moines)
   • Program Overview: Iowa Western Community College provides a Nursing Assistant course that covers essential skills and knowledge required for a CNA. The program combines theoretical learning with practical training.
   • Program Page: Iowa Western Community College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Kirkwood Community College
   • Location: Cedar Rapids (approximately 1.5 hours from West Des Moines)
   • Program Overview: Kirkwood Community College offers a state-approved CNA program with extensive training in patient care. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Program Page: Kirkwood Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in West Des Moines

West Des Moines has a variety of healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
   • Location: Downtown Des Moines
   • Overview: UnityPoint Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: UnityPoint Health Careers
2. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
   • Location: Downtown Des Moines
   • Overview: MercyOne is a comprehensive medical center offering a wide range of healthcare services. They are known for their supportive work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
   • Employment Opportunities: MercyOne Careers
3. Edgewater – WesleyLife
   • Location: West Des Moines
   • Overview: Edgewater is a senior living community under the WesleyLife network, providing a continuum of care including skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. CNAs are an integral part of their care team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Edgewater 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 complete a training program that is approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the CNA competency exam, which includes both written and practical components.
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 West Des Moines, Iowa, is a rewarding choice that offers numerous opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Take the first step by contacting one of the local schools mentioned above and enrolling in a CNA program. Your journey to making a difference in the lives of others starts 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 West Des Moines?

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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines?

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