CNA Classes in Iowa, Louisiana

Iowa CNA Training - Louisiana

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 Iowa, LA

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Iowa, Louisiana, you’re making a great choice. CNAs play a vital role in healthcare, offering essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a CNA in Iowa, LA, and provide information on local CNA training programs, job opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Iowa, LA

Iowa, Louisiana, is a small but vibrant town located in Calcasieu Parish. Known for its friendly community and proximity to larger cities like Lake Charles, Iowa offers a relaxed atmosphere with the charm of small-town living. The town is part of the Lake Charles metropolitan area, making it a convenient location for those seeking CNA training and employment. You can learn more about the town by visiting Iowa, LA’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Iowa, LA

While Iowa, LA, is a smaller community, you can find several CNA training programs in the nearby Lake Charles area. Here are some options to consider:

1. SOWELA Technical Community College (Lake Charles, LA)
   Located just 15 minutes from Iowa, SOWELA offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Training Program that prepares students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   Learn more about the program here.

2. Compass Career College (Hammond, LA)
   Although a bit further away (about 2 hours from Iowa), Compass Career College offers a well-regarded CNA program that covers essential skills such as patient care, infection control, and medical terminology. This program is perfect for those willing to commute for a quality education.
   Visit the program page here.

3. Central Louisiana Technical Community College (Alexandria, LA)
   Located approximately 1.5 hours from Iowa, this technical college offers a Nurse Aide program designed to equip students with the skills needed to pass the CNA certification exam. The program includes practical training in local healthcare facilities.
   Find more details here.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Iowa, LA

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in and around Iowa, LA, where you can seek employment. Here are some leading options:

1. Lake Charles Memorial Health System (Lake Charles, LA)
   Just a short drive from Iowa, Lake Charles Memorial Health System is the largest healthcare provider in Southwest Louisiana. They frequently hire CNAs to assist in various departments, from long-term care to acute care settings.
   Explore employment opportunities here.

2. Resthaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Lake Charles, LA)
   Located in Lake Charles, Resthaven offers skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. They are often on the lookout for qualified CNAs to join their team.
   Check out their employment page here.

3. Golden Age of Welsh (Welsh, LA)
   This nursing home, located about 15 minutes from Iowa, provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. Golden Age of Welsh is a smaller, community-focused facility that values compassionate care.
   Visit their official website here.

CNA Certification Requirements in Louisiana

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana, you must meet the following state-specific requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
   You must complete a CNA program approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). These programs typically consist of at least 80 hours of training, including classroom instruction and clinical practice.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam
   After completing your training, you must pass the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and skills test. The exam is administered by Prometric.

3. Get Listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
   Upon passing the exam, you will be added to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as a CNA in the state. You can check the registry or learn more by visiting the Louisiana Department of Health’s Nurse Aide Registry page.

4. Background Check
   A criminal background check is required before you can be certified as a CNA in Louisiana.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Iowa, LA, is a rewarding career choice that offers job stability and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. With local training programs and employment opportunities in nearby cities like Lake Charles, now is the perfect time to begin your journey. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step toward your new career!

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 Louisiana 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 Iowa?

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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Louisiana, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Louisiana, 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 Iowa is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Louisiana CNA Salary info.