CNA Certification in Iowa

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa

Someone who wants to work as a CNA in Iowa will be known as a DCW or Direct Care Worker. To begin their career, they have to enroll in a CNA certification course approved by the state (Division of Health Facilities), take the competency test, and get placed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry.

Unlike many other states, Iowa does not use NNAAP testing. Instead, the student usually takes the competency exams in the same facility in which training occurred. This could be a nursing home, college, or technical school.

Eligibility Requirements

All CNA certification programs in Iowa have the same basic pre-requisites:

Copy of a high school diploma or a GED must be supplied by the candidate;Each candidate has to be 16 or older (if in high school they must supply a reference from a guidance counselor);Each candidate will submit to, and pay the fees for a criminal background check; andEach candidate will complete a physical exam that includes TB testing, drug screening, and proof of immunization, which offers proof that they have no lifting restrictions.

Applying for CNA Certification in Iowa

Candidates meeting the qualifications for enrollment can choose the program desired, and will want to consider those that are paid for by their employers if they are hoping to avoid tuition fees.

In Iowa, some candidates do not need to attend a training program if they meet the following requirements:

If the candidate has completed at least 100 hours of training (in state or not) in a program that meets Iowa standards;If the person has operated as an aide in one or more facilities owned by the same employer, in Iowa, for the previous 24 months;If the person completed a program that would have met standards prior to 1989, they can take the exam; andSome military personnel, RNs or LPNs, and nursing students can forgo training and just take the exam instead.

When the candidate does require training it is available at every Iowa community college and in many nursing home programs.

For CNA certification in Iowa, the approved courses must have no less than 75 hours divided between 45 in the classroom and 30 spent in clinical work. Upon completion of the course work, the candidate can then apply to take the competency exam. Often, they test at the same location where classroom work was done, but most community colleges also offer a regular schedule of testing opportunities too.

Costs

Costs for certified nursing assistant certification training in Iowa but are always going to be at least $150. When the student is employed in a skilled nursing facility, they cannot pay for their CNA certification or their testing. If they fall under the criteria in which they still must pay, they can be reimbursed if hired within 12 months of appearing on the registry.

There are some fees for the tests, and these vary from site to site. The exams have no application or registration fees but the actual exam prices range from $15 to $45, with the higher fees assigned to testing done orally rather than in written form.

FAQ

There are some useful tips and facts that candidates should know as they CNA certification training:

According to federal law, Iowa candidates employed by, or with a promise of employment from, a Medicaid-certified nursing home are not allowed to pay for their training and testing;When working as a CNA in a certified long-term care facility, twelve hours of training per year must be received. The employer provides training; andThe CNA goes “inactive” if they fail to work for 24 months without pay, and will have to take both tests in order to become a registered CNA again.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals
Division of Health Facilities
Direct Care Worker Registry
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street – 3rd Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0083
Phone: 515-281-4077
Fax: 515-281-6259
Web: https://dia-hfd.iowa.gov/DIA_HFD/Home.do