Certified Nurse Aide
Start your healthcare career with our Nurse Aide course. Gain the skills to provide safe, compassionate care in long-term care settings and qualify for placement on Iowa's Direct Care Worker Registry.
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Hybrid Learning Format
This hybrid program combines the flexibility of online coursework with in-person classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical experiences. You'll build the knowledge and real-world skills needed to provide quality patient care and prepare for success as a nurse aide.
85 hours
of hands-on and classroom instruction
1–2 months
A fast track to your new career
10.2 CEUs
earned upon successful completion
Eligibility Requirements
✓
Must be at least 16 years old
✓
Criminal background check completed before the first day of class
✓
Abuse registry screening completed before the first day of class
✓
Physical examination completed within the past 12 months
Health and Immunization Requirements
✓
Two-step TB test or chest X-ray
✓
Tetanus booster received within the last 10 years
✓
Hepatitis B vaccination series (or an approved waiver)
✓
Seasonal influenza vaccination (required if clinical training occurs October–March)
These requirements help ensure a safe clinical environment and prepare you for hands-on training in healthcare settings.
Program Information
In this program, you will learn how to:
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Resident care and daily living
- Provide safe, compassionate care for residents in long-term care settings
- Assist residents with mobility, transfers, positioning, and range-of-motion exercises
- Support residents with personal care needs, including bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, hair care, shaving, and toileting assistance
- Help residents maintain dignity, comfort, and independence during daily care activities
- Assist with meal preparation, feeding, and meeting residents' nutritional needs
- Provide compassionate support to residents and families during end-of-life care
✓
Health monitoring and safety
- Maintain a safe care environment through proper infection prevention, hand hygiene, and standard precautions
- Respond appropriately to fire, disaster, and emergency situations
- Measure and record vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, and other routine health information
- Collect routine urine specimens and provide basic urinary care
- Recognize and report changes in a resident's condition or unusual situations
- Adapt care approaches to meet the needs of residents with different behaviors and special conditions
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Communication and professionalism
- Communicate effectively with residents, families, and healthcare team members
- Understand resident rights, individuality, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of a nurse aide
Upon completion, you'll be prepared to provide direct resident care in a nursing home setting and take the Iowa State Skills Test and State Written Exam to pursue certification on Iowa's Direct Care Worker Registry.
Before participating in the program, you must submit the following required forms and health records:
✓ Physical Examination Form (completed within the past 12 months) ✓ Immunization Record
✓ Two-step TB test or chest X-ray documentation
✓ Proof of a tetanus booster received within the last 10 years
✓ Documentation of the Hepatitis B vaccination series or a signed waiver
✓ Proof of seasonal influenza vaccination (required if clinical training occurs during flu season, October–March)
80%
or higher
or higher
Academic Requirement
This is a pass/fail course. You must score 80% or higher on all required tests and quizzes administered throughout the program.
60 + 16
hours
hours
Attendance Requirement
You must attend all 60 hours of required classroom and clinical instruction, plus a minimum of 16 hours of lab training. Hands-on practice is essential to developing the skills needed for resident care, so attendance is mandatory.
Both the minimum score and attendance requirements must be met to pass the course and receive your Certificate of Completion.
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Build Real Skills
Gain the knowledge and hands-on skills to provide direct care for residents in a nursing home setting, including resident safety, personal care, and nutritional support.
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✓
Pass Your Exams
Sit for the Iowa State Skills Test and State Written Exam, fully prepared through your hands-on training and coursework.
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Earn Your Credential
Become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and get placed on Iowa's Direct Care Worker Registry, a credential employers recognize and trust.
This certification demonstrates your competency to employers and can help you pursue employment opportunities in long-term care and other healthcare settings.
Textbooks and Course Materials
- Your required textbook and workbook are included in the cost of tuition.
- Course materials will be distributed on the first day of class.
- Hybrid students must pick up their textbook and workbook in person on the first day of class.
Lab and Clinical Requirements
To participate in lab and clinical experiences, you'll need:
- Scrub pants (any color)
- Non-canvas shoes
- A watch with a second hand
Technology Requirements
For online coursework, you'll need a computer or tablet with reliable internet, a camera, and a microphone.
Supported browsers: Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox
On tablet: Apple devices must use Safari; Android devices must use Google Chrome.
A clinical program t-shirt will be provided during lab and must be worn as required during program activities. Apple Watches, smartwatches, and other recording or smart devices are not permitted in clinical settings.
“Kirkwood is amazing when it comes to students with learning disabilities. I’ve had access to the Learning Center, Test Center, and TRIO program, which helped me get tutoring and stay on track — especially with math. Even when things were stressful, I always felt supported. Teachers and staff were on my side.”
Alexis Petty,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tuition Assistance
You may qualify for tuition assistance!
Kirkwood connects students with a variety of funding resources for eligible FastTrack Career Certificate programs. Although not every program qualifies, those that do may be fully covered, up to 100% of your tuition costs.
Request Tuition Assistance
Start Your Journey
Follow these steps to take the next step toward your future.
1
Review Requirements
Start by reviewing the program details, requirements, and expectations on this page. Continue below for exam information, FAQs, and additional resources.
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2
Select a Schedule
Search for the program and browse available sections and start dates to find the schedule that works best for you.
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3
Enroll
Complete your registration to lock in your spot and start your new career journey.
Additional Questions?
Continuing Education Department
Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning