Certified Nurse Aide

Start your journey toward a rewarding healthcare career with this Nurse Aide course. You'll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide safe, compassionate care for residents in long-term care settings. Through a combination of classroom learning and supervised clinical experience at a local long-term care facility, you'll build confidence while practicing the essential skills employers are looking for. By the end of the course, you'll be prepared to take the Iowa State Skills Test and State Written Exam. Successful completion can qualify you for placement on Iowa’s Direct Care Worker Registry, helping you take the next step toward employment as a nurse aide and a meaningful career caring for others.

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This program is offered in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility of online coursework combined with the value of in-person instruction and hands-on learning experiences. You'll complete portions of the program online while also participating in face-to-face training that helps you build practical skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for success in the field.

This program includes 85 hours of instruction designed to help you develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for success as a nurse aide. Most students complete the program in just 1–2 months, allowing you to quickly prepare for certification and enter the workforce. Upon successful completion, you'll earn 10.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), recognizing your achievement and commitment to advancing your education and career goals.

To enroll in this program, you must be at least 16 years old and complete a criminal background check and abuse registry screening before the first day of class. You'll also need to submit a physical examination completed within the past 12 months and provide documentation of all required immunizations.

Required immunizations include a two-step TB test or chest X-ray, a tetanus booster received within the last 10 years, and completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series (or an approved waiver). If your clinical training takes place during flu season (October through March), you must also provide proof of a current seasonal influenza vaccination. 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

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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:

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Physical Examination Form (completed within the past 12 months)

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Immunization Record

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Two-step TB test or chest X-ray documentation

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Proof of a tetanus booster received within the last 10 years

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Documentation of the Hepatitis B vaccination series or a signed waiver

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Proof of seasonal influenza vaccination (required if clinical training occurs during flu season, October–March)

To successfully complete this program and earn your Certificate of Completion, you must meet both academic and attendance requirements. This is a pass/fail course, and students must achieve a score of 80% or higher on all required tests and quizzes administered during the program.

In addition, you must attend all 60 hours of required classroom and clinical instruction, as well as a minimum of 16 hours of lab training. Because hands-on practice is essential to developing the skills needed for resident care, attendance is mandatory.

Both the minimum score requirement and attendance requirements must be successfully met to pass the course and receive your Certificate of Completion.

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll have the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide direct care for residents in a nursing home setting, including supporting resident safety, personal care, and nutritional needs.

This program also prepares you to take the Iowa State Skills Test and State Written Exam. After successfully passing both exams, you'll earn your Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) credential and be eligible for placement on Iowa's Direct Care Worker Registry. 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.

“My A&P instructor goes above and beyond to help us succeed. If someone misses class, he’s quick to offer Zoom sessions or share videos to catch them up. It’s clear he genuinely wants us to do well, and that kind of support makes a huge difference in staying motivated and on track.”

David Mutuale,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa