Certified Nurse Aide
This course is designed to meet the training requirements for the nurse aide in long-term care facilities. Emphasis is placed on achieving a basic level of knowledge of the resident, and demonstrating skills to provide safe and effective resident care. Students will have the benefit of utilizing a classroom environment as well as hands-on clinical instruction at a local long-term care facility. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to take the State Skills Test and the State Written Exam in order to be placed on the Direct Care Worker’s Registry in the state of Iowa.
The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in‑person instruction and hands‑on learning experiences.
The program consists of 85 total hours of instruction and provides 10.2 CEUs upon completion.
Prospective students must be at least 16 years of age and successfully complete a criminal background check and abuse registry screening prior to the first day of class. Students are also required to submit a physical examination dated within the past 12 months and provide documentation of required immunizations.
Required immunizations include a two‑step TB test or chest X‑ray, a tetanus booster administered within the past 10 years, and completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series or an approved waiver. A seasonal influenza vaccination is additionally required if clinical training occurs during flu season (October–March).
Required Documentation Checklist
Students must submit the following forms prior to program participation:
- Physical Examination Form (within the past 12 months)
- Immunization Record
- Two‑step TB test or chest X‑ray
- Tetanus booster (within 10 years)
- Hepatitis B series or signed waiver
- Influenza vaccine (if applicable)
Program Information
- Identify characteristics and functions of effective nurse aides, including an overview of nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities, methods for proper communication, legal/ethical requirements, individuality, and rights and needs of residents in nursing facilities.
- Evaluate the resident’s environment and determine the aide’s responsibility in maintaining a safe environment. Skills learned include medical asepsis, hand hygiene, standard precautions, fire and disaster plans, bed making, transferring residents, range of motion, and safe use of restraints.
- Assist the resident to achieve their personal hygiene needs. Skills learned include oral hygiene care, showers, whirlpool, nail care, grooming needs, shampooing, shaving, and assisting with elimination needs.
- Implement methods of assisting the resident to meet nutritional needs, including preparing the resident for eating a meal and feeding a resident.
- Perform routine care procedures, including taking vitals, obtaining resident height and weight, intake and output, obtaining a routine urine specimen, and urinary care.
- Support needs of residents with special conditions, such as reporting uncommon situations, modify behavior in response to a resident’s behavior, and caring for the dying resident.
- Upon completion of this program, students should be prepared to perform direct care for residents in a nursing home setting, ensuring proper resident safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Students will also be prepared to take the State Skills Test and the State Written Exam to receive certification on the Direct Care Workers Registry in the state of Iowa.
This is a pass/fail course based on both score and attendance. Tests and quizzes taken in class must score 80 percent or greater, and students must attend all 60 hours of combined classroom and clinic sessions and at least 16 hours of lab. Both factors must be met in order to pass the course and receive a certificate of completion.
Upon completion of this program, students should be prepared to perform direct care for residents in a nursing home setting, ensuring proper resident safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Students will also be prepared to take the State Skills Test and the State Written Exam to receive certification on the Direct Care Workers Registry in the state of Iowa. Certified Nurse Assistant (awarded upon successful completion of the State Skills Test and State Written Exam).
Textbook Requirements:
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The required textbook and workbook are included in the tuition cost.
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Textbooks and workbooks will be distributed on the first day of class.
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For hybrid courses, students must pick up textbooks in person on the first day of class.
Lab/Clinic Requirements:
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Students will be provided with a program shirt.
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Students must purchase:
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Scrub pants (any color)
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Non‑canvas shoes
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A watch with a second hand
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Apple Watches and other recording or smart devices are prohibited in the clinical setting.
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Technology Requirements:
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Classes may be accessed on a computer using the most up‑to‑date version of:
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Safari
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Google Chrome
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Mozilla Firefox
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Tablet devices may be used with the following requirements:
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Apple devices must use Safari
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Android devices must use Google Chrome
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Devices must have a functioning camera and microphone.
“When I visited the campus, I knew I wanted to come to Kirkwood for college. It felt like home.”
Maya Lapan-Islas,
Vinton, 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
Additional Questions?
Continuing Education Department
Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning
More Information