When Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, a provision was included which mandated that states initiate and approve their own CNA certification programs.
In Iowa, the Department of Inspections and Appeals approves numerous IA CNA training programs throughout the state. This article explains how to find a state-approved program and details the Iowa nursing rules which govern CNA certification in the state.
CNA Iowa Certification Requirements
In order to legally work as a nurse aide in the State of Iowa, individuals must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an IA CNA training program
- Pass a CNA state competency examination
- Pass a criminal history background inspection
Those individuals who either have an active CNA certification in another state or who graduated with a nursing degree from an accredited institution should contact the Department of Inspections and Appeals about waiving the in-state requirements.
Interested parties can reach the Department of Inspections and Appeals at 515-281-4115.
IA CNA Training Program Elements
While individual CNA programs differ slightly depending upon the provider, all CNA Iowa training programs contain the following minimum elements:
- 75 hours of total training
- 30 hours of clinical training
- A classroom learning component
In the classroom portion, students learn a range of important medical and nursing skill areas, including the following:
- Infection control
- Interpersonal skills
- Restorative care
- Nursing care
- Emergency procedures
- Patients’ independence
In addition to classroom learning, IA CNA training programs contain a clinical training element in which students, under the supervision of a nurse educator, work with patients in Iowa nursing facilities. This practice prepares students for the Iowa CNA competency examination.
Finding CNA Iowa Training Programs
The Department of Inspections and Appeals approves numerous CNA training programs throughout the state, most of which can be found in community colleges, high schools, training centers, community centers, and care facilities.
For a full listing of approved Iowa Nursing CNA programs, contact the Department of Inspections and Appeals at 515-281-4115 and request an approved CNA program guide.
Benefits of Iowa Nursing Certification
Those who complete a CNA Iowa training program, and who are then able to pass the state’s competency examination, are eligible to be placed upon the Iowa CNA registry. This allows for legal employment as a nurse aid in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
With Iowa’s aging population, CNA positions are expected to remain stable for many years to come, making the nurse aide profession a good option for those looking to enter the health care field.
