CNA Classes & Programs in Ankeny, Iowa
2 state-approved CNA programs in Ankeny, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Ankeny
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,000
- $18.27 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 3,820
- in the Des Moines-West Des Moines region
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 4 nursing homes and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 68,392
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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In Ankeny, aspiring CNAs can choose from 2 training programs designed to prepare them for state certification and patient care careers. The city’s growing population supports consistent demand for skilled nursing assistants who want to begin working quickly after completing their education.
CNA classes in Ankeny include an accelerated option that enables students to enter the workforce sooner by focusing on essential skills required by local employers. Training prepares graduates not only for passing exams but also for contributing effectively at area nursing homes or with home health providers serving Ankeny residents.
In the Des Moines–West Des Moines metro area, CNAs earn around $38,000 per year according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Local demand ensures steady opportunities following completion of these CNA courses.
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Browse CNA Classes in Ankeny
Ankeny offers 2 CNA programs that prepare students with targeted instruction leading toward Iowa certification and registry placement. With one accelerated option available, these CNA training programs equip learners with practical skills needed both on exams and on the job—meeting regional demand where certified nursing assistants are consistently sought by local employers.
Program Types in Ankeny
| Type | In Ankeny | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Ankeny | See other Iowa cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Stone Healthcare Academy ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Ankeny | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Ankeny | See other Iowa cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Ankeny
Lowest published cost first.
Des Moines Area Community College
Cost$770Hours75Weeks–
- Address
- 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (515) 964-6800
DMACC’s Basic Nurse Aide is a 75-hour course offered year-round through Continuing Education. Cost listed is 770.50, and free training, books, and supplies are available to qualified applicants via Workforce Training Academy funding.
Visit websiteStone Healthcare Academy
Cost$800Hours75Weeks2
- Address
- 6864 N.E. 14th St., Ankeny, IA 50023
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (515) 289-4621
State-approved 75-hour CNA course with classroom, skills lab, and 30 hours of clinical training taught in Ankeny. Fast-track format runs Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM over 2 weeks.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Iowa cities
All Iowa cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Ankeny
| Median annual pay | $38,000 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.27 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 3,820 |
| Salary region | Des Moines-West Des Moines |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Ankeny are part of a regional workforce of approximately 3,820 CNAs employed at a range of healthcare facilities throughout the Des Moines–West Des Moines metropolitan area. New entrants into this field can expect steady demand as more residents require skilled care services locally.
The CNA salary in Ankeny aligns with regional earnings: In the Des Moines–West Des Moines metro area, CNAs earn around $38,000 annually or $18.27 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is slightly higher than the statewide median salary of $37,340 per year reported across Iowa overall.
CNA positions are available at CMS-certified sites such as Mill-Pond, a non-profit facility with 60 beds; The Bridges At Ankeny (100 beds); Sunny View Care Center (94 beds); On With Life (28 beds); as well as Freedom Home Health Care, which offers proprietary home health services within Ankeny. These organizations provide varied employment environments supporting newly certified assistants entering the workforce.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Ankeny (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Ankeny providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Mill-Pond1201 Se Mill Pond Court(515) 964-2273Map | 60 | 3.3 |
| The Bridges At Ankeny3510 Northwest Abilene Road(515) 963-9815Map | 100 | 2.5 |
| Sunny View Care Center410 N W Ash Drive(515) 964-1101Map | 94 | 2.3 |
| On With Life715 Sw Ankeny Road(515) 289-9600Map | 28 | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Ankeny (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Ankeny providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Freedom Home Health Care Inc2701 Se Convenience Boulevard, Ste 10(515) 207-1501Map | 1.5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Ankeny? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Newton, Waukee, and Johnston, or browse the Iowa CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Ankeny, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ankeny, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Iowa. These include completing an Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)–approved 75-hour nurse aide training course, passing the written and skills competency examinations, and being placed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including at least 30 hours of supervised clinical training — or challenging the competency examination without first completing the course, as Iowa allows
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident care
- Passing both the written knowledge exam (70 questions, 60 minutes, 70% to pass) and the in-person skills exam, with up to three attempts on each
- Written exam offered through Headmaster (TMU) or Credentia; skills exam taken in person at a community college or approved provider
- Placement on the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry maintained by DIAL, with a six-digit registry number
Once placed on the registry, you may work as a CNA in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and other Iowa long-term care settings throughout Ankeny and across Iowa. Iowa's CNA certification does not expire, but to keep active registry status you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work every 24 months, reported to DIAL by an Iowa employer.
Already certified in another state? Iowa offers registry-based reciprocity for CNAs active and in good standing on another state's registry. Applicants apply through the Iowa DCW Registry's online system, where DIAL verifies their out-of-state registry information, and may then work in Iowa nursing facilities without repeating Iowa's training and testing pathway. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Iowa guide.
For complete details on training, testing, maintaining active registry status, and reciprocity, see our full CNA License & Registration in Iowa guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Ankeny.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Ankeny
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Ankeny?
Most CNA programs in Ankeny can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 2 weeks, at Stone Healthcare Academy.
How much does CNA training cost in Ankeny?
CNA programs in Ankeny cost between $770 and $800, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Des Moines Area Community College at $770. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Ankeny?
No program in Ankeny is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Iowa cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Ankeny?
No program in Ankeny is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Iowa cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Ankeny?
Yes. Stone Healthcare Academy is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Ankeny there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Des Moines, West Des Moines, Newton, Waukee and Johnston. You can also look at the Iowa state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Iowa CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Iowa, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Iowa CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Ankeny?
CNAs in Ankeny are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 4 nursing homes and 1 home health agency in Ankeny. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.