CNA Classes & Programs in Des Moines, Iowa
1 state-approved CNA program in Des Moines, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Des Moines
- Programs
- 1
- 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
- 21
- 12 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 5 home health agencies
- Population
- 213,164
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Des Moines features 1 CNA program, offering an opportunity for those seeking a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa's capital city. Known for its vibrant metropolitan area and healthcare sector, Des Moines attracts individuals interested in entering the field of patient care through state-approved training options.
CNA training programs in Des Moines prepare students for Iowa state certification and employment in various healthcare settings. The city has numerous CMS-certified facilities, including 12 nursing homes, 4 hospitals, and 5 home health agencies. Aspiring CNAs can find employment at organizations such as Calvin Community, Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, and Angels Care Home Health of Iowa. Those seeking a faster route may benefit from the available accelerated CNA program option.
In the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, CNAs earn around $38,000 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is slightly above the statewide median figure. Program graduates are well-positioned to enter this essential healthcare role.
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Browse CNA Classes in Des Moines
Des Moines provides 1 accelerated CNA program that prepares students for Iowa state certification and registry placement. This program offers a streamlined path for those interested in qualifying quickly for local healthcare positions. With practical instruction and support focused on certification success, graduates gain the essential skills needed to pursue employment where CNAs are needed across the Des Moines area.
Program Types in Des Moines
| Type | In Des Moines | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Des Moines | See other Iowa cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Mercy College of Health Sciences ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Des Moines | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Des Moines | See other Iowa cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Des Moines
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Cost$1,500Hours80Weeks3
- Address
- 928 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (515) 643-6671
Three-week CNA program with two weeks of classroom/lab (Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00) and one week of daytime clinicals; tuition includes textbook, BLS certification, and background check.
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.
CNA Programs Near Des Moines
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Major Iowa cities
All Iowa cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Des Moines
| 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.
Approximately 3,820 certified nursing assistants are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines region, reflecting the area's size and the range of healthcare employers. CNA jobs in Des Moines are supported by steady demand, with many facilities hiring new graduates each year to help meet staffing needs in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health organizations.
The CNA salary in Des Moines reflects regional wage patterns. In the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, CNAs earn around $38,000 per year or approximately $18.27 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median annual salary is slightly higher than the statewide median of $37,340 for Iowa CNAs, offering a modest regional wage advantage for those working in this area.
Des Moines features a range of CMS-certified healthcare employers. Major facilities include Calvin Community (a 59-bed nonprofit nursing home), Via of Des Moines (an 89-bed corporate facility), and Scottish Rite Park (a nonprofit with 51 beds). Hospital-based employers such as Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi and Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center are significant sources of CNA positions. Home care roles are available at organizations like Angels Care Home Health of Iowa and Mercyone Des Moines Home Care, providing additional employment opportunities within the city’s healthcare landscape.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Des Moines (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Des Moines providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Calvin Community4210 Hickman Road(515) 277-6141Map | 59 | 3.4 |
| Via Of Des Moines4911 Sw 19Th Street(515) 285-2559Map | 89 | 3.1 |
| Scottish Rite Park Inc2909 Woodland Avenue(515) 274-4614Map | 51 | 3.0 |
| Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center900 Polk Boulevard(515) 255-5433Map | 46 | 2.9 |
| Valley View Village2571 Guthrie Avenue(515) 265-2571Map | 79 | 2.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Des Moines (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Des Moines offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Va Central Iowa Healthcare SystemAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 3600 30Th Street(515) 699-5999Map | 4/5 |
| Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist MediAcute Care Hospitals · 1200 Pleasant Street(515) 241-6212Map | 3/5 |
| Broadlawns Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1801 Hickman Road(515) 282-2200Map | 2/5 |
| Mercyone Des Moines Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1111 6Th Ave(515) 247-3121Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Des Moines (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Des Moines providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Angels Care Home Health Of Iowa3125 Douglas Avenue Suite 205(515) 252-2847Map | 5.0/5 |
| Mercyone Des Moines Home Care500 Sw 7Th Street, Suite 104(515) 643-8400Map | 4.5/5 |
| Optimae Home Health Services, Central Iowa600 East Court Avenue, Suite 201(515) 277-0134Map | 4.0/5 |
| Everystep3000 Easton Blvd(515) 333-5810Map | 3.5/5 |
| Open Arms Home Health Care - Des Moines, Llc1331 Idaho Street(515) 264-2438Map | – |
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 Des Moines? Explore CNA programs and jobs in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Marshalltown, 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 Des Moines, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines 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
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Des Moines
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Des Moines?
Most CNA programs in Des Moines can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Mercy College of Health Sciences.
How much does CNA training cost in Des Moines?
Mercy College of Health Sciences lists a price of $1,500. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Des Moines?
No program in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
No program in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
Yes. Mercy College of Health Sciences 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 Des Moines there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston and Marshalltown. 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 Des Moines?
CNAs in Des Moines are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 12 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 5 home health agencies in Des Moines. 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.