CNA Classes & Programs in Dubuque, Iowa
2 state-approved CNA programs in Dubuque, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Dubuque
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,860
- $18.68 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 790
- in the Dubuque region
- Healthcare facilities
- 13
- 8 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 59,315
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Dubuque is home to 2 CNA programs designed for those looking to start their careers in patient care. Positioned along the Mississippi River and recognized as a regional hub in eastern Iowa, Dubuque offers accessible education options for aspiring certified nursing assistants.
Local candidates can choose from traditional or free CNA classes, each structured to prepare students thoroughly for certification requirements in Iowa. In Dubuque, CNAs earn around $38,860 annually—this figure reflects local wage conditions according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is above the statewide figure of around $37,340. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies across Dubuque employ newly certified graduates each year.
CNA programs in Dubuque focus on practical skills development while supporting candidates through the certification process. Graduates enter a workforce where their skills are valued by employers throughout this riverfront city.
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Browse CNA Classes in Dubuque
Dubuque offers 2 CNA programs that prepare students for Iowa CNA certification, including free training opportunities. These CNA classes provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge required for success on state exams and entry into local healthcare roles. Graduates complete their training ready for certification and employment in settings where CNAs are needed throughout Dubuque.
Program Types in Dubuque
| Type | In Dubuque | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Stonehill Francis Services ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Dubuque | See other Iowa cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Dubuque | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Dubuque | 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 Dubuque
Lowest published cost first.
Stonehill Francis Services
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2485 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (563) 557-7180
Stonehill offers an on-site CNA course taught by nurse leaders; the class is free for Stonehill employees.
Visit websiteMount Carmel Bluffs
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, IA 52003
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (563) 845-7606
Mount Carmel Bluffs is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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
- Des Moines1 program
- Cedar Rapids3 programs
- Davenport1 program
- Sioux City2 programs
- Iowa City1 program
- West Des Moines3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Dubuque
| Median annual pay | $38,860 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.68 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 790 |
| Salary region | Dubuque |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Dubuque are available across various healthcare environments such as hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies. Local employers regularly seek certified assistants to support patient care needs within this regional hub along the Mississippi River.
The median CNA salary in Dubuque is approximately $38,860 per year (about $18.68 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure exceeds the statewide median of $37,340, offering a slightly higher earning potential compared to other areas within Iowa. The competitive wages reflect both local demand and cost of living factors specific to Dubuque's healthcare sector.
Dubuque features several notable CMS-certified employers that hire CNAs. Facilities include Mount Carmel Bluffs—a 60-bed nursing facility; Luther Manor at Hillcrest with over 100 beds; Bethany Home; Stonehill Care Center—a larger option with 185 beds; Sunnycrest Manor operated by county government; MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center; Finley Hospital; UnityPoint at Home; Open Arms Home Health Care; and Universal Pediatrics. These organizations offer diverse employment settings for newly certified CNAs.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Dubuque (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Dubuque 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Carmel Bluffs1160 Carmel Drive(563) 845-7600Map | 60 | 3.2 |
| Luther Manor At Hillcrest3131 Hillcrest Road(563) 588-1413Map | 103 | 3.1 |
| Bethany Home1005 Lincoln Avenue(563) 556-5233Map | 66 | 3.1 |
| Stonehill Care Center3485 Windsor Avenue(563) 557-7180Map | 185 | 2.9 |
| Sunnycrest Manor2375 Roosevelt Street(563) 583-1781Map | 77 | 2.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Dubuque (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Dubuque offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mercyone Dubuque Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 250 Mercy Drive(563) 589-8000Map | 5/5 |
| Finley HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 350 North Grandview Avenue(563) 582-1881Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Dubuque (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Dubuque providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Unitypoint At Home1333 Delhi St(563) 583-5833Map | 4.0/5 |
| Open Arms Home Health Care, L L C3390 Lake Ridge Drive(563) 556-1977Map | – |
| Universal Pediatrics1605 Associates Drive, Suite 103(563) 557-5762Map | – |
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 Dubuque? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Maquoketa, Bellevue, Peosta, Edgewood, and Waukon, 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 Dubuque, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Dubuque
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Dubuque?
Most CNA programs in Dubuque can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Dubuque?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Dubuque directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Dubuque?
Yes. Stonehill Francis Services offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Dubuque?
No program in Dubuque 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 Dubuque?
No 4-week program is listed in Dubuque. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Iowa cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Dubuque there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Maquoketa, Bellevue, Peosta, Edgewood and Waukon. 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 Dubuque?
CNAs in Dubuque are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Dubuque. 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.