CNA Classes & Programs in Iowa City, Iowa
1 state-approved CNA program in Iowa City, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Iowa City
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,340
- $17.95 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 20,160
- in the Iowa region
- Healthcare facilities
- 8
- 3 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 74,878
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Iowa City features 1 CNA program in a college-town setting, making it a notable option for those looking to enter the healthcare field. Aspiring nursing assistants can access training that meets state requirements and provides a strong foundation for a career in patient care within this vibrant city.
The available CNA program prepares students for certification and supports entry into roles at local facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. In Iowa City, those seeking to join the healthcare workforce efficiently may benefit from an accelerated option designed to help them qualify quickly.
Statewide in Iowa, CNAs earn around $37,340 annually, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Local facilities consistently hire new graduates from CNA classes and training programs as part of their ongoing staffing needs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Iowa City
Students in Iowa City can choose from 1 accelerated CNA program that prepares them for Iowa state certification. This CNA training program is designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge needed for success on the state exam and in healthcare careers where CNAs are needed. Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions supporting local healthcare demand across the region.
Program Types in Iowa City
| Type | In Iowa City | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Iowa City | See other Iowa cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | DID School of Careers ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Iowa City | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Iowa City | 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 Iowa City
DID School of Careers
Cost$1,000Hours–Weeks3
- Address
- 453 Hwy. 1 W., Iowa City, IA 52246
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (319) 867-2180
State-approved 3-week CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical components in small cohorts. Tuition includes books and materials; additional costs may include physical, uniform, and state exam fees.
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 Iowa City
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Major Iowa cities
All Iowa cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Iowa City
| Median annual pay | $37,340 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.95 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 20,160 |
| Salary region | Iowa |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA employment opportunities in Iowa City reflect steady demand within local healthcare settings. While specific city-level employment figures are not provided, new CNAs often find roles across a variety of facility types after completing their certification.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. Statewide in Iowa, CNAs earn around $37,340 per year or approximately $17.95 per hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023).
Iowa City features several CMS-certified facilities offering employment opportunities to newly certified CNAs. Notable employers include Oaknoll Retirement Residence, a non-profit nursing home with 58 beds; Briarwood Healthcare Center, a for-profit facility with 62 beds; and Iowa City Rehab & Health Care, which offers 89 beds. Major hospital employers such as University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics and Iowa City VA Medical Center also provide diverse work environments for CNAs alongside home health agencies like University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Home Health and Johnson County Visiting Nurse Association.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Iowa City (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Iowa City providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oaknoll Retirement Residence1 Oaknoll Ct(319) 351-1720Map | 58 | 3.3 |
| Briarwood Healthcare Center605 Greenwood Drive(319) 338-7912Map | 62 | 3.1 |
| Iowa City Rehab & Health Care3661 Rochester Avenue(319) 351-7460Map | 89 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Iowa City (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Iowa City offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Iowa City Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 601 Highway 6 West(319) 338-0581Map | 5/5 |
| University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center DownAcute Care Hospitals · 500 E Market Street(319) 339-0300Map | 3/5 |
| University Of Iowa Hospital & ClinicsAcute Care Hospitals · 200 Hawkins Drive(319) 356-1616Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Iowa City (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Iowa City providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Home Health540 E Jefferson St Suite 305(319) 339-0300Map | 3.0/5 |
| Johnson County Visiting Nurse Association1524 Sycamore Street(319) 337-9686Map | 2.5/5 |
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 Iowa City? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Davenport, Newton, and Pella, 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 Iowa City, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Iowa City?
Most CNA programs in Iowa City 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 DID School of Careers.
How much does CNA training cost in Iowa City?
DID School of Careers lists a price of $1,000. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Iowa City?
No program in Iowa City 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 Iowa City?
No program in Iowa City 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 Iowa City?
Yes. DID School of Careers 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 Iowa City there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Davenport, Newton and Pella. 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 Iowa City?
CNAs in Iowa City are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Iowa City. 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.