CNA Classes & Programs in Johnston, Iowa
1 state-approved CNA program in Johnston, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Johnston
- 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
- 4
- 3 nursing homes and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 23,856
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Johnston has 1 CNA program available for those interested in beginning a healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This suburban city, part of the greater Des Moines area, offers a pathway for aspiring CNAs to receive state-approved training close to home. Residents benefit from a focused CNA course that prepares students for Iowa state certification and future employment opportunities.
The CNA program in Johnston helps students develop practical skills required for certification and employment in local healthcare facilities. There are currently no free, online, or accelerated options available, but students can expect hands-on instruction that meets Iowa's training standards. Graduates may pursue positions at nursing homes or home health agencies within Johnston or the broader Des Moines metro region.
In the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $38,000. This figure is based on regional data and may differ from city-specific earnings, but it provides helpful context for those considering a CNA career in Johnston.
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Browse CNA Classes in Johnston
Johnston provides 1 CNA training program that prepares students for Iowa state certification and entry into healthcare careers. The program emphasizes practical skills and job readiness, supporting those seeking certification and employment in settings where CNAs are needed. Through focused coursework, participants gain essential knowledge to qualify for the state registry and begin their careers as certified nursing assistants.
Program Types in Johnston
| Type | In Johnston | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | WesleyLife ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Johnston | See other Iowa cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Johnston | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Johnston | 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 Johnston
WesleyLife
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5508 NW 88th St., Johnston, IA 50131
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (515) 271-6789
WesleyLife offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant training program with cohorts hosted at its communities; it is open to the public with a tuition discount for employees. WesleyLife has also expanded CNA apprenticeships that provide on‑the‑job training and financial assistance for education and wages.
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 Johnston
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Major Iowa cities
All Iowa cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Johnston
| 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 Johnston are supported by steady demand throughout the Des Moines-West Des Moines region, with approximately 3,820 CNAs employed across various healthcare settings. This regional workforce reflects ongoing opportunities for certified nursing assistants in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Those completing a CNA training program in Johnston may find employment locally or throughout the greater Des Moines metro area.
The CNA salary in Johnston is best represented by regional data from the Des Moines-West Des Moines area. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in this region earn a median annual salary of $38,000, with a median hourly wage of $18.27. This is slightly above the statewide Iowa median of $37,340 annually. Actual salaries may vary depending on employer type and experience level.
Healthcare facilities in Johnston include several CMS-certified nursing homes such as Childserve Habilitation Center (74 beds) and Bishop Drumm Retirement Center (150 beds), both serving as major employers for CNAs locally. Brio of Johnston, LLC (36 beds) also offers employment opportunities. Home health care positions can be found at Childserve Home Care Inc., a nonprofit agency providing specialized services within the community.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Johnston (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Johnston 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Childserve Habilitation Center5900 Pioneer Parkway(515) 270-2205Map | 74 | 3.7 |
| Brio Of Johnston, Llc6901 Peckham Street(515) 253-2500Map | 36 | 2.8 |
| Bishop Drumm Retirement Center5837 Winwood Drive(515) 270-1100Map | 150 | 2.6 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Johnston (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Johnston providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Childserve Home Care Inc5406 Merle Hay Rd(515) 727-8750Map | – |
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 Johnston? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Ankeny, Waukee, Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Atlantic, 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 Johnston, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Johnston, 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 Johnston 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 Johnston.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Johnston
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Johnston?
Most CNA programs in Johnston 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 Johnston?
The CNA program in Johnston is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Johnston?
Yes. WesleyLife 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 Johnston?
No program in Johnston 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 Johnston?
No 4-week program is listed in Johnston. 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 Johnston there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Ankeny, Waukee, Des Moines, West Des Moines and Atlantic. 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 Johnston?
CNAs in Johnston are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 1 home health agency in Johnston. 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.