CNA Classes & Programs in Ottumwa, Iowa
1 state-approved CNA program in Ottumwa, including 4-week and evening options. Free and online programs are offered in other Iowa cities.
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CNA training in Ottumwa
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,340
- $17.95 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 20,160
- across Iowa
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 25,359
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Ottumwa offers 1 state-approved CNA class for those interested in starting a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This southeastern Iowa community provides access to essential training for individuals aiming to join the region's healthcare workforce.
The healthcare sector in Ottumwa includes three nursing homes—such as Vista Woods Care Center and Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa—and Ottumwa Regional Health Center, an acute care hospital serving residents' medical needs. These facilities represent varied employment settings for graduates completing local CNA courses.
Statewide in Iowa, CNAs earn around $37,340 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Since specific salary information for Ottumwa is not available, this statewide benchmark offers general guidance on earning expectations for those entering the field here. An accelerated CNA program is also offered locally.
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Browse CNA Classes in Ottumwa
Ottumwa offers 1 accelerated CNA class that prepares students for placement on the Iowa state registry and for practical patient care roles. This program delivers focused training designed to support success on the CNA certification exam and readiness for immediate employment in healthcare environments where CNAs are needed throughout Ottumwa.
Program Types in Ottumwa
| Type | In Ottumwa | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Ottumwa | See other Iowa cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Indian Hills Community College ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Ottumwa | See other Iowa cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Indian Hills Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Ottumwa
Indian Hills Community College
Cost–Hours75Weeks3
- Address
- 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (641) 683-5337
- Schedule
- Evening classes
IHCC offers a state-approved 75-hour CNA course with day and evening options. Day classes run three weeks (Mon–Thu 7:45 AM–3:15 PM) with clinicals in week three from 6:30 AM–3:00 PM; GAP or PACE tuition assistance may be available.
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 Ottumwa
- Pella1 program
- Iowa City1 program
- West Burlington1 program
- Cedar Rapids3 programs
- West Des Moines3 programs
Looking for more options near Ottumwa?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Iowa cities
All Iowa cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Ottumwa
| Median annual pay | $37,340 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.95 |
| CNA jobs across Iowa | 20,160 |
| Salary region | Iowa (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Ottumwa are consistently needed across the city's diverse healthcare landscape, where both long-term care facilities and hospitals rely on trained nursing assistants to deliver daily patient support services. The presence of multiple CMS-certified employers indicates ongoing opportunities for qualified candidates entering the field.
No city-level wage or employment data is published; instead, statewide figures provide reference points for those considering work as a CNA in Ottumwa. Statewide in Iowa, CNAs earn around $37,340 annually, or about $17.95 per hour, based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This median salary represents typical earnings across the state but may differ from pay rates offered by employers in Ottumwa.
Several notable local facilities hire certified nurse aides in Ottumwa: Vista Woods Care Center is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility; Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa is a non-profit with a capacity of 134 beds; Ridgewood Specialty Care also provides long-term care options. For acute medical services, Ottumwa Regional Health Center functions as an important employer offering hospital-based roles alongside traditional nursing home opportunities.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Ottumwa (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Ottumwa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vista Woods Care CenterThree Pennsylvania Place(641) 683-3372Map | 60 | 2.5 |
| Good Samaritan Society - Ottumwa2035 West Chester Avenue(641) 682-8041Map | 134 | 2.5 |
| Ridgewood Specialty Care1977 Albia Road(641) 683-3111Map | 60 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Ottumwa (1 facility)
1 hospital in Ottumwa offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa Regional Health CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1001 E Pennsylvania(641) 684-2300Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Ottumwa (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Ottumwa providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Iowa Home Care, L L C13133 Angle Road(641) 226-5050Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Ottumwa? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Pella, Iowa City, West Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and West Des Moines, 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 Ottumwa, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Ottumwa
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Ottumwa?
Most CNA programs in Ottumwa 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 Indian Hills Community College.
How much does CNA training cost in Ottumwa?
Contact the program in Ottumwa directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Ottumwa?
No program in Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa?
No program in Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa?
Yes. Indian Hills Community College 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 Ottumwa there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Pella, Iowa City, West Burlington, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines. 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 Ottumwa?
CNAs in Ottumwa are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Ottumwa. 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.