CNA Classes & Programs in Waterloo, Iowa
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waterloo and Nearby
Waterloo offers 1 CNA program suited for individuals ready to take their first steps toward a career in patient care. As part of northeast Iowa's Waterloo–Cedar Falls metro area, Waterloo provides accessible pathways into healthcare roles through its established training options.
CNA classes here feature an online component that supports flexible learning schedules while preparing students thoroughly for certification requirements set by the state. Local graduates often find opportunities across various facility types after successfully completing their coursework and earning credentials through these programs.
In the Waterloo–Cedar Falls region, CNAs earn around $38,160 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data—a rate that reflects regional hiring trends among local employers seeking skilled assistants from recent training cohorts.
Quick Facts About Waterloo
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Population67,256Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$54,104Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.35Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$38,160Median Annual Salary
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Facilities11CMS Healthcare Facilities6 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 3 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waterloo and Nearby
Schools in Waterloo and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Waterloo
Students in Waterloo can choose from 1 CNA program featuring online learning that prepares candidates for Iowa state certification while supporting flexible study options. This single CNA training program focuses on building core competencies needed by local employers where certified nursing assistants remain vital contributors throughout Waterloo’s active healthcare sector.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Waterloo, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Iowa.
Accelerated programs: not available in Waterloo but are offered in other cities throughout Iowa.
Online programs: Some classes in Waterloo offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Hawkeye Community College
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Waterloo
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$38,160Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.35Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,260CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Waterloo are supported by a regional workforce of approximately 1,260 CNAs working within hospitals, long-term care centers, and community-based agencies throughout the Waterloo–Cedar Falls metropolitan area. Demand remains consistent due to ongoing staffing needs driven by regional demographics and evolving healthcare priorities.
The CNA salary in Waterloo reflects local market conditions: In the Waterloo–Cedar Falls region, CNAs earn around $38,160 per year or $18.35 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure stands above Iowa’s statewide median salary of $37,340 annually—a positive indicator for prospective candidates considering this career path locally.
CMS-certified employers hiring newly credentialed nursing assistants include Friendship Village Retirement, a non-profit facility with 72 beds; Ravenwood Specialty Care (176 beds); Harmony House Health Care Center; Harmony Waterloo; Northcrest Specialty Care; major hospitals like MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center (a birthing-friendly acute care hospital) and Allen Hospital; plus prominent home health agencies such as MercyOne Waterloo Home Health Care and UnityPoint At Home—all providing diverse environments where trained CNAs play essential roles daily across Waterloo’s extensive care landscape.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Waterloo? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Waterloo? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Mason City, Cresco, and Edgewood, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Waterloo (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Waterloo providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Waterloo (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Waterloo offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Waterloo (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Waterloo providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Mercyone Waterloo Home Health Care
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Open Arms Home Health Care - Waterloo, Llc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Waterloo, IA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Waterloo
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Waterloo?
Most CNA programs in Waterloo 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 Waterloo?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Waterloo?
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 Waterloo?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Waterloo?
Yes, some schools in Waterloo or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Waterloo there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Mason City, Cresco, and Edgewood. 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 Waterloo?
CNAs in Waterloo are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.