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Nurse Aide

The Nurse Aide training program prepares individuals to work in long-term care facilities and hospitals. Classes are offered face-to-face or hybrid (face-to-face and online). The goal of the program is for students to achieve a basic level of knowledge and acquire skills to provide safe, effective patient, and resident care. The Theory portion includes 35 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of laboratory practice. The Clinical experience includes 45 hours in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Classes are offered several times a year at a variety of locations.

The hybrid option includes: reading, activity assignments, and discussion board participation. Once a week, on assigned days, students will meet with the instructor to learn and practice skills. The final weeks of the class are spent in a clinical setting with the instructor. Note: This is an internet-based class that requires students to have access to the internet, a computer/laptop, and have proficient technology skills.

At the end of training, students take the Direct Care Worker registry written and skills exams to be eligible for employment as a Certified Nurse Aide. Certification requires identification with a social security number and government issued identification. For acceptance into ADN and PN programs, a student must have a current Nurse Aide certification and be on the Direct Care Registry.

To get started: Complete the Nurse Aide Interest Form and a Pathway Navigator will contact you.

Nurse Aide Interest Form

If you have questions, please call 641-422-4312 and ask to speak with a Pathway Navigator.

Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify!

Check out Tuition Assistance for information about possible assistance with tuition, books, scrubs, testing through NIACC’s Education to Employment program.

Nurse Aide Program Requirements:

  • Students must be 16 years or older at the time of the mandatory orientation
  • A high school diploma or HSED/GED is encouraged (If currently in high school, a letter of acknowledgement from your high school counselor is required)
  • Strength and endurance to meet the Iowa Core Performance Standards 
  • Vaccinations:
    • Hepatitis B vaccine series or a signed waiver
    • COVID vaccine series or a signed waiver
    • Influenza vaccine or a signed waiver
    • Tuberculosis (TB) screening
  • A completed Health History form  (No physical examination is required)  
  • A multistate criminal background check and adult/dependent and child abuse check are required by Iowa law
  • Attendance at a mandatory orientation session approximately one week prior to start of training

Courses

Nurse Aide Theory: A 55-hour nurse aide course designed to meet the training requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) for aides working in nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Nurse Aide Clinical course required.

Nurse Aide Clinical: A 45 hour clinical designed to meet the training requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) for aides working in nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Nurse Aide Theory course required.

Course Schedule – Fall
Course Schedule – Spring
Course Schedule – Summer

Nurse Aide State Testing

Upon completion of the Nurse Aide training program, a State of Iowa certification written exam and a skills demonstration exam is completed. A score of 70% or better is passing. Passing these exams is required in order to be placed on the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Direct Care Worker Registry (formerly Iowa Nurse Aide Registry). Placement on the registry is necessary to be employed as a nurse aide in long-term care in Iowa. Certification requires identification with a social security number and government issued identification.

Exam Fees are approximately $190