Des Moines Area Community College offers training programs for those interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants. These programs are offered several times a year in a variety of locations and are taught by Registered Nurses. These courses are designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients/residents in a variety of long-term care facilities and to be successful on the Iowa Direct Care Worker registry exams. Successful completion of these exams is required by State Legislation in order to work in a long-term care facility. The Nurse Aide courses are offered for college credit and are prerequisites to the nursing program. After successful completion of the Nurse Aide 75-hour course, the student would then be eligible to take the Advanced Nurse Aide 75-hour.
Costs
Required textbook, handbook, shoes and scrubs, watch with a second hand, stethoscope, etc. are in addition to the cost of the class. The Nurse Aide/Orderly class and the Advanced Nurse Aide classes are each 75 hours for a total of 150 hours. Most of the DMACC campuses offer both classes.
State Testing
After completing The Nurse Aide/Orderly class, you will need to take the Nurse Aide testing for Comp Exam and
Skills Exam. (This testing is offered through
Continuing Education.) Successful completion of the testing will enable you to work in Long-Term Care.
Financial Aid
If you have questions regarding
financial aid, call 515-964-6282.