CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE - General Info
Certified nurse aides play a key role as members of the comprehensive healthcare team in a variety of medical settings. If you are interested in providing personal care, compassion, and empathy for patients, this may be the career for you!
CNAs provide activities of daily living care for patients including bathing, feeding, and dressing. Preventing the spread of germs; dietary care to provide adequate nutrition; monitoring vital signs; emotional support; and observing for resident changes are all part of this important career.
This course is 76 hours in length and meets the requirements for taking the Nursing Assistant Certification Exam which qualifies personnel to work as a nursing assistant in Long Term Care. The purpose of the course is to develop the basic skills to care for the elderly. This course consists of 30 hours of lecture, 16 hours of simulated lab time, and 30 hours of clinical. This course offers 3 hours of college credit.
CNAs have many employment options including long term care facilities, hospitals, group homes, residential facilities, and home health care.
*Recommended to be at least age 15 to take the CNA class. To work as a CNA you must be at least 16.
Award
- Industry Recognized Certificate
Length
- 76 Hours – 30 hours classroom theory, 16 hours of lab skills, 30 hours of clinical training in a long term care facilty
- New Class Sessions Start Monthly
Student Profile
- Excellent people skills
- Genuine desire to care for people
- Communication skills
- Possess math & science background
Program Location
- NCC’s campus or your local high school
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story Amalia Feliciano
“The most rewarding thing is spending time with the patients and really getting to know them. If you have a compassionate heart and want to help people, being a CNA is a job for you.”
CNA
Sioux Center, IA
More Information
- Cost - see below
- State competency testing is scheduled several times each month.
- Courses may require attendance on one Saturday.
- Criminal Background Check- Form
- Clinical sites to be announced at class.
- Take a virtual tour of NCC’s Health Sciences Building
Frequently Asked Questions
CNAs have many employment options including long term care facilities, hospitals, group homes, residential facilities, and home health care.
The average base wage starts at $13.72-$20/hour, with credit given for years of experience. Most facilities offer a comprehensive benefit package, including shift and weekend pay increases, vacation days, and health insurance. Some facilities offer a substantial sign on bonus.
The CNA course consists of 30 hours of classroom theory, 16 hours of skills in a lab setting, and 30 hours of clinical training in a long term care facility.
There is a high demand for certified nurse aides. Students who complete the 76 hour nurse aide course and pass the state certification exam are ready for employment.
Sonya Newkirk, BSN, RN
Healthcare Career Pathways Navigator
712-324-5061 or 800-352-4907 ext. 264
snewkirk@nwicc.edu
Program Dates/Cost
| Course# | Date | Day | Time | Location | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81570 | June 2 – July 31 | Hybrid | Lab: 4:00pm – 8:30pm 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5 Clinical: 4:00pm – 9:30pm 7/19, 7/20, 7/24, 7/26, 7/27, 7/31 | H503 Clinical: TBD | $695 |
| 81571 | July 6 – July 31 | M, W, TH | 7:30am – 3:00pm | H503 Clinical: TBD | $695 |
| 81676 | August 3-October 5 | Hybrid | Lab: 4:00pm-8:30pm 8/15, 8/22, 8/29, 9/5 Clinical: 4:00pm-9:30pm 9/25, 9/26, 9/28, 10/2, 10/3, 10/5 | Lab: NCC Campus, room H503 | $695 |
| 81979 | September 1-December 15 | Northwestern College Hybrid | TBD | Lab: The Academy 709 8th Street SE Orange City, rooms 117, 119 Clinical: Prairie Ridge Care Center, Orange City | $695 |
| 81977 | September 12-November 21 | T, TH | 7:00am-11:00am | Theroy/Lab: NCC Campus, room H503 Clinical: TBD | $695 |
| 81978 | October 6-December 7 | Hybrid | Lab: 4:00pm-8:30pm 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8 Clinical: 4:00pm-9:30pm 11/27, 11/29, 11/30, 12/4, 12/6, 12/7 | Lab: NCC Campus, room H503 Clinical: TBD | $695 |
- Tuition assistance is available.
- Fee includes tuition, textbook, materials, background check, and first attempt for state competency testing.
- Uniform/scrubs, closed toe shoes, a watch with a second hand, 2-step TB test, and a health physical are all required for the clinical portion of the program.
Program Application Process
- Please submit an application for admission. (You will want to create an account and then select “Associate of Arts: Non-Degree Seeking” for your Academic Program).
- Once officially accepted (watch your email) contact Student Services at 712-324-5061 or email.
- Watch your email for orientation and welcome materials within two weeks of the start of class.
State competency exam schedule can be found at nwicc.edu/events/nurse-aide-competency-exam/
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.
