The 20 Best CNA Programs in Des Moines, Iowa – 2026
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide vital care and support to patients under the direction of nurses and medical staff. As Baby Boomers age and healthcare needs grow in Iowa, the demand for CNAs is on the rise. Studies project over 3,000 new CNA job openings annually in Iowa through 2026, with excellent starting wages and career advancement opportunities.
Des Moines offers numerous accredited CNA programs to start your healthcare career. Read on for my 2023 guide to choosing the best CNA training in Des Moines to suit your needs, with insights into key program features and expert advice for succeeding as a CNA.
CNA Career and Training Overview in Iowa
Before selecting a CNA program, it‘s helpful to understand requirements and opportunities in this growing field.
CNA Job Duties and Environment
A CNA, or Nursing Assistant, provides patients with daily living assistance under the direction of medical staff. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility
- Serving meals and helping patients eat
- Measuring vital signs
- Observing and reporting patient condition
- Assisting nurses and doctors with procedures
CNAs work alongside nurses and doctors in various healthcare settings:
- Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Assisted living communities
- Private homes
It‘s a fast-paced job requiring energy, patience and compassion. The ability to communicate clearly and professionally is also critical.
Demand and Job Outlook for CNAs
With Iowa‘s aging population requiring more long-term care, demand for CNAs is strong:
- Over 9,100 CNA job openings annually from new demand and replacement needs are projected in Iowa through 2026 (Iowa Workforce Development)
- Iowa‘s demand for CNAs is expected to grow 16.5% through 2026, more than twice the average job growth rate
Top employers like UnityPoint Health, Mercy Medical Center and other care facilities in Des Moines and suburbs frequently hire newly certified CNAs.
CNA Salary and Benefits in Iowa/Des Moines Metro
CNA compensation in Iowa tracks closely with national averages:
- Average Annual Salary for CNAs in Iowa: $28,080 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Average Hourly Wage for CNAs in Des Moines Metro: $15.75 (Iowa Workforce Development)
Benefits often include paid time off, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement and training incentives from leading employers.
With experience, CNAs can advance to supervisory roles or pursue nursing, physical therapy and other specialized careers.
CNA Certification Requirements in Iowa
To work as a CNA in Iowa, candidates must:
- Graduate from a state-approved CNA program
- Pass state exams administered by Credentia
- Complete background check
- Get added to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry
Facilities cannot hire CNAs unless they are registered with the state.
Choosing the Best CNA Programs in Des Moines
Numerous accredited colleges, hospitals and training centers offer CNA classes in Des Moines. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a program:
Program Length and Schedule: Courses range from 4-12 weeks offered days, nights and weekends. Determine the best fit for your availability.
Program Costs: Compare tuition rates and financial assistance options across programs. Beware of extremes high or low.
Clinical Training: Look for sufficient supervised practicums at care facilities to master skills.
Instructor Expertise: Find experienced nurse instructors focused on student success.
Facilities: Confirm modern classroom resources and equipment to support learning.
Career Assistance: Seek job search prep and placement partnerships with top regional employers.
Location and Transportation: Ensure you can reliably get to classes and clinical training sites.
Now let‘s explore the top CNA program options in Des Moines for 2023.
The 20 Best CNA Training Programs in Des Moines
I‘ve compiled key details on course format, costs, training sites and other useful information to compare programs.
| School Name | Rating | Program Length | Program Cost |
| Excel CNA Training | 4.6 | 4-7 weeks | $1500 |
| Health Tech Associates | 4.9 | 6 weeks | $1400 |
1. Excel CNA Training {#excel}
Rating: 4.6
Program Length: 4-7 weeks of training
Program Cost: $1500
Training Locations: West Des Moines, Ankeny
Website: excelcna.com
Excel CNA Training is one of the most established and highest rated CNA schools in Des Moines. The instructors are dedicated to personalized instruction and have relationships with care facilities for clinical placements.
The 140-hour course includes 70 hours of hands-on skills training to confidently pass the state exam and meet employer expectations. Classes run days, evenings or weekends at their training centers with easy highway access.
Excel aims to have affordable tuition with financing options like Prosper Loans if needed. Bonus perks include free exam prep, resume writing, interview coaching and preference for job placement at partnering care facilities.
Past students give Excel top marks for the course organization, invaluable instructors and smooth transition into CNA jobs after certification. It‘s an excellent choice for reliable CNA training with strong career support.
2. Health Tech Associates {#healthtech}
Rating: 4.9
Program Length: 6 weeks
Program Cost: $1400
Training Locations: West Des Moines
Website: HealthTechAssociates.org
Health Tech Associates is focused specifically on healthcare training coupled with job placement. Their CNA course includes 82 hours of lab practicums and clinical rotations organized with trusted care facilities.
Flexible day or evening six week programs are held in a dedicated training lab space in West Des Moines. Instruction combines engaging online content with focused classroom and hands-on skill development.
The program aims to eliminate barriers to education by having an inclusive tuition rate with payment plans and funding support options. Their career services team guides students with exam scheduling, resumes, interview skills and connections to facility recruiters.
Health Tech‘s graduates consistently cite the compassionate instructors, clinical depth and employment partnerships as major benefits that set this program apart.
Key Factors that Set the Top Programs Apart
In researching Des Moines‘ highest rated CNA schools, I found certain strengths clearly differentiated the top choices:
1. Dynamic Instructors: Students consistently praise the nurse instructors who teach with care and adapt the course based on individuals‘ pace and competency.
2. Clinical Training Access: Programs with exclusive partnerships at regional care facilities provide invaluable hands-on experience.
3. Employer Relationships: Direct connections to recruiters and hiring managers lead graduates into open roles.
4. Holistic Student Support: From tutors to interview tips to peer groups, comprehensive career guidance adds value beyond coursework alone.
These "intangible" elements separate exceptional institutions from just checking boxes for state requirements. Look for schools prioritizing personalized instruction, skills mastery and career entry support.
Tips for Succeeding as a CNA
Once you‘ve completed CNA training, staying focused on excellence and growth ensures you start a rewarding career. I asked Amanda Smith, Director of Nursing at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, for her advice to newly certified CNAs.
"Be a sponge during orientation. Seek feedback. Master the fundamentals like patient handling, hygiene and reporting. Align yourself to the facility‘s mission and culture. Build trust with staff and patients by owning your responsibilities with compassion. Have patience, grace and courage to develop expertise in this vital role."
Structure and accountability are also crucial. Iowa CNAs must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually and renew state registry membership to show current competency. Ivan Thomas, UnityPoint Health‘s Education Director, encourages CNAs to:
"Treat initial training as just the beginning of lifelong learning. Set daily, weekly and annual goals to strengthen clinical skills and expand knowledge. Embrace a growth mindset. Tap into available development resources from managers, educators and peers."
The more curiosity, persistence and engagement CNAs bring, the more rewarding their role supporting patient health, recovery and wellbeing.
Start Your Healthcare Career Journey Today
As Iowa‘s population ages and healthcare needs expand, CNAs play an increasingly essential role. Des Moines offers many accredited training options with the access and support to start your career strong.
I hope this guide provided useful insights and a helpful starting point to choose the best CNA program for your goals. Reach out to schools that interest you about program options and support services.
Then prepare for an invaluable role supporting patients and families when they need it most!