You can train as a certified nursing assistant in Iowa by attending a training course that has been approved for the state of Iowa. Programs must also meet all standards set forth by the Federal government.
Minimum Training Requirements
You will need to complete at least 75 hours of training in a nursing assistant training program in Iowa. Thirty of those hours will be spent in a clinical setting. Some programs offer more hours of total training as well as more hours of clinical instruction.
CNA training courses are designed to provide you with the skills you need to work successfully as a nursing assistant. You will learn to assist patients with activities of daily living, how to protect patient privacy, communicate well with patients and other staff and a variety of other CNA skills. You must complete the training program before you can sit for the nursing assistant certification exam.
Transferring Certification From Another State to Iowa
If you hold a nursing assistant certification in another state, it might not be necessary to retrain as a CNA if you move to Iowa. Many CNAs meet the requirements to transfer their certification to Iowa. You will need to have an active certification that is listed in good standing on the Registry for nursing assistants in the other state.
You must have attended a state-approved training program in your own state. A background check will be conducted to ensure that you have not been convicted of any felonies. If you are interested in determine if you can transfer your certification to Iowa, you will need to contact the Department of Inspection and Appeals. You might be allowed to waive training requirements in Iowa and to begin working as a CNA.
Renewing Your CNA Certification in Iowa
Every 24 months, your certification will be set to expire. Nursing assistants must renew their certification by completing the renewal form. This form should be sent to you a couple months prior to the expiration of your certification. You will need to have worked as a nursing assistant or in a job providing nursing related duties over the past two years if you want to renew your license.
If you have not worked as a nursing assistant or performed related duties in the past 2 years, it will be necessary to sit for the certification exam again. This is why it is important to work as a nursing assistant each year even if only on a minimal basis.
FAQ
Q: I have completed my practical nursing degree in Romania. I will soon be migrating to the United states. I wish to work as a CNA while I study further. Is it possible to get a CNA license without having to re do the training or certification exam in Iowa? I have done more advanced stuff than what is taught to potential CNA’s. I saw the skills checklist on your website and most of it I learned when I did my fundamentals in nursing.
A: I’m not too sure on whether your qualification in Romania meets the US requirements but if you can prove to the nursing board in Iowa that it does, they might waive the training for you. It is however unlikely that the exam will also be waived. You will thus need to do the exam to get a license in Iowa.
have a mass cna need to get a iowa cna lic how long does that take moving out jan,2011
Hi Donna, I’m not sure exactly how long it takes since that goes on a state by state basis. You should apply for reciprocity as soon as possible though.
I need to retake the test and am worried about the skills part. What skills are included?
You might want to check out our skills page: http://cnatraininghelp.com/cna-skills/ we’re adding more skills soon.
I took my CNA training course (150 hours) while in nursing school at Mercy College years ago, but never bothered to take the CNA certification exam. Things ended up falling through with student loans, and I had to stop taking courses at Mercy on my route to becoming an RN. I’m now interested in getting certified as a CNA, and was wondering if it would be necessary for me to retake the course in order to try and get certified, or if I could try to do some at home studying and still take the test for certification? I appreciate your reply! thanks!
Bonnie,
Unfortunately you only have two years after getting trained to take your certification exam. You will need to retake the training to be able to sit for the certification exam.