Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

You'll learn hands-on skills you can use right away in a healthcare job. You’ll practice helping patients with daily care like bathing, dressing, moving safely, and taking vital signs. You’ll also use special simulators in class that show what it’s like to live with dementia, vision loss, wounds, and hearing loss. These experiences help you build confidence, understand your patients better, and provide care with respect and compassion.

Attending class helps you build skills and stay confident throughout the course. You’ll take part in lectures, labs, and clinicals, complete assignments and quizzes, and arrive on time so you don’t miss important learning.

To stay on track:

• Earn 80% or higher in lecture

• You may miss one lab (makeup required)

• You may miss one clinical

These guidelines are designed to help you succeed and be ready for the job.

After you successfully complete Hawkeye’s state-approved CNA course, you’ll receive a course completion certificate that qualifies you to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This certificate does not expire.

You’ll also be prepared to take the Iowa State Skills Test and State Written Exam to earn placement on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. This certification is required to work in long-term care facilities.

In addition, you’ll complete OSHA, HIPAA, and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training and receive certificates of completion for each.

Complete a physical exam and immunizations, including a TB test. Submit a completed Health Science Programs Medical Evaluation Physical and Immunization Review packet.

As a Health student at Hawkeye, you'll need to complete a state of Iowa background check. This check will include looking into databases like the sex offender registry, child abuse and dependent adult registries, and Medicare/Medicaid fraud. Enrolled students can begin the background check process by completing the Background Check Disclosure form.

Mandatory Reporter Training for Adults and Children is required to be completed before your class begins. You will provide a copy of the completed certificate to your instructor.

The course uses a nurse aide textbook and workbook. They are necessary to complete the required assignments. The items can be purchased from the Hawkeye Bookstore.

You are required to wear scrubs during labs and clinicals. The approved colors are teal-green tops and black pants. Uniforms can be purchased at the store of your choice.