How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa (2026)
Iowa employs about 22,670 certified nursing assistants earning a median $39,350 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Certified Nursing Assistant here means completing state-approved CNA training of typically several weeks, the state competency exam, and listing on the nurse aide registry, then applying through the Iowa nurse aide registry.
Compare Certified Nursing Assistant Schools in Iowa
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | 57.6 | $5,186 in-state / $5,330 out-of-state | $47,713 | 50% | Yes* | In-state |
| 2 | Southwestern Community College | 57.2 | $8,064 in-state / $8,316 out-of-state | $51,650 | 59% | Yes* | In-state |
| 3 | North Iowa Area Community College | 57.1 | $6,653 in-state / $9,551 out-of-state | $47,068 | 61% | Yes* | In-state |
| 4 | Iowa Central Community College | 54.0 | $5,496 in-state / $7,788 out-of-state | $46,682 | 42% | Yes* | In-state |
| 5 | Southeastern Community College | 50.1 | $6,420 in-state / $6,570 out-of-state | $48,941 | 43% | Yes* | In-state |
| 6 | Iowa Western Community College | 48.3 | $6,930 in-state / $7,080 out-of-state | $51,139 | 40% | Yes* | In-state |
| 7 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | 47.9 | $4,848 in-state / $6,456 out-of-state | $47,929 | 45% | Yes* | In-state |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Iowa employs approximately 22,670 certified nursing assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $39,350 1. The state’s concentration of certified nursing assistant jobs is 1.56x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, certified nursing assistant employment is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 204,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved CNA / nurse aide training (find programs)
- Typical timeline: state-approved CNA training of typically several weeks, the state competency exam, and listing on the nurse aide registry
- Exam: state nurse aide competency exam (written or oral plus skills)
- Median wage (Iowa): $39,350 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa
How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa? Complete state-approved CNA training of typically several weeks, the state competency exam, and listing on the nurse aide registry. Apply through the Iowa nurse aide registry.
How long does it take? Most people finish state-approved CNA training of typically several weeks, the state competency exam, and listing on the nurse aide registry. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and the Iowa nurse aide registry.
Do I need a license in Iowa? Yes. Iowa lists certified nursing assistants on a state nurse aide registry after approved training and a competency exam. See the licensing section below.
What do certified nursing assistants earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants in Iowa is $39,350 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,620 and experienced professionals can earn $47,980 or more 1.
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa
- Meet program entry rules. Most Iowa CNA programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age, immunization, TB, and background-check rules with the training program.
- Complete state-approved CNA training. Finish a state-approved nurse aide training program in Iowa. Training is typically several weeks of classroom work plus supervised clinical practice at a community college, vocational school, or nursing facility. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the competency exam. Pass the Iowa nurse aide competency exam: a written or oral knowledge test and a skills demonstration. The exam vendor is chosen by the state; confirm current scheduling with the Iowa nurse aide registry.
- Get listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. Apply through the Iowa nurse aide registry. You cannot work as a CNA in a nursing home until that listing is current. Renewal and in-service rules are state-specific; confirm them with the registry.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Certified Nursing Assistant License Requirements in Iowa
Iowa lists certified nursing assistants on a state nurse aide registry after a state-approved training program and a competency exam.
Typical CNA path
- Meet the training program’s entry rules.
- Complete state-approved CNA training (typically several weeks).
- Pass the written or oral exam and the skills demonstration.
- Get listed on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry before working as a CNA in a nursing home.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change and vary by state. Confirm current requirements with the Iowa nurse aide registry before you enroll. Do not apply to the board of nursing for a CNA listing unless that board also runs the nurse aide registry.
Certified Nursing Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
Nursing Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), nursing assistants wages in Iowa vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 7,740 | $40,020 | $43,020 | $37,750 | $49,760 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 4,660 | $43,940 | $42,640 | $35,420 | $50,630 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 2,220 | $38,740 | $40,780 | $36,100 | $46,810 |
| Cedar Rapids | 1,740 | $39,110 | $41,100 | $35,350 | $49,810 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 1,440 | $38,930 | $40,660 | $35,790 | $46,560 |
| Iowa City | 1,310 | $39,330 | $41,730 | $35,060 | $50,630 |
| Dubuque | 1,010 | $41,580 | $41,790 | $36,850 | $50,430 |
| Sioux City | 930 | $38,940 | $41,360 | $36,410 | $48,090 |
| Ames | 770 | $43,540 | $42,980 | $37,010 | $48,920 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for certified nursing assistants in Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 22,670 certified nursing assistants 1. Nationally, certified nursing assistant employment is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Iowa? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Iowa.
How much do certified nursing assistants earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants in Iowa is $39,350, which is $180 below the national median of $39,530 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |