Ankeny, IA
Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus
Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate
Location
Ankeny, IA
Duration
76 hours
Cost
$638
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
2006 South Ankeny Boulevard
Ankeny, IA 50023
- Phone
- (515) 964-6200
About This Program
DMACC's main campus in Ankeny, just north of Des Moines in central Iowa, offers a 76-hour Nurse Aide certificate taught by registered nurses. The program is approved by the Iowa DIAL Direct Care Worker Registry and prepares students for the Prometric Iowa CNA exam, with free tuition available to qualified applicants. Classes are also offered at the Boone, Carroll, Newton and Des Moines/West Des Moines locations.
Location & Directions
2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023
Becoming a CNA in Iowa
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Iowa is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), which approves all Nurse Aide Training Programs, oversees the Direct Care Worker Registry, and as of January 2026 contracts with TestMaster Universe/Headmaster as the central testing administrator. Iowa requires the federal minimum of 75 hours of training — with roughly 45 classroom/lab hours and at least 30 clinical hours — which is identical to neighboring Missouri and Nebraska but well below California's 160-hour standard.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours minimum
Exam Vendor
TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam)
Time to Cert
5-9 weeks from program start to Direct Care Worker Registry listing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus include?
DMACC's main campus in Ankeny, just north of Des Moines in central Iowa, offers a 76-hour Nurse Aide certificate taught by registered nurses. The program is located at 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (515) 964-6200 or visit https://www.dmacc.edu/careertraining/nurse-aide.html.
How much does Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus cost?
Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus lists tuition for its nurse aide (cna) certificate at $638. Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus at (515) 964-6200 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus?
The nurse aide (cna) certificate at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus is structured as 76 hours. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (515) 964-6200 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus?
Call Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus directly at (515) 964-6200 or visit https://www.dmacc.edu/careertraining/nurse-aide.html. The program is located at 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What Iowa CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus?
Before enrolling at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus, make sure you meet Iowa's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training and uses TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 5-9 weeks from program start to Direct Care Worker Registry listing. See the full Iowa CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Ankeny?
Yes. In addition to Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus in Ankeny, our directory includes CNA training programs in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Mason City. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Iowa CNA classes for the full list.